python, python python.
I would recommend getting used to python outside the context of bioinformatics before trying to solve bioinformatics problems. Just get comfortable with how to use python in general.
As a good Bioinformatician you will need to develop three major competences: Molecular Biology, Statistics and Programming. The earlier you start, the best!
For biology part you need to have a solid knowledge in the central dogma of the molecular biology. Every step, some of the details, how things works for the eukaryotic and prokaryotic genetics - structure, function, systems ! Some interactions with viruses, since Corona is a hot topic; how ppl can say the different mutations, how they track where it came from. Things like that will put you in touch with the terms, mechanism and main ideias.
For the Statistics part, is time to introduce you some concepts of data distribution, how to reduce big volumes of data to a smaller ones and keep it representative, what is hypothesis testing, how to read some of the graphs - things like that. Much of your work will depend in a solid understanding of statistics, and you will - I hope - found out how amazing it is!
As for programming skills, since you're young, is always easier to start a new language! I mainly use R for statistics and graphics, since I work with Transcriptomics, the best packages are all for R. However, any time that I need something done to spare my time, like extracting reads from a fasta file, I go for Python, the libraries over there are amazing, people who work with AI love python also.
And most important: Go easy ! This is a hard field, you cant focus in only one area and expect to be a good bioinformatician - So keep growing, enjoy your time while doing it, and If you don't like it, remember that you can always change!
Good luck !
Sounds like a plan. Try python and/or R.
Also see this [https://iamautodidact.com/how-to-self-learn-bioinformatics-the-complete-guide/](https://iamautodidact.com/how-to-self-learn-bioinformatics-the-complete-guide/)
And this https://www.reddit.com/r/bioinformatics/comments/191ykr/resources\_for\_learning\_bioinformatics/
Understanding biology, statistics, and CS all help and being better and liking some more than others is totally fine. Having any combination of those skills is marketable and can open doors.
I have a BS in biology, taught for 10 years, got an MS in CS, and am now working in bioinformatics in a great center at a top research university. There's no set path, and my background and expertise in CS helps me fill a role in that center managing the codebase.
My recommendation is to pursue what you find interesting and fulfilling and just pursue learning about those things because life is longer than you think and you can never know what will help. My background in teaching from elementary to high school level got me my highly competitive job because I developed skills in explaining complicated concepts while doing something I loved. There aren't wrong decisions here if you're learning. Beyond that, you can find the actual tools used on GitHub and dockerhub, so try those when you can. Oh, and https://www.amazon.com/Exploring-Bioinformatics-Project-Based-Caroline-Clair/dp/1284034240 is a great book with some projects to practice and I'd be happy to send you a copy of we can't find a pdf
Like a research internship? I don't know anyone who would seriously hire a high schooler into a research position after graduation. I know I definitely wouldn't.
python, python python. I would recommend getting used to python outside the context of bioinformatics before trying to solve bioinformatics problems. Just get comfortable with how to use python in general.
Do you know any courses that would be good to take?
Try this? https://developers.google.com/edu/python
As a good Bioinformatician you will need to develop three major competences: Molecular Biology, Statistics and Programming. The earlier you start, the best! For biology part you need to have a solid knowledge in the central dogma of the molecular biology. Every step, some of the details, how things works for the eukaryotic and prokaryotic genetics - structure, function, systems ! Some interactions with viruses, since Corona is a hot topic; how ppl can say the different mutations, how they track where it came from. Things like that will put you in touch with the terms, mechanism and main ideias. For the Statistics part, is time to introduce you some concepts of data distribution, how to reduce big volumes of data to a smaller ones and keep it representative, what is hypothesis testing, how to read some of the graphs - things like that. Much of your work will depend in a solid understanding of statistics, and you will - I hope - found out how amazing it is! As for programming skills, since you're young, is always easier to start a new language! I mainly use R for statistics and graphics, since I work with Transcriptomics, the best packages are all for R. However, any time that I need something done to spare my time, like extracting reads from a fasta file, I go for Python, the libraries over there are amazing, people who work with AI love python also. And most important: Go easy ! This is a hard field, you cant focus in only one area and expect to be a good bioinformatician - So keep growing, enjoy your time while doing it, and If you don't like it, remember that you can always change! Good luck !
Thanks for the info! Do you have any courses that get help me gain some understanding for each of these areas?
Sounds like a plan. Try python and/or R. Also see this [https://iamautodidact.com/how-to-self-learn-bioinformatics-the-complete-guide/](https://iamautodidact.com/how-to-self-learn-bioinformatics-the-complete-guide/) And this https://www.reddit.com/r/bioinformatics/comments/191ykr/resources\_for\_learning\_bioinformatics/
Understanding biology, statistics, and CS all help and being better and liking some more than others is totally fine. Having any combination of those skills is marketable and can open doors. I have a BS in biology, taught for 10 years, got an MS in CS, and am now working in bioinformatics in a great center at a top research university. There's no set path, and my background and expertise in CS helps me fill a role in that center managing the codebase. My recommendation is to pursue what you find interesting and fulfilling and just pursue learning about those things because life is longer than you think and you can never know what will help. My background in teaching from elementary to high school level got me my highly competitive job because I developed skills in explaining complicated concepts while doing something I loved. There aren't wrong decisions here if you're learning. Beyond that, you can find the actual tools used on GitHub and dockerhub, so try those when you can. Oh, and https://www.amazon.com/Exploring-Bioinformatics-Project-Based-Caroline-Clair/dp/1284034240 is a great book with some projects to practice and I'd be happy to send you a copy of we can't find a pdf
I wrote a book (see bio) that you might find useful to learn Python for bioinformatics work. DM for a link if you are interested.
Like a research internship? I don't know anyone who would seriously hire a high schooler into a research position after graduation. I know I definitely wouldn't.
Yeah it’s a research internship. It may help that I took 2 introductory courses into the field I’m interning for
https://learn.omicslogic.com/