How much depth should I have into a topic before I can claim it to be one of my research interests?

Question

I have been applying to Ph.D. programs in bioinformatics and have already gotten interview invitations from a few of them. My background is mainly on the computational side but I am interested in applying that knowledge to biological problems. In my application I mention that one of my research interests is modelling physiological systems (e.g. the cardiovascular system). However, I have not done substantial reading on the topic other than from a few websites and Wikipedia (mainly because of the little free time that I currently have as an undergraduate). From what I have read, I find the field to be very appealing and something that I would like to do research on. Nevertheless, my knowledge is basic at best and I am wondering if I can claim it to be one of my research interests.

Answer 1

I don't see any harm in saying that area is an interest of yours. If you can intelligently speak on the subject briefly, that's enough to be interested. You're not claiming to have any proficiency in the subject, so it's not dishonest to mention it. I can't say I'm interested in football because I know nothing of the subject and I couldn't communicate an authentic desire to learn more. You'll be fine with what you know now, but keep learning to fill in the picture.