There is hardly any field left where the use of computers in not increasing. To add to the cluster of computer technology or better known as IT driven fields is one more field called bioinformatics which is the use of the information technology in biology to perform the complex computation that are done at molecular level. The DNA structure is so complex that there are millions of combinations and each can yield a different result. Therefore there is a need of faster computational algorithms to perform these complex molecular biological calculations.

The field as if know is in its early stages but it’s going to be very promising as it progresses. Considering the areas of application this field is going to create huge opportunities for the young intellectuals. This field has the potential to answer to some of the most fascinating questions that can reveal all the hidden secrets about life and existence. The genome has huge information encoded in its strands, with the use of bioinformatics attempts are being made to decode the genome to increase the knowledge and understanding which can further lead to cure of some almost un curable diseases. With this knowledge better and more customized medication can be prepared and also it can be used in the field of agriculture to produce better yields so that the demands of the increasing population can be met.

Career areas under Bioinformatics:

·         Sequence assembly

·         Database design and maintenance

·         Sequence analysis

·         Proteomics

·         Pharmacogenomics

·         Pharma-cology

·         Clinical pharmacologist

·         Informatics developer

·         Computational chemist

·         Bio-analytics and Analytic

Eligibility:

To become a bioinformatic you must be a graduate or post graduate in any of the following fields:

·         Molecular biology

·         Genetics

·         Microbiology

·         Chemistry

·         Pharmacy

·         Veterinary sciences

·         Physics

·         Mathematics

·         Engineering

·         IT

Study in the field of bioinformatics start at an undergraduate level and to be eligible to apply at undergraduate level you should have successfully completed class 12th with physics, chemistry, biology and English.

Job Opportunities and Salary:

There are more chances of getting absorbed in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences, research institutions, hospital industry. The above industries can be either private or government but your basic package will depend considerably on which sector you are employed with. Private sector industries are bound to pay more than the government sector units but at the cost of perks and allowances which are on offer by the government owned industries. However the basic package should be between Rs.15, 000 to Rs. 30,000 when you start and it can go to as much as 6 figures per month once you are a real pro in the industry and gained some experience.