Forum:need ideas for bioinformatics research project (undergraduates)

Question

[fzrh]

Hi :) I'm currently studying degree in bioinformatics. Can you suggest any good topics for my research project? I don't know what topic I should do. Please do suggest if you have ideas. I know only java, c++, sql, and perl. Thank you in advance!

[Devon Ryan]

Err, why don't you chat with some local professors about ideas? That'd be vastly more useful than asking a bunch of people who aren't there locally to advise you.

[pld]

I agree, a professor might be able to help you with finding research projects, it is possible to go out on your own but having guidance can really help.

There are things you can try, implementing an assembler, some basic alignment algorithms (fully functional smith-waterman), maybe differential expression tool. However I think these end up being more about programming and the relevant mathematics and less about their application to biological problems.

Bioinformatics is a massive world, your post is tagged with 'alignment' and 'gene', there's way more out there. Speaking with scientists can help you find what you're interested in.

[fzrh]

Sadly, my lecturer asked me to figure it out by myself. But sure he will help me if I still couldn't find any topics I like. I just need some help on what are the latest topics etc... I'm actually more interested in biological problems but I love coding too :). Thanks anyway!

[Devon Ryan]

Well, for some perspective, undergraduate research projects are typically interconnected with an ongoing project in a group that already has a grad. student and/or post-doc working on them. Consequently, I would advise you to simply ignore your lecturer and contact local groups about what they have going on. That's your best bet for doing something that will turn out to actually be worthwhile.

[pld]

You could also consider other laboratories at nearby universities or even see if any local industry would have you on as an intern.

That's really a shame that your lecturer wasn't more helpful.

[fzrh]

Okay I will try my best. thanks!

[pld]

Another thing to try would be look at the various federal funding agencies or federal research agencies. Funding agencies will often list or allow you to search for funding they've given out for training programs. Many federal agencies have training programs.

If you're in the United States, I can make some specific suggestions.

[fzrh]

Thanks! I'll do what I can. :)

[Michael]

Such questions are normally not successful in the original meaning of the question, and if they were, it would be most likely be an odd request. I have changed the type to forum because this is more of an open ended discussion. See also: Can We Have A Collection Of Interesting Research Topics? that contains reason for why this doesn't work.

Answer 1

[Josh Herr]

What are you interested in? What are major questions that you think are left unanswered? How can you apply an algorithm (in your language of choice) to address a biological question?

If you are not knowledgeable enough to have questions, you need to do (at least) two things:

• Speak to an advisor or expert (as Devon Ryan states above) -- This person may have questions you can address
• Read and question what you read and then read more -- when you don't understand, keep reading... The questions will come.

Best of luck with your projects!

[fzrh]

Awww everyone's so helpful! I'll take a look at all the answers suggested n then decide on which topic is suitable for me. :)

Answer 2

[Michael]

I have an idea:

Could you please implement a PlugIn (in Perl) for GBrowse to design primers automatically with comfortable sequence selection and using primer3 or eprimer3? I need it, thank you!