Cellular and Molecular Biology

BIOINFORMATICS

BIOINFORMATICS

Academic year 2016/2017

Sommario del corso

• Course objectives
• Results of learning outcomes
• Course delivery
• Learning assessment methods
• Program
• Suggested textbooks and readings
• Teaching tools

Course objectives

The course provides, on one side, a general overview of biological problems, and, on the other side, describes the main techniques used to deal with these problems.

Results of learning outcomes

The student will be able to discuss with the biologist, to understand the biological problem at hand, and to suggest a solution based on the techniques learned during the course.

Course delivery

Lectures and seminars

Emphasis is given to the scientific topics of the syllabus, by surveying the status of art.

Moreover, seminars on specific issues will be presented by experts in the field.

Learning assessment methods

Exercises and discussions with the students during the lessons are the main tools for controlling the learning experience. A final written test checking the acquired knowledge lasts 90 minutes and evaluates the student ability to answer both theoretical questions and solving problems related to the topics introduced during the course. Moreover, an oral exam consists in the review of a scientific article, chosen by the student and related to the topics of the course.

Program

Introduction to molecular biology. Sequence alignment algorithms. Multiple sequence alignment algorithnms. Phylogenetic tree construction algorithms. Protein structure prediction algorithms. Gene networks: models and inference algorithms. Organization and query of biological databases.

A.M. Lesk, "Introduzione alla Bioinformatica", McGraw-Hill Ed. G. Valle, M. Helmer Citterich, M. Attimonelli, G. Pesole "Introduzione alla Bioinformatica", Zanichelli Ed. D.E. Krane e M.L. Raymer, "Fondamenti di Bioinformatica", Pearson Education Italia Ed.

Class schedule

• Teaching materials
• Exams and finals
• Go to Moodle
• Visit the forums