Hi Dana, Perl and Java are pretty much the de-facto languages in bioinformatics (Python is close behind). You probably had courses in both, as part of your certificate. Perl is frequently used for disposable scripts and concept prototyping. Java is used for larger applications with user interfaces. But it really depends upon what you're interested in doing, though. For example, if your interest is in high-performance computing (HPC), you may want to consider learning C in the Linux environment. Cheers, Jeff danaf at drfconsulting.com wrote: > I am working on a graduate Bioinformatics > Certificate from the University of Illinois > Chicago. I hope to complete the coursework > in the Winter '07. > > I was wondering what languages and computer > platforms I need to be experienced in to work > in the field on the CS side. I would like to > building these skills this year in anticipation > of job hunting in Jan '08. > > Any advice would be appreciated. > > Dana Ferguson -- J.W. Bizzaro Bioinformatics Organization, Inc. (Bioinformatics.Org) E-mail: jeff at bioinformatics.org Phone: +1 508 890 8600 --