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What minors is best for biotech?
I am currently a business admin; international business major. I wanted to major in something related to biotech. Would Biological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, or Bioinformatics Minor be better?
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Doc’s Answer
Bioinformatics is a diverse field, which can make it appealing for many professionals. You can become an expert in very different areas—from molecular biology to computer programming. If you think applying research and analytics to biology to create innovative cures and processes is interesting, then you may want to pursue a career in bioinformatics Maggie.
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
Majoring in biomedical engineering typically includes coursework that teaches students the science and engineering techniques that professionals use to develop solutions in biology and medicine. This degree may prepare you for careers working with medical imaging, medical instrumentation and prosthetics, medical devices and artificial organs. Students may also learn about ethics, as well as how to consider social, economic, environmental and global factors while they're solving problems.
BIOINFORMATICS ENGINEER
Gene sequences, protein absorption rates, and other biological data needs to be analyzed, quantified, and processed for use. The bioinformatics engineer combines their understanding of bioscience, mathematics, and computer science to collect, analyze, and compile biodata. As a core component of their profession, a bioinformatics software engineer needs to understand more than the fundamentals of database development, which is a large part of the reason why a master’s degree can be highly desirable in this field.
BIOINFORMATICS SCIENTIST
A bioinformatics scientist’s key responsibility is to develop software applications and databases to analyze biological data. It is the role most closely associated with the data scientist in industries outside of biology and biotech. Coordinating with other scientists and professionals within the organization is a valuable skill for bioinformatics scientists. Maintaining extensive records of experiments and analyses is also an important part of the job, as it allows for easy review of past work to identify future research priorities.
BIOINFORMATICIAN
Among the many bioinformatics careers, a bioinformatician is most closely associated with managing data itself. This role is responsible for managing large databases, developing data frameworks, and creating and modifying algorithms. Their analysis is typically used for classifying components of a biological system such as DNA sequences or for documenting protein expression. Bioinformaticians should be well-versed in programming statistical models, combining datasets, and maintaining data integrity and security. Individuals in this role often collaborate with scientists and researchers to interpret and present datasets.
BIOSTATISTICIANS
A biostatistician focuses on statistical design and analysis as it relates to research work. This role is also responsible for preparing reports that summarize the analysis and refer to any pertinent research methodologies. The work environment may be a hospital or research lab, and areas of focus may be epidemiology, genetics, or ecology. The ability to create easy-to-read reports is a critical skill for a biostatistician, as the analysis is often presented to clients or other external stakeholders in addition to internal teams. The role is typically part of a larger research team, so interpersonal management and collaboration are also valuable skills.
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
Majoring in biomedical engineering typically includes coursework that teaches students the science and engineering techniques that professionals use to develop solutions in biology and medicine. This degree may prepare you for careers working with medical imaging, medical instrumentation and prosthetics, medical devices and artificial organs. Students may also learn about ethics, as well as how to consider social, economic, environmental and global factors while they're solving problems.
BIOINFORMATICS ENGINEER
Gene sequences, protein absorption rates, and other biological data needs to be analyzed, quantified, and processed for use. The bioinformatics engineer combines their understanding of bioscience, mathematics, and computer science to collect, analyze, and compile biodata. As a core component of their profession, a bioinformatics software engineer needs to understand more than the fundamentals of database development, which is a large part of the reason why a master’s degree can be highly desirable in this field.
BIOINFORMATICS SCIENTIST
A bioinformatics scientist’s key responsibility is to develop software applications and databases to analyze biological data. It is the role most closely associated with the data scientist in industries outside of biology and biotech. Coordinating with other scientists and professionals within the organization is a valuable skill for bioinformatics scientists. Maintaining extensive records of experiments and analyses is also an important part of the job, as it allows for easy review of past work to identify future research priorities.
BIOINFORMATICIAN
Among the many bioinformatics careers, a bioinformatician is most closely associated with managing data itself. This role is responsible for managing large databases, developing data frameworks, and creating and modifying algorithms. Their analysis is typically used for classifying components of a biological system such as DNA sequences or for documenting protein expression. Bioinformaticians should be well-versed in programming statistical models, combining datasets, and maintaining data integrity and security. Individuals in this role often collaborate with scientists and researchers to interpret and present datasets.
BIOSTATISTICIANS
A biostatistician focuses on statistical design and analysis as it relates to research work. This role is also responsible for preparing reports that summarize the analysis and refer to any pertinent research methodologies. The work environment may be a hospital or research lab, and areas of focus may be epidemiology, genetics, or ecology. The ability to create easy-to-read reports is a critical skill for a biostatistician, as the analysis is often presented to clients or other external stakeholders in addition to internal teams. The role is typically part of a larger research team, so interpersonal management and collaboration are also valuable skills.
Updated
Scott’s Answer
In my opinion, biomedical engineering or biology would be the most useful of the three minors you mentioned. I personally was a microbiology major, with organic chemistry and biochemistry as minors. while you can get a good foundation from a science or engineering minor, you should be prepared for continuing education for your entire career. The biotech industry grows and changes constantly, and new discoveries are being made all the time.
If you are not as interested in basic science, then maybe a bioinformatics focus would be better. More math, statistics and computer science would be the focus there. If that's where your interests lie, maybe go that route. But again, you will be taking seminars and doing continuous learning for your whole career, so there is not really a wrong answer.
I would start with what am I curious about? What things would challenge me and keep me engaged? Would I be open to change my career path if an opportunity presented?
Not a straight up answer, I know, but there really is no bad choice. Good luck!
Scott
If you are not as interested in basic science, then maybe a bioinformatics focus would be better. More math, statistics and computer science would be the focus there. If that's where your interests lie, maybe go that route. But again, you will be taking seminars and doing continuous learning for your whole career, so there is not really a wrong answer.
I would start with what am I curious about? What things would challenge me and keep me engaged? Would I be open to change my career path if an opportunity presented?
Not a straight up answer, I know, but there really is no bad choice. Good luck!
Scott
Updated
Tony’s Answer
Hi Maggie,
It's a difficult question to answer what is "better" without deeper understanding about your specific interests and needs and what you are intending the minor to provide you with. I worked in the biopharmaceuticals field and know biotech to continue to be a promising industry so I think
Any one if the minors will be of benefit, but given your current major both the sciences and engineering ones will likely require more coursework.
Generally speaking, as a Business Admin major you will working in positions that involve managing, operating and supporting a business and it's objectives vs research, developing or testing a product, so the bioinformatics minor may one more directly apply to your future jobs and be more of practical use to you since it focuses on systems and the tools to understand and analyze biological data and information which you will be dealing with on a daily basis, The growing IT field along with AI will continue the exponential growth of data and information so there's a huge demand for talent with analytical capabilities.
Tony
It's a difficult question to answer what is "better" without deeper understanding about your specific interests and needs and what you are intending the minor to provide you with. I worked in the biopharmaceuticals field and know biotech to continue to be a promising industry so I think
Any one if the minors will be of benefit, but given your current major both the sciences and engineering ones will likely require more coursework.
Generally speaking, as a Business Admin major you will working in positions that involve managing, operating and supporting a business and it's objectives vs research, developing or testing a product, so the bioinformatics minor may one more directly apply to your future jobs and be more of practical use to you since it focuses on systems and the tools to understand and analyze biological data and information which you will be dealing with on a daily basis, The growing IT field along with AI will continue the exponential growth of data and information so there's a huge demand for talent with analytical capabilities.
Tony
Updated
Bana’s Answer
Biotechnology is such a broad field with numerous distinct pathways! Are you interested in the analytical aspect? If yes, you need to decide which direction to take, whether it's programming, data analysis, mechanical, and so on. Each of these areas also has its own unique paths! Perhaps you're more inclined towards the scientific roles? That's great! Now you need to choose your specialization, which could be pharmaceuticals, clinical trials, research (either dry or wet), preventative and public health, nutrition, and more. Speaking from a broad perspective, biochemistry is a fantastic choice for nearly all clinical routes, including research. On the other hand, if you're leaning towards management roles, bioinformatics could be the ideal fit for you.