(noun. /BAI-oh-in-for-ma-tiks/)
by Quinn Eberhard
What does it mean?
A means of studying biological concepts (often the genetics of living organisms) using big data, computers, and statistics.
How do I use it in a sentence?
“Advancements in bioinformatics have made analyzing large genomic datasets possible.”
(Adapted from image source) A three-way Venn diagram that outlines the intersection of computer science, math and statistics, and biology. At the overlap between computer science and biology are software and algorithms. Math and statistics overlap with computer science in AI and data mining, while the overlap between math and statistics and biology encompasses traditional research. At the center of all three is “bioinformatics.”
Misconceptions (about word usage)
Bioinformatics is often paired with another field, computational biology. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, bioinformatics typically refers to using advanced computational techniques to handle and analyze big datasets, while computational biology focuses on using programs and models to address traditional science research questions.
Fields of study in which this word is commonly used
Biophysics
Genetics
Genomics/Proteomics/Metabolomics
Immunology
Microbiology
Molecular Biology
