BIOC 3008: Introduction to Bioinformatics

Description
This practical course explores the broad scope of bioinformatics and provides insight into the theory, implementation, applications and limitations of computational approaches applied to biological problems. Topics may include introductory programming, data modeling, biological databases, sequence alignment, phylogeny, pathways and biological networks.

Course Goals

There are several objectives associated with this course. There are also more specific objectives associated with each module. Course objectives are listed below:

• To gain knowledge of basic algorithms and approaches in bioinformatics.
• To gain experience with popular bioinformatics tools and databases.
• To read and interpret a bioinformatics application paper.
• To design and develop a web-based bioinformatics resource.
• To gain an understanding of experimental approaches and techniques used to generate bioinformatics data
• Acquire, integrate and use concepts, information and knowledge required to understand and solve bioinformatics problems.

Critical thinking skills
The ability to critically analyse data and information from the bioinformatics literature, and form a logical and coherent synthesis.

Communication skills
The ablility to communicate bioinformatics knowledge and ideas clearly and concisely.

Self-directed learning skills
The ability to identify areas of deficiency in one's own performance, set priorities, find appropriate educational resources, evaluate personal learning progress, and use new knowledge and skills to solve bioinformatics problems.

Cooperative learning skills
Acquire the ability to work in a group and contribute to productive communication and cooperation among colleagues engaged in learning. It is in your own best interest to cooperate with your classmates to constantly improve the level of work and discussion in the class. Most professions require you to work with other people and this is definitely a transferable skill you should take away from this course.

Assignments

Workshops are the time assigned to complete assignments for this course only. A workshop may comprise of a tutorial. Assignments may span multiple workshops. Assignments will be due the day prior to the next scheduled workshop. This is to ensure no overlap between assignments and timely completion of assignments. All assignments will be submitted via WebCT. Only ONE extension of 3 days will be given (no reason required) during the course. If you opt for this, you must submit a text file to WebCT noting that you are using your ONE free extension, and this MUST be done before the assignment deadline. If no assignment is handed in, or if the note is handed in after the deadline, or this this is not the first late assignment, the mark is automatically assigned 0. There can be absolutely no discussion on this matter.

Students will gain a bonus for handing the assignment in early - 2% for each day prior to the deadline (up to 5 days or 10% bonus), in which the total assignment mark will not exceed 100%. Additional marks may be obtained by completing special bonus questions or for particularly innovative work (at the discretion of the TA / Instructor), up to a final assignment mark that does not exceed 100%.

Workshop attendance is typically necessary to complete the assignments, although in some cases you may choose to complete the assignments elsewhere. If you choose to work elsewhere, you are solely responsible for setting up the necessary tools to complete the assignment. We may make some materials available as to how to do this, but these are not supported, and you are on your own. Unless otherwise noted, all assignments must be prepared independently and submitted free of plagiarism. Some workshops will require students to collaborate in a group setting to complete the assignment. In these cases, students must prepare a group report, and clearly indicate their contributions.

Course Outline

Textbooks

Reading Material
Slides used in class and the required reading materials for the course are available on WebCT. You should read the assigned material before the lectures and workshops.

Policies

Please ensure that you read the Academic Regulations of the University on student conduct.
Students with a disability who require academic accommodations, please feel free to come and discuss this with me. Students must also contact the Paul Menton Centre (Room 500 University Centre) to complete the required forms at least two weeks prior to the first in-class or ITV test, and no later than 4 weeks prior to the start of the examination period. The centre usually hosts an orientation for students with documented Learning Disabilities. For more information call: (613) 520-6608 TTY (613) 520-3937.

Instructor