Applications of Bioinformatics
Duration
- One Semester or equivalent
Contact hours
- 36 Hours
On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning.
Aims and objectives
Extending from the fundamentals of biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics, this unit intends to provide the students with an exposure to the interface between biotechnology and computer science. This field is now an essential aspect of biotechnology, and relates to rapid and extensive computer-based analysis of the genetic information of organisms, for purposes such as analysing the structures and roles of genes and proteins, comparative and evolutionary studies, disease detection and drug design. The topics covered provide a strong foundation for diverse research and development opportunities.
Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO) | |
|---|---|
| On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: | |
| # | Description |
| ULO1 | Demonstrate an advanced level of understanding of the structure, biochemical properties and roles of nucleic acids, proteins, other biomolecules and the principles of gene function and regulation. |
| ULO2 | Conduct a variety of computer-based exercises where the above theoretical knowledge can be applied to diverse analyses of genes and proteins from diverse organisms. |
| ULO3 | Develop and demonstrate some key skills in the use of selected computer programs and databases for searching, recording, analysing and comparing nucleic acid and protein sequences, and reporting own results. |
| ULO4 | Discern the sciences of genomics, transcriptomics other ‘omics’ technologies and databases whereby vast amounts of molecular data can be obtained, deposited and analysed, to understand the areas of functional significance as well as patterns of evolution. |
| ULO5 | Assess and reflect on the role of bioinformatics in diverse areas such as health and medicine, agriculture and the environment. |
| ULO6 | Record scientific observations correctly and interpret these critically and accurately. |
Unit information in detail
- Teaching methods, assessment, general skills outcomes and content.
Teaching methods
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| Activity Type | Activity | Total Hours | Number of Weeks | Optional - Activity Details | ||||
| Face to Face Contact | Tutorial Labs | 36 | 12 weeks | Weekly Tutorials in a Computer Laboratory | ||||
| Online | Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning | 36 | 12 weeks | Non-scheduled online learning events and activities | ||||
| Unspecified Learning Activities | Independent Learning | 78 | 15 weeks | Other non-scheduled learning events and activities including independent study | ||||
| Total Hours: | 150 | |||||||
Assessment
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Hurdle
Minimum requirements to pass this Unit To pass this unit, you must:
• Achieve an overall mark for the unit of 50% or more, and
• Complete a minimum fraction of 80% of laboratory work based on the criteria for successful completion as explained in the lab handout(s) and above, and
• Obtain at least 40% of the possible marks for the laboratory hurdle.
Students who do not complete 80% of the laboratory work and/or do not obtain at least 40% of the possible marks for the laboratory hurdle will receive a maximum of 44% as the total mark for the unit.
General skills outcomes
The indicative content of this evolving field is as follows:
- Molecular genetic analysis of DNA and protein sequence data for purposes such as directional manipulations, restriction mapping, determining gene structures, regulatory sequences
- Translation of DNA into predicted proteins, analyses of the predicted proteins for biochemical signatures and roles
- Primer design for amplifications and analyses of genes
- Alignments and comparisons of DNA and protein sequences for assessing sequence similarities, mutations, evolutionary relationships.
- Introduction to omics technologies.
- The tasks guide the students through a query process using numerous computer-based tools. Exercises vary from year to year.
Content
The indicative content of this evolving field is as follows:
• Molecular genetic analysis of DNA and protein sequence data for purposes such as directional manipulations, restriction mapping, determining gene structures, regulatory sequences
• Translation of DNA into predicted proteins, analyses of the predicted proteins for biochemical signatures and roles
• Primer design for amplifications and analyses of genes
• Alignments and comparisons of DNA and protein sequences for assessing sequence similarities, mutations, evolutionary relationships.
• Introduction to omics technologies.
• The tasks guide the students through a query process using numerous computer-based tools. Exercises vary from year to year.
• Molecular genetic analysis of DNA and protein sequence data for purposes such as directional manipulations, restriction mapping, determining gene structures, regulatory sequences
• Translation of DNA into predicted proteins, analyses of the predicted proteins for biochemical signatures and roles
• Primer design for amplifications and analyses of genes
• Alignments and comparisons of DNA and protein sequences for assessing sequence similarities, mutations, evolutionary relationships.
• Introduction to omics technologies.
• The tasks guide the students through a query process using numerous computer-based tools. Exercises vary from year to year.
Study resources
- References.
References
A list of reading materials and/or required texts will be made available in the Unit Outline.