Molecular biology, computer science, and statistics are all important components in the relatively new field of bioinformatics. This term was first used in 1978, but nowadays, most bioinformatics careers are in the genomics and genetics fields.
This profession has saved scientists months of work in laboratories because it involves computer work in terms of researching biological questions, examining DNA and other protein structures, comparing DNA sequences, and searching biological databases.
Knowledge of computer science and biology is equally important in this profession which requires extensive DNA and protein sequence work, database knowledge, and visualisation of three dimensional protein structures. This field is growing as rapidly as the genomic technologies these professionals handle on a regular basis.
Although the number of bioinformatics university programs is constantly increasing, those with degrees or strong backgrounds in computer science or biology can still enter the profession with few difficulties. Specialists in this field earn average salaries of nearly C
$65,000, but it is possible to earn over C
$100,000 after just four years on the job.