Current topics in bioinformatics and their computational challenges 

by Jianhua Ruan,  Ph.D. 
The University of Texas at San Antonio

Date: 10/17 W      
Time: 4:00 pm - 5:15 pm   
SB 3.02.02


I will start this talk with a brief history of bioinformatics and 
a survey of "what is bioinformatics". I will then describe some of 
the current challenges and opportunities in bioinformatics, from both 
computational and biological point of views, in areas related to 
functional genomics and systems biology. This will be followed by 
several illustrative examples of the activities in which I am involved.
 
Finally, I would like to discuss what type of academic preparation and 
training are needed in bioinformatics research, and how to identify 
promising research topics in this broad area. Throughout the talk I 
will be spending more time on the background than on the technical 
details. However, the latter can be easily obtained by anyone who is 
inspired to follow up the talk.