What'S The Difference Between A Phd Program In Bioinformatics And A Phd In Cs With A Concentration On Bioinformatics?

Question

[Andy Wong]

Hi everyone. I am a 2012 fall Phd applicant. I see that there are bioinformatics PhD in both (1) CS dept. and (2) biology dept., and there is also (3)PhD in CS with a concentration on Bioinformatics, so I just got confused with these three kind of programs. Could anyone give me a clear insight into the difference of them?

After my PhD I would want to go to an Internet company, can the program prepare me well for the requirements of the Internet industry? Will the companies think my degree is not suit for their companies? I really need the help of members of BioStar and I'll be appreciated with your reply very much.

[Neilfws]

For future reference, it's spelled bioinformatics (with an R before the M). Useful when applying for jobs :)

Answer 1

[Sean Davis]

I'd suggest directing your questions to the programs to which you are applying; there is not really a "standard program" for bioinformatics, as you are learning.

That said, I'm not sure that training in bioinformatics is going to be the best choice if what you are planning is to go into web development.

Answer 2

[Philippe]

Hi,

even though it is not possible to really know the differences without a more advances descriptions of the different doctoral program I guess the main differences will be the extent of computer science/biology involved and the real focus of the PhD project.

Some computer science projects might require some solid background in programming/algorithmic/mathematics to address a specific biological problem. For a more biology oriented project, the biological question is the first focus, you then just have to use the bioinformatics tools you need to adress this biological question.

If you plan to work in a web development company then it is better to go for a computer science oriented program. Your practical an theoritical skills in programming are more likely to be improved following such a program. Nonetheless, a PhD might not be the most straightforward career choice to integrate such companies.