BCH3062

Molecular bioinformatics

(SCI)

Dr Ron Maxwell (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)

6 points + Two 1-hour lectures and one 4-hour laboratory or self-directed learning/ tutorial session per week + Second Semester + Clayton + Prerequsites: None + Highly recommended: BCH2011

Synopsis: Bioinformatics unites major advances in biology, biochemistry and the molecular sciences with those in computing, informatics and networking. It is the tool by which the structural, functional and evolutionary information from DNA and protein sequences can be deciphered. This subject introduces students to both the theoretical and practical aspects of bioinformatics and its relevance to the molecular sciences. It will cover five major areas: (i) application of the internet; (ii) organisation and uses of scientific databases; (iii) use of computational methods in genome analysis; (iv) fundamentals of molecular modeling and (v) analysis and presentation of scientific data.

Assessment: Written examination: 30% + Evaluation of projects, assignments and practical work: 70%