This is a test version of Biostars. For the public version, visit https://www.biostars.org.
Must know algorithms before attending a bioinformatics interview

Hi everyone,

I would like to know the list of most important algorithms that one need to know before attending a bioinformatics interview. Some bioinformatics positions might not require to work with algorithms but still could I have a list for the reference.

Some algo I think very important are :

1) Alignment tool algorithms such as BLAST, BLAT etc.

2) NGS assembly tool algorithms such as velvet, trinity, ABySS etc.

3) Mapping tool algorithms such as bowtie, bwa etc.

Thank you

interview algorithms
• 4,967 views • link
updated by Ram Ram • written by Prakki Rama Prakki Rama

3 answers

It really depends on what sort of bioinformatics position it is. I would say knowing which tools exist and how they differ and how they work together is far more important than algorithms. I met too many people who know theory very well, but can't generate usable results from the raw data.

• 1 views • link
written by igor igor

Agree completely. Unless the position will involve algorithm and method development, knowing how to use tools is probably more important. Outside of the requisite intro to comp bio coursework, I've never had to implement S-W or N-W for any purpose.

• 1 views • link
written by fanli.gcb fanli.gcb

Very much true. Thank you.

• 1 views • link
written by Prakki Rama Prakki Rama

Bayesian statistics for studying gen differential expression and the like

• 1 views • link
written by Antonio R. Franco Antonio R. Franco

It seems you are referring to a concept. But, anyway it is also beneficial to have knowledge on this I think. Thank you.

• 1 views • link
written by Prakki Rama Prakki Rama

You should add to the list the concept of lineal models (regression and the like) as well. They are used a lot in differential expression analysis

• 0 views • link
written by Antonio R. Franco Antonio R. Franco

Smith–Waterman algorithm

Needleman–Wunsch algorithm

• 1 views • link
written by tiago211287 tiago211287

Yup. First and foremost to learn. Thank you.

• 1 views • link
written by Prakki Rama Prakki Rama

Log in to answer this question.

More posts like this