Bioinformatics 8000 Healthcare subject sub_topic Bioinformatics (Computational Biology) combines computer science, applied mathematics, biology, and chemistry to work in the fields of molecular biology and genetics. A career in Bioinformatics involves research, statistical analysis, experimentation to promote the advancement of biological knowledge. 0 1 1 8040 <p>Bioinformatics is a rapidly growing field that blends computer science and biology in order to process, sort, analyze, and compare biological data, often at a molecular level. It is closely linked with computational biology and information science. Students who are interested in bioinformatics degree programs understand that new scientific knowledge encompasses vast realms of data. Genomic information alone represents an enormous amount of information. In order for scientists to derive new knowledge from this data, they need tools that can help them access and analyze it. Part of this involves setting up systems for data mining, as well as developing new statistical models and algorithms for processing the data. A bioinformatics program integrates the study of biology with the study of information systems and computer science. </p> <p>The advancement of bioinformatics allows scientists to develop new ways of diagnosing and treating diseases, as well as find entry points for new hypotheses and experiments. As a form of information science, bioinformatics is an increasingly critical branch of thought. It enables scientists to actually use the extensive data that modern technology makes it possible to collect. </p> <strong>Earning Potential </strong> <p>Income in the field of bioinformatics varies widely with the level of education achieved. For biophysicists in general, the median income in 2006 was $76,320. For those with bachelor's degrees in entry-level jobs, salaries are considerably lower. A Ph.D. is a requirement for a job as a lead research scientist. </p> <strong>Where a Degree Will Take You </strong> <p>The type of bioinformatics job that you can obtain depends on the level of education you have achieved. In the biological sciences generally, a bachelor's degree usually limits workers to non-research jobs such as sales, inspection, and testing. For research-oriented jobs, a master's degree or a Ph.D. is almost always required. Principal investigators on scientific projects invariably have Ph.D.s. For bioinformatics specifically, students should also take courses in computer science as well as in the biological and physical sciences. Employers include colleges and universities, the federal government, research hospitals, and scientific research and development institutes. </p> <p>Success in this field requires scientific and mathematical aptitude, creativity, problem-solving skills, and intense focus. Bioinformatics is essentially an interdisciplinary field. Depending on the area of interest, it melds information in the fields of biology, medicine, pharmacology, computer science, information science, environmental studies, and even forensics. Those who choose a career in this area are responsible for synthesizing knowledge from these different fields into cohesive patterns that can ultimately improve people's lives. </p> <p>Bioinformatics can help doctors understand genetic diseases and provide new avenues for treatment. It can help solve crimes via DNA data collection and analysis. It can show us the likely effects of our actions on the environment. Through bioinformatics, we can form new models of our world that help us adapt to changing conditions and solve incredibly complex problems. </p> <p><strong>Article References </strong></p> National Center for Biotechnology Information<br> <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/About/primer/bioinformatics.html" target="_blank">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/About/primer/bioinformatics.html </a><br><br> PubMed Central, U.S. National Institute of Health<br> <a href="http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1289384" target="_blank">http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1289384 </a><br><br> U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics </p><br> <a href="http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos047.htm" target="_blank">http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos047.htm</a><br> <a href="http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs053.htm" target="_blank">http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs053.htm </a><br><br> bioinformatics Bioinformatics - get training and certification with an accredited healthcare degree Bioinformatics Bioinformatics Bioinformatics 8220, 7160, 8240 Bioinformatics Schools with Accredited Healthcare Degrees 1 0