How do I enter a graduate program in bioinformatics (MS) with no previous programming experience? I have a BA in biochemistry from UNH with a focus on genetics / bioinformatics, have worked for years as one of
top experts regarding the sequence list preparation, worked as a specialist in applications for an international bio-informatics, worked several years as a professional searcher biosequence the field of intellectual property have been a member of the American Bar Patent for 4 years, have developed software for biosequence the field of intellectual property with a friend. I was published a few years ago on a comparison of algorithms biosequence. I am currently working as a legal assistant intellectual property in the group of patents for a law company to Boston.
Good real world experience, but I've never taken a computer course. As I said in substance to the people what the software should do and why, how to present the results, software beta-test / bugs etc. Look.
Should I audit classes? What languages / For I learn? What is the importance bioperl?
I do not understand - you have lots of real world experience that could be better in many ways the university experience.
Tell the school you want to go to ask them. They will probably recommend that after you enter the program you have to take remedial courses in computer Science Foundation, which would add one or two years for your degree, but should not become a problem.
It depends on their expectations on your skill level. People can learn a programming language within a few days without prior experience.
Posted on January 10, 2010.