2BIO012 Bioinformatics/Biostatistics
- Number of credits15
- Teaching semester2024 Spring
- Language of instructionEnglish
- CampusHamar
- Required prerequisite knowledge
None
Bioinformatics is a branch of science that uses computers for storage, retrieval, analysis, visualization and distribution of information related to biological macromolecules like DNA, RNA and proteins. It is an interdisciplinary field that includes biology, computer science, chemistry and statistics.
This course introduces key concepts and methods in bioinformatics. Major research topics in bioinformatics include sequence analysis structure analysis and functional analysis of biological data.
The course comprises two main parts:
- A lecture-based part, introducing various web-based resources and bioinformatics tools for the analyses of DNA, RNA and protein sequences and lectures in elementary statistics.
- Computer lab, where students will be guided through practical bioinformatics and biostatistics exercises on the computer.
Topics covered include
– Introduction to biological databases and database searching
– Pairwise and multiple sequence alignment
– Phylogenetic analysis
– Protein structure modelling
– Gene prediction
– Basics of genome sequencing and genome assembly
– Introduction to elemental statistical treatment of biological data
Learning Outcome
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will have achieved the following learning outcomes:
Knowledge:
The Student
- has advanced knowledge of topics, algorithms, tools and methods in the field of Bioinformatics
- has knowledge of statistical methods for analysis of biological data
Skills:
The Student
- can analyze and use bioinformatic methods associated with advanced sequence alignment, database searches, genome analysis and protein structural studies
- can use statistical operations in biology
General competence:
The Student
- can operate commonly used bioinformatics tools and understand their pros and cons
- can statistically analyse data in a biologically relevant manner
- Lectures: Introductory lectures are given to provide an overview of the main topics in the course.
- Computer Lab: Practical exercises throughout the whole semester where the students will conduct a series of adapted computer tools to solve bioinformatics tasks
- Compulsory Assignment: Students in groups of 3-4 are to hand in a written report of an assigned bioinformatic problem
- Fronter: All relevant course information and scientific articles in the syllabus will be posted on Fronter.
Requirements necessary to take the exam
- attendance to at least 80% of the Computer Lab exercises
- one individual written report must be passed with a good performance in most areas. The student should demonstrate a reasonable degree of judgement and independent thinking in the most important areas.
- 4-hour individual written school exam
The exam will be evaluated by letter grade, A-F, where E is the lowest passing grade.
| Form of assessment | Grading scale | Grouping | Duration of assessment | Support materials | Proportion | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Written examination with invigilation | ECTS - A-F | Individual | 4 Hour(s) |