Q: Can I do bioinformatics at CU Boulder?
A: Yes. There are several classes that are specifically devoted to bioinformatics, and there are many other relevant courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level in statistics, discrete math, phylogenetics, genetics, etc. that would be useful to anyone planning to enter the field. At the Masters level, there is a three-year MA/MS dual degree program administered jointly by APPM and MCDB. At the PhD level, it is possible to do bioinformatics-related research in the following departments: MCDB, EPOB, CHEM, CHEN, APPM, PSYC, CSCI, and possibly MATH.
However, although there have been many rumors about a specific degree program in or department of bioinformatics or computational biology, none presently exists. However, given the level of interest on campus, it seems likely that something will materialize in the near future, perhaps jointly with the PhD program in bioinformatics at the Health Sciences Center in Denver. Both MCDB and Applied Math have expressed a specific interest in providing some sort of bioinformatics solution at the PhD level.
A document describing the differences between the various biology departments can be found here.
Q: What do I need to know in order to do research in bioinformatics?
A: That depends on whether you want to use existing tools, or to be able to develop new tools.
For using existing tools, the most important thing is that you have a good grounding in biology and/or chemistry so that you know how to ask the right questions. If you're interested in cellular signalling, for instance, you need to know about cells, and about the tissues and organisms in which they occur. Being able to pick the best clustering algorithm or search tool is not nearly as important as knowing why particular kinds of pathways might be activated in different circumstances. There is no advantage to answering the wrong question with great speed and precision. However, you should know something about statistics so you can evaluate the significance of the results, and should know something about the major classes of tools that are likely to be useful (e.g. for search, alignment, phylogeny, etc.) Knowing a scripting language so that you can summarize data from output files is also likely to be useful. The best course of action is to take mostly classes in your chosen subject area, and to supplement them with at least one class in statistics, one in programming, and one on the specific tools you need to use (if available).
For developing new tools, you need to know a lot about statistics and probability theory. You should also take at least one upper-level laboratory class in the field you plan to develop tools for, so that you know where the data come from and where the inherent uncertanties and complications lie. The advanced classes in statistics at CU require 3 semesters of calculus as prerequisites, but these are the same three semesters you would have to take anyway for a degree in Biochemistry. You will also need to take several CS classes, particularly in algorithms and numerical methods. In particular, limitations of floating-point math frequently become a problem when working with small probabilities, and you need to know how to work around them. Additionally, as data sets increase in size, it becomes increasingly important to choose an efficient algorithm, since this can easily make the difference between seconds and days in an analysis. Because of the prerequisites for each of the advanced classes (lab, algorithms, probability) it is important to plan early so that everything can be accommodated.
Q: Is it important that my diploma actually says 'bioinformatics'?
A: No. Bioinformatics is a new discipline; at this stage, you can get along just as well with a degree in math, computer science, or biology as with a degree specifically in bioinformatics. Long- term, you may even get along better. Although bioinformatics might turn out to be a successful and independent discipline like molecular biology or computer science, it might not. Twenty years down the track, you probably don't want to have a degree from the equivalent of a 'Department of Cybernetics' or a 'Department of Eugenics', both disciplines that drew an enormous amount of funding and attention at the time. Right now, it's too early to tell.
Q: What department should I apply to?
A: That depends on what you want to do: the term 'bioinformatics' has grown to encompass a wide range of techniques. The first major decision you need to make is whether you are primarily interested in developing computational tools, or whether you are primarily interested in solving biological problems. If the former, you should probably apply to Computer Science or to one of the Math departments. If the latter, you should probably apply to one of the Biology or Chemistry departments. In any case, you'll want to consider what other courses are required and whether there is a specific research group you'd want to join. Information on undergraduate and graduate programs is available on this site.
Q: Which research groups at CU are using particular bioinformatics techniques?
A: See listing here.
Page last updated 8/22/02.