GCB535/CIS535 Introduction to BioInformatics
Fall term, 2005
Frequently used links
Course Description:
The course covers methods used in bioinformatics: the statistical
models and algorithms to address biological questions. Students will
learn how and when to use various software tools for sequence
alignment, motif finding, gene finding, expression data clustering,
and more. The course will also extend beyond toolbox usage and provide
the means to understand the relationship between various biological
issues and the appropriate computational techniques for addressing
those issues.
Should I take the course?
- The course schedule and
outline describe the
course topics. However, note that the readings currently only include the
algorithmic side of the course; case studies will be added later.
- There are several other alterative courses including
GCB/CIS/BIO536 which might (or might not) better fit your interests.
- Although the material covered this Fall 2005 semester will be slightly
different from the past, the
schedule and lecture material from Fall
2004 gives a good general idea of the course.
Schedule
- This course will meet starting on September 7. (SEAS schedule, not
the SOM schedule)
- Lectures: MWF- 2:00-3:00 in Towne 305
- Office Hours: Monday 3:30-5:00 in Levine 504
Course Coordinator
Teaching Assistant:
Prerequisites
The course does not require any knowledge of computer science; no
programming will be done. However, the course will require knowledge
of molecular biology at the level of a strong modern undergraduate
course.
Course Requirements and Grading:
There will be roughly seven homeworks and two midterms. The homeworks
will count for 50% of the grade, the midterms for 25% each. There
is no final exam.
Late Homework Penalty
Homework should be submitted at the beginning of class (2 pm) on the
day that it is due. Homework received after the start of class will
be penalized as follows:
- 15%
reduction if 0-24 hours late
- 30% reduction if 24-48 hours late
- 45% reduction if 48-72 hours late
- no credit if more than
3 days late
Textbook
An Introduction to Bioinformatics Algorithms. Neil Jones and Pavel Pezner. 2004 MIT Press.
Because this course is aimed at biologists, the text covers the
algorithmic aspects of the course. Biological context will be
provided using papers from the literature.
Online Resources
- Useful links including a list of bioinformatics seminars
- Tentative list of software to be used in class