Learning BIOINFORMATICS in 2023 - What I would do differently! - Genomics with Georgia

I was recently asked how I would start learning bioinformatics if I was to start right now, well here’s the answer - learn from my mistakes!

Welcome to Genomics with Georgia! I'm a self taught data scientist with simply an undergrad in biology who transitioned from wet lab to dry lab during the pandemic. After sharing my career start on LinkedIn I've had lots of people reach out wanting more information on how to learn to code as a biologist and all things genomic data science. So here we are: Georgia is using this platform to share all she's learnt, the resources she's found and hopefully inspire people to pursue this awesome path.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 = intro
01:00 = learn python first
04:00 = use kaggle and…
07:25 = my BIGGEST mistake
08:20 = integrate coding into your life
09:35 = intentional workshop selecting! Hunt it out
11:18 = chat to as many peeps as possible
12:00 = SQL oops
12:40 = importance of your manager
13:05 = outro

Links to mentioned helpful things:



Learn to code like me:

Academic Background
🧬 Cert HE Medical Science Uni of Buckingham (2015-2016)
🧬 BSc (Hons) Molecular Biology & Genetics University of East Anglia (2017-2020)
🧬 Bioinformatics Internship with GenSoc at Earlham Institute (2020)
🧬 Employment as Genomic Data Scientist (2020)

Non-traditional Background
❥ Worked full-time during 2/3rds of my degree (I made the best Martini in Norwich)
❥ Estranged from my parents
❥ Carer during undergrad

Frequently Asked Questions:
•Q. How old are you?
•A. 25
•Q. When did you start learning to code?
•A. August 2019
•Q. What languages do you mainly use in your work?
•A. Python, Bash, R
•Q. Where are you based?
•A. I live and work in Cambridge UK
•Q. What do I work on?
•A. I'm a genomic data scientist working on malaria genomic surveillance
•Q. Why are you making this channel?
•A I feel very lucky to have stumbled into this field slightly before the start of the pandemic. I love my job so much and want to share how I made the transition from a wet lab biology degree and bring more transparency to the field of bioinformatics and genomic data science

Connect with me Socials:

Contact:

Music Creds:

Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0

[mikaela]

I am going into my second year of applied computing (focus bioinformatics) and this was super helpful ! thank you so much :)

[kittyypie]

Im happy I've found your channel! I'm an ICU nurse looking into enrolling/applying a postgrad in MSc Bioinformatics. I know it ain't going to be an easy journey, since the last time I've read about Genomics and Biology in general was about 10 yrs ago! PLUS having ZERO knowledge in Coding -- it'll be a rough ROUGHHHH road, but I can do it and I WILL do it! please keep on posting Georgia!

[Say-ck]

Thank you for sharing such invaluable insights ✨👌

[danijoseph]

Hi Goergia, this is inspiring!!! I am a biologist, geneticist focusing wet lab, but I have strong interest in Bioinformatics to analyze Genomics data. I am inspired by your video. I appreciate it very much!!!

[IyadKhuder]

I'm starting a new job in bioinformatics. Although I have a solid background in programming, I still need to get familiar with the most common libraries and resources for bioinformatics and this video was a good appetizer :) I'm a new subscriber!

[amindchira]

What's priceless for learning advice, I kept in mind and applied to my journey.

[Abenigfilms]

My goodness you are a life saver!!! Estranged from parents also!!!!

[ivanprivi]

Wow super!!! Thank you!!! like people said below super helpful video! I hope to move soon to bioinformatics while I am doing my PhD in Biology, unfortunately I don´t do bioinformtics in my PhD, so I will start this 2024 a Specialization in Bioinformatics at the same time. It will be hard and tough, but I hope to make it. Thanks again, I dream with a Bioinformatics Job!!!!

[benjaminpam]

Greetings, Georgia. This is really inspiring. I intend to pursue a Ph.D in Bioinformatics. I need your counsel. I have a good background in Mathematics, Computer Science, and Programming. I am a new subscriber already.

[maddyanderson]

Super helpful vid, thanks Georgia! just in time for finals revision too lol

[ananyamishra]

Hey Georgia, I am from India, I am from wet lab background, I want to go for a fully funded masters program in genomic data science abroad. Can you suggest me something? It will be very helpful. Or if we can connect..

[leukemia]

I have a chemistry degree, do you think i could take bioinformatics for master?, i heard we need to start using ai etc, i feel like bioinformatics is really good

[chibuzorstellamaris]

I have my first degree in Computer Science, with internship in Data Science. I am planning to start my second degree in Bioinformatics

[anisahxmed]

How is the work-life balance in bioinformatics career?

[Swayam]

I’m going to enter in this field any suggestions for me !

[sajadalavi]

I am a master's student specializing in virology, aiming to delve into bioinformatics, particularly biological systems. I have experience working with Python and R, albeit not in a biological context.
I am seeking guidance on how to proceed further in integrating bioinformatics into my virology studies. Your insights would be greatly appreciated.
Best regards

[beintentional]

Welcome back. I thought you were in Canada

[BetterThanYou]

Right, so I have a bachelors in Physics and I'm currently planning to get my masters in Data Science. I wanna write my masters thesis in something to do with bioinformatics but the thing is, I don't have a biology background. This seems like a rhetorical question but do I really need a biology background to get into this field?

[RebeccaHorton-gxuy]

Georgia, what does a bioinformatics portfolio look like on github?

[zlrpcjo]

you need a HPC or a laptop with a lot of ... RAM and storage