Must know algorithms before attending a bioinformatics interview

Question

[Prakki Rama]

Hi everyone,

I would like to know the list of most important algorithms that one need to know before attending a bioinformatics interview. Some bioinformatics positions might not require to work with algorithms but still could I have a list for the reference.

Some algo I think very important are :

1) Alignment tool algorithms such as BLAST, BLAT etc.

2) NGS assembly tool algorithms such as velvet, trinity, ABySS etc.

3) Mapping tool algorithms such as bowtie, bwa etc.

Thank you

Answer 1

[igor]

It really depends on what sort of bioinformatics position it is. I would say knowing which tools exist and how they differ and how they work together is far more important than algorithms. I met too many people who know theory very well, but can't generate usable results from the raw data.

[fanli.gcb]

Agree completely. Unless the position will involve algorithm and method development, knowing how to use tools is probably more important. Outside of the requisite intro to comp bio coursework, I've never had to implement S-W or N-W for any purpose.

[Prakki Rama]

Very much true. Thank you.

Answer 2

[Antonio R. Franco]

Bayesian statistics for studying gen differential expression and the like

[Prakki Rama]

It seems you are referring to a concept. But, anyway it is also beneficial to have knowledge on this I think. Thank you.

[Antonio R. Franco]

You should add to the list the concept of lineal models (regression and the like) as well. They are used a lot in differential expression analysis

Answer 3

[tiago211287]

Smith–Waterman algorithm

Needleman–Wunsch algorithm

[Prakki Rama]

Yup. First and foremost to learn. Thank you.