BCH3062

Molecular bioinformatics ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Mr Ron Maxwell

Offered:
Not offered in 2005.

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.

Objectives: On completion of this unit, students will have gained an understanding of the principles of bioinformatics and the pivotal role that informatics plays in the molecular sciences. On completion of the unit the students will have a basic understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of information technology and its wider application to the molecular sciences. The students will develop an understanding of the principles of database searching, using search engines, sequence alignments, phylogeny, molecular modeling and protein structure analysis.

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

Contact Hours: Two 1-hour lectures and one 4-hour laboratory or self-directed learning/ tutorial session per week