Frequently Asked Questions
Bioinformatics is essentially the application of the tools of computer science to the overwhelming data sets being generated by biologists. Current bioinformatics research is often focused on the representation, analysis, annotation and mining of large databases of genome sequence information. In the future, the focus will shift to a functional analysis of the proteins produced by these genes and their interactions in the context of biochemical pathways.
How do you get computer scientists interested in biology?
Computer science has classically focused on the study of computer hardware and software. A more contemporary view of information technology, however, recognizes that storage, transmission, and distribution of data make up a significant portion of the future demand on the discipline and on future computer professionals. No other field allows free access to largely unexplored research data and unperfected techniques as they are being developed. This affords invaluable opportunities for integrating the discovery of new knowledge into core coursework and research in computer science.
How do you get biologists interested in using computers to analyze data?
Biology has become an increasingly data-driven science. Large-scale public and private efforts are producing molecular data at a rate that has made traditional data analysis methods impractical and generated an intrinsically two-tiered system of those that can generate data and those who can understand what it means. Bioinformatics methods have made it possible for researchers with limited budgets to make fundamentally important contributions simply by evaluating data generated by others.
What is the best way to be trained as a bioinformatician?
Bioinformatics professionals must be capable of communicating in both the languages of computer science and in the language of biology. Both disciplines are rich in technical terminology. The defining trait of a successful bioinformatician is not necessarily complete mastery of both fields, but rather a traditional mastery of one field and a comfortable familiarity with the other.