Forum:Should I get into bioinformatics

Question

[weiven90]

Dear all,

I am in a dilemma between a MSc in bioinformatics and another MSc (wetlab research). I have a degree in biological sciences (biotechnology) with no prior knowledge in CS and programming. And I wouldn't say I am good in maths and stats either. The reason I am torn between dry lab and wet lab is that I am interested in systems biology when I touched on it a little bit during my Honours project. I was fascinated by the dynamic interaction between components in a system.

So if anyone can give any idea on how can one check if he/she is REALLY interested in bioinformatics (before enroll in the course) and ready to take the challenge would be very helpful! Thanks a lot!

Best Wishes,
Wei

[Devon Ryan]

I'm moving this to the forum, since that's probably a better fit. Should someone disagree, feel free to move it back.

Answer 1

[Devon Ryan]

Try to do a rotation/internship in a more computational lab that's doing stuff that sounds interesting to you. Just be up-front with them about your motivations and needs. The only way to find out if you might enjoy doing something is by doing it.

[madkitty]

Indeed, interning in computational labs would be a good idea. When you come from a bio background you'll have to catch up on so many things, means lots of headaches and time wasted to read programs manuals and lots of programming to learn (or it depends to which extent you wish to learn). Some people do the switch, others work in molecular biology and use bioinformatics for their own project, which I believe is a smooth transition. Also if you do your MSc in bioinformatics, what will happen for your PhD? Ask you that question, keep yourself options and play safe :)

Answer 2

[Josh Herr]

Just to add to what Devon Ryan has posted, I also think doing a rotation in a computatonal lab would be beneficial.

I think many of us here (myself especially) got our start in the wet lab and have transitioned to spending more time in front of a computer -- you're in a great position to be generating genomic data yourself and analyzing it yourself, which is now a unique position and one that cannot be said for many projects. You will understand the background of how the data was generated and this will help inform your analysis.