Bioinformatics is an emerging, rapidly expanding scientific discipline that addresses problems related to the collection, processing, analysis of the vast amounts of data describing the structure and function of biological systems. Bioinformatics is a truly interdisciplinary science, bringing together aspects of computer science, molecular biology, chemistry and mathematics. Bioinformatics merges computer and information science with the study of genetic information and biological structures. Bioinformatics allows researchers to open new windows of insight into our genetic makeup, providing pathways to understanding disease processes and creating novel diagnostic and treatment strategies. There is an immense and growing need for experts in this field, in order to capitalize on the growing body of knowledge regarding the genome.