Overview
Bioinformatics, which combines biological and computational research to enhance the scientific understanding of life, is an important focus area at Ohio University. Educational opportunities include numerous courses, certificates, and degree programs. Scholarships are available to qualified students who desire to acquire bioinformatics knowledge and skills. Data analysis services and bioinformatics consulting are provided by the Ohio University Genomics Facility. Software research and development services are provided by the Ohio University Bioinformatics Laboratory, which invents new computational methods that help to answer research questions in domains such as medicine, agriculture, and exercise physiology.
What is Bioinformatics? What skills are required for this field? What jobs exist in this field and what skills are needed for success in such jobs?
(From Bureau of Labor Statistics) - Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.
Tasks: (From Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Analyze large molecular datasets such as raw microarray data, genomic sequence data, and proteomics data for clinical or basic research purposes.
- Consult with researchers to analyze problems, recommend technology-based solutions, or determine computational strategies.
- Manipulate publicly accessible, commercial, or proprietary genomic, proteomic, or post-genomic databases.
- Communicate research results through conference presentations, scientific publications, or project reports.
- Compile data for use in activities such as gene expression profiling, genome annotation, and structural bioinformatics.
- Create novel computational approaches and analytical tools as required by research goals.
- Create or modify web-based bioinformatics tools.
- Design and apply bioinformatics algorithms including unsupervised and supervised machine learning, dynamic programming, or graphic algorithms.
- Develop data models and databases.
- Develop new software applications or customize existing applications to meet specific scientific project needs.
For a detailed answer of "What is Bioinformatics?" please see:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/About/primer/bioinformatics.html
See http://www.iscb.org/iscb-careers for a listing of career opportunities in bioinformatics.
Projected growth (2008-2018): Faster than average (14% to 19%) [(From Bureau of Labor Statistics)]
Projected job openings (2008-2018): 16,100 [(From Bureau of Labor Statistics)]
DNA Sequencing Caught in Deluge of Data (By: Andrew Pollack)
Harvard Medical School has posed a bioinformatics challenge problem, as part of the TopCoder programming competition. The winner of the competition will be awarded $10,000!
See details here!
