Bioinformatics
What
is it?
Bioinformatics (BI) is the merging of computer science and biology. BI
is the field that uses techniques to analyze large amount of biological
and genetic data including gene sequencing, gene chip expression and
proteomics. Many Universities and academic center offer BI programs.
Academic
Programs
Most BI programs are graduate level programs which require a BSc degree.
Some of the prerequisite courses include General and Organic Chemistry,
Biochemistry and Molecular and Developmental Biology. Some of the MSc
courses may be taken as correspondence or long distance. Once in the
program, the courses are mostly focused in the area of Physics, Biology
and Computer Sciences. At the present time, Master of Science in
Bioinformatics is not offered exclusively as a distance learning
program, only select courses are available online. Some of the top Bi
programs include: The University of Texas, North Carolina State
University and Brandeis University.
Tips
Recommended for those who have strong quantitative skills with an
interest in biological and computer sciences. Alternatively for those
with background in biomedical sciences (genetics, biochemistry etc) with
an interest in engineering. Have a look at some of the BI
information resources.
Career Opportunities
BI is one of the newest and hottest fields in biomedical sciences. There
are great opportunities in Biotechnological companies and Pharmaceutical
Industry. Also, academic opportunities in different the areas of
genetics, Experimental Medicine and Biostatistics are opening up.
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