Patna University (PU) would become the first state varsity to offer bioinformatics course on Wednesday.

PU vice-chancellor Shambhu Nath Singh on Monday said the three-semester postgraduate diploma course would be run from the varsity’s computer centre.

The course has been designed in such a way that it would meet the requirements of the pharmaceutical industries.

Singh said: “PU is the first state university in Bihar to start bioinformatics course. It has been designed with an objective to prepare students to pursue a career in academics or in the pharmaceutical industry.”

Apart from PU, Central University of Bihar offers a master degree programme in bioinformatics.

Course director Arun Kumar Sinha said: “In today’s perspective, the scope of bioinformatics has increased manifold. Students get offers from the pharma industry after completing the course that deals with the effect of medicines on diseases. Students will be able to decipher genes and study its components on completion of the course.”

Students enrolling for the 18-month multi-disciplinary course will have to study chapters from biology, computer and mathematics.

Nineteen students have taken admission in the course. The total number of seats is 40.

Asked about the reason behind the low turnout, Sinha said: “This is the first batch. We are hopeful that the number of students will increase in the future. The course was not publicised this year.”

Shilpi, a student who has taken admission in bioinformatics, said: “The subject is in demand these days. The university has assured us of carrying out placements.”

Another fresher Surendra Chandan said: “The course offered by PU is cheaper compared to private institutes. A student has to pay Rs 27,900 for the same course, while private institutes charge more than Rs 1.5 lakh.”