Forum:microbiology or bioinformatics?

Question

[sammykrom]

I had taken interest in both microbiology and bioinformatics after I did some research on these courses mainly because of my interest in biology but I'm in the process of feeling out my admission form and I still don't know which one of these two courses (microbiology & bioinformatics) I should settle for. so I need some advice please, anyone?

Answer 1

[WouterDeCoster]

Well why not both? :p

This is Biostars, not microstars. Don't expect us to suggest anything else than bioinformatics :P

Answer 2

[BioinfGuru]

When you say courses - do you mean degrees, masters or what? Ive done a degree in microbiology and a masters in bioinformatics. So Im strong in the biology department, and still a baby in the computer science field. I suggest go and research the common jobs available for bioinformaticians.

Im becoming aware that a masters (even with distinction) in bioinformatics is not enough yet to make me as competitive as id like in the job market without experience and/or a phd - many of the jobs i want require more education in computer science than i have. Many require extensive computer knowledge to build tools to service biologists needs. If that suits you, then a degree in computer science / bioinformatics is better with a masters in biotech or a biological field after.

Answer 3

[GenoMax]

Can you think about this question again?

You are asking about two completely different fields. If you like microbiology then you can certainly learn/apply bioinformatics in your research but not the other way around (theoretically you could, if you started working in a lab after learning bioinformatics).

Answer 4

[TriS]

you should start looking into labs that study the microbiome. that would feed both of your interests in microbiome and bioinformatics :)