Comparing computer-science and life-science courses, I found the life-science courses much easier and there was less effort involved. While life-science lectures just required attending the lectures and passing the exam, computer-science courses involved much more work because there are weekly tutorials where the solutions to the weekly assignments are discussed.
Additionally, some classes featured short 15 minutes tests. Studying bioinformatics, I was often asked where you can work as a bioinformatician.
The problem with research positions is that they are usually fixed-term e. In the public sector, bioinformaticians are often sought after in the medical field e. The advantage of positions in the public-sector is that they are frequently permanent. However, a job in a public institution such as a hospital often involves system administration duties such as setting up computers and databases - tasks that have little to do with bioinformatics itself.
Moreover, both research and public-sector positions offer relatively low salaries compared to industry. Why is the percentage so low? In my view, the main reason is that only industry sector that employs bioinformaticians is big pharma. Here, bioinformaticians are needed to perform tasks such as:. The ones joining industry usually work in non-bioinformatics positions, for example, as IT consultants, software developers, solutions architects, or data scientists.
Some people advise against studying bioinformatics because it is supposed to be difficult to find a job afterwards. I would argue that, having a bioinformatics degree, job prospects are fine, considering that bioinformaticians have a special skill set, which makes them attractive for companies:. If you asked me whether I would study bioinformatics again, I would be torn back and forth.
On the one hand, I really liked the diversity of the bioinformatics program, and, with a degree in bioinformatics, there are many possible career paths. On the other hand, the economic reality is that there are few bioinformatics positions, so when you take a non-bioinformatics job, all your specialized knowledge goes down the drain.
Thus, I could also imagine studying a less specialized subject such as computer or data science. For more advice on studying, you can also check the excellent studying tips at Study Prep Lounge. Dear Brandt, Thanks for your valuable comment. You are right, there are definitely more options for bioinformaticians than pharma companies only. However, when it comes to these other options, there are really two factors at play:. Regarding the first point: My experience comes from analyzing the job market in Germany.
I assume you are probably referring to the US. In Germany, many companies lack that venturing spirit, so companies often do not jump onto cutting-edge technologies but rather wait and see how the market develops. So, when specializing in bioinformatics you should definitely consider the structure of the economy to identify your opportunities there or whether it would be necessary to move somewhere else to find what you are looking for.
Regarding the second point: The company you choose will be very influential in what you are working on. I think there are two clusters here:. I find myself very stimulated by clinical research studies, i love anatomy and physiology.
In my current line of work i find myself constantly searching…watching videos on cells, proteins, ions and channels as it all intrigue me, its interesting to study a disease process. Nonetheless i remain keen, I actually grew more interest than ever in bioinformatics. How i yearn for an opportunity to study this field as an intern preferably due to single parenting…gotta keep my salary. Dear Tsholofelo, You seem like a self-motivated person who is keen on acquiring new skills.
This, I think, is already a very good requirement to start venturing into bioinformatics. Hower, to score an internship and develop further in bioinformatics, I think that it is necessary to have either a proven track record in the field or another qualification in the data science or computer science realm. So, if you want to make a move towards bioinformatics, your best option is probably to acquire a degree BSc and then go on with that.
Another possible option would be to take online courses and then look for an opportunity in your current job e. I think with your background and the internship you could have a chance for bioinformatics position. However, the position would probably have to fit really well to your microbiology background because other candidates i.
With your background, personnel managers would likely be most concerned about your skills in programming and the theoretical Bioinfo knowledge e.
In any case, since you are stil studying, it may be worthwhile to switch to the Bioinformatics MSc. You may even be able to take some cred points from microbiology with you. Dear JK, Depends on your future plans. If you already know that you want to go into research, be it industrial or academic, then the PhD will be a natural next step. With a CS degree and no bioinfo specialization you may have a hard time getting into a bioinformatics job, so a PhD in bioinformatics may be a good idea to complement your skills if you know that you want to do bioinformatics.
Dear Vini, From what I understand, your question is about the job prospects of microbiology vs bioinformatics. From what I heard it seems that microbiology is very competitive, which is why many people strive for PhDs. With bioinformatics, I think, there are generally more career options: you can go into software engineering, data science, or, of course, bioinformatics. Since I do not have a good background of coding, I was wondering if it is absolutely necessary to excel in coding and software development to do well in the Graduate degree and get into a good industry.
Are there any industries that would prefer data analysis over software development etc. But you need to know the methods and be able to use them in terms of libraries. Which area to focus on is a tough one. Starting out I would suggest general molecular bio and genetics. Some organic chemistry may also be useful. Generally, hot topics in bioinformatics follow the hot topics in biology. So just take a look at the new technologies there and you will find new areas for Bioinformatics.
I feel that the majority of people are working on sequencing technology, particularly next-gen and, more and more, Single-Cell sequencing. For industry jobs, the US is probably better though. First, how mathematical bioinformatics is depends very much on the area that you are studying- bioinformatics is extremely broad. The MSc course on which I teach has a module on stats, but otherwise very little maths. Conversely one of the other London university courses has lots of maths because it focuses more on systems biology.
Second, at least in academia, I disagree with your suggestion that few bioinformaticians come from a biological background; in my experience most of the successful researchers have a non-computing background, because you need to understand the biology to ask the right questions. The computing is a tool to address those problems.
Your post has not been submitted. Please return to the form and make sure that all fields are entered. With a working knowledge of the practical and theoretical concepts of bioinformatics, you will be well qualified to progress onto advanced graduate study.
The portfolio of skills developed on the programme is also suited to academic research or work within the bioinformatics industry as well as range of commercial settings. Skip to main content. Search: Search. MSc Bioinformatics. Contact us. If you are accepted to the full Master's program, your MasterTrack coursework counts towards your degree. Transform your resume with a degree from a top university for a breakthrough price.
Our modular degree learning experience gives you the ability to study online anytime and earn credit as you complete your course assignments. You'll receive the same credential as students who attend class on campus.
Coursera degrees cost much less than comparable on-campus programs. Showing total results for "bioinformatics". Bioinformatics University of California San Diego. Beginner Level. Intermediate Level. Mixed Level. Bioinformatic Methods I University of Toronto. Guided Project. Advanced Level.
AI in Healthcare Stanford University. Health Informatics Johns Hopkins University. Plant Bioinformatic Methods University of Toronto. Searches related to bioinformatics. In summary, here are 10 of our most popular bioinformatics courses. Frequently Asked Questions about Bioinformatics.
Chevron Right What are Bioinformatics, and why is it important to learn? This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.
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