I'm a junior in Molecular and Cell Biology major interested in the field of Bioinformatics, however, I don't have much knowledge on computer sciences or programming. I just finished my first year in college, but because I brought in so much credit, I am a junior. I feel like I don't have much time left with no idea of what to do to get myself started in the path of bioinformatics.
Should I try to minor in computer sciences or bioinformatics and learn more programming through courses as well as on my own?
To start learning on my own, what kind of books and programs do you suggest for beginners?
I'm also interested in getting Masters and/or PhDs in United States (if not, I would consider international institutions). What should I do to have a chance at getting into Masters or PhD programs?
Edit: Since bioinformatics require more of computer science background, should I consider computational biology?
Have you looked at similar past posts on Biostars? Here are two to get you started:
How to start Bioinformatics ?
Skills & qualities required to be a Bioinformatician
Thank you, I'll definitely check out the blogs and the beginner programs mentioned. I'm just super worried since I feel like I don't have much time until I have to apply for higher programs and/or get relevant experiences for possible entry level jobs to start out.
Play to your strengths. Entry level positions always need a degree of leap-of-faith on both your and the employer's part, but most people will take that leap if they sense you're confident in what you can do and are willing to learn what you don't know yet.
Not necessarily. Applied bioinformatics makes use of tools written by other bioinformaticians/based on algorithms that may be developed by computational biologists. Since you have experimental background you can leverage that to become a applied bioinformatician/data scientist instead. If you are able to master "better than average" programming skills then go in that direction by all means. I have generally found that it is easier for computer scientists to learn enough biology but it is significantly more difficult for biologists to pick up "next level" programming (Disclaimer: there are always exceptions and some of them participate on Biostars).
There should be plenty of experimental jobs going around so don't think bioinformatics is your sole ticket for getting a job. If you like statistics then by all means that may be the direction to go in, which would pretty much guarantee a job out of school.
Did you try searching the site? I believe there are a number of posts with resources that a beginner could use.
I did and there were a lot of suggestions for learning programming on your own and a lot of different programs were mentioned. However, because there are so many programs out there, I didn't know where to start, and if they are still widely used in the field or not since those questions were posted few years back. Also, I had questions about minors and degrees, and I wasn't able to find much info on those.
also check to see if your university has any Bioinformatics programs or courses, or faculty actively involved in the area. These would make it a lot easier for you to get started. Also you would probably be a good candidate for Master's in Bioinformatics programs, which you can probably find through a Google search. You do not really need 'computer science background' to get started, just the patience & willingness to learn the computer aspects and a lot of Google'ing.
Thank you. My school is one of those big schools, which makes it pretty tough to connect with professors. I just started my research, but with 2 more years, I'll eventually find what I'm looking for (hopefully).
You might want to check your university's graduation process. Just because you are a junior, it should not mean that you have to graduate at the end of next year. It is likely that you have to actively apply for graduation, which might let you simply defer graduating until you are ready. Check with your academic advisors about this.
Thank you. I think that's what I'll probably do. I thought I wanted to graduate early, but boy, you have to cram in a lot of EC, courses, relationship building with prof, etc to get that done. I wanted to save some money, but I think it may not be the best experience wise.