Entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree including: Alternative 1) 15 credits mathematics or statistics, and 45 credits biology including 30 credits in molecular biology, cell biology, evolution or genetics; Alternative 2) 30 credits mathematics and 30 credits computer science including 5 credits in database design .

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• account for and use methods in sequence bioinformatics such as sequence alignment, phylogenetic analysis and pattern recognition,
• account for and use methods in structural bioinformatics such as classification of protein structures, structure prediction, simulations and structure based drug design,
• analyse and compile results of bioinformatic analyses critically,
• solve given biological problems by using appropriate bioinformatic methods and databases,
• use Linux at a basic level, including to read and write shell script,
• summarize and give an account of bioinformatics' opportunities, limitations and role in society.

The course includes the module Generic competences. After passing this module, the student should be able to:

• account for ethical aspects of research and development, including questions of plagiarism and equal opportunities/equal treatment,
• demonstrate an ability to identify his/her need of further knowledge.

Content

Basic sequence and structural bioinformatics as well as introduction to bioinformatic algorithms. Pairwise and multiple sequence alignment. Methods for phylogenetic analysis and pattern recognition. Bioinformatic databases and servers. Classification and comparison of protein structures. Prediction of secondary and tertiary structure from sequence and homology modelling of the three-dimensional structure of proteins. Molecular dynamics simulations and molecular docking with applications to drug design. Applications of bioinformatic research. Computer exercises in bioinformatic scientific environment. Introduction to Linux and shell scripts. Ethics, plagiarism and equal opportunities/equal treatment.

Instruction

Lectures, seminars and computer exercises.

Assessment

Generic competences: written tests and completed study planning (1 credit).

Sequence bioinformatics: written examination (2.5 credits) and laboratory reports (1 credit).

Structural bioinformatics: (2.5 credits) written examination and laboratory reports (1 credit).

Introduction to Linux: (1 credit) laboratory reports.

Bioinformatics' possibilities, limitations and role in society: written assignment, oral presentation (1 credit).

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.