BIOL3802 Bioinformatics

Students will learn the key bioinformatic core competencies to fully develop their skills in modern biological sciences. Students will utilise bioinformatic software packages and principles to explore how viruses, cells and organisms function and change at the molecular informatic level. To achieve this, students will analyse data sets from cellular, environmental, forensic and medical biology to solve current, relevant biological problems. Finally, students will synthesise their analyses and demonstrate understanding in individual reports that emulate a scientific paper to familiarise themselves with modern means of scientific communication.

The educational aims of the topic are for the students to understand the importance of analysing biologically-related data sets to understand biological and ecological processes in a modern context.

1. Show competence with at least 1 each of DNA, RNA, protein and biological interaction bioinformatic software packages
2. Perform detailed data analysis using at least 1 software package
3. Demonstrate understanding of the analysis through written lab reports
4. Develop the ability to integrate the skills learned in a semester report
5. Communicate results with a short video presentation