[coolgurl]

Hello
I am currently doing my Alevls in science subjects.. iam interested in studying genetics or biotecnology,is there any difference between these both,or is it better if go for studying medicine after ma Alevels,studying medicine would tke me to become a doctor which I don't to be,I love to get into the field of research,I want to know if there is more scope of biotechnology then medicine and what should I pursue as my career and also if I study bioinformatics what is it about.which is the better field and what do I need to study just after my Alevls for entering in these carers and which are the best universites for these carers? Plzplplzzzzzzzzzzzzz help me m really confused with this...
Thanks

[vingogly]

The best career is the one that's the best fit for you. There is no "better" field - it depends on the person. If you're interested in research in genetics or biotech, either would be great - genetics will be more on the biological side, biotech will combine biology & technology. Usually it means at least a Master's degree (two years beyond your four year university degree), if you want your career options to be maximized. And if you want to do research and want to be more than the lab tech who cleans the equipment, you'll want the Master's degree. :) I'd worry about choosing a university for now, and getting a degree in biology with a concentration in genetics (that will prepare you for doing graduate work in biotech, if you so desire). You don't really have to make up your mind now - you can do that when you're well into your university program. It would be helpful to you, I think, if you could visit a couple of universities and talk to the profs and students there.

[coolgurl]

M still confused:( can I talk to you in a little detail? Can you help with this plzz

[vingogly]

What are you finding the most confusing?

[vingogly]

OK, here's some information that might be helpful. Biotechnology tends to be more laboratory based; if you like lab work in chemistry and/or biology, it would probably appeal to you. Bioinformatics combines computer science and biology; if you like computer work as well as biology, this field might appeal to you more than biotechnology. As I said before, which is the better career depends on your preferences. If by "better" you mean which pays more, I suspect there are very high paying jobs in both disciplines. Realize that both disciplines cover a lot of territory, so there are a lot of job descriptions in both.


Here's a list of schools that offer bioinformatics programs. They're arranged by country (Canada is first). And here's a list of biotechnology programs (note that non-US programs are accessible on the right side of the page).