Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2022-2023 (archived)

Module BIOL50315: Bioinformatics

Department: Biosciences

BIOL50315: Bioinformatics

Type Tied Level 5 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2022/23
Tied to G5P223

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To provide students with a broad understanding of bioinformatics.
  • To provide students with the knowledge and skills of the R environment for data analysis and visualization in Bioinformatics.
  • To provide students with the knowledge and skills to analyse genomic and transcriptomic data using standard software.
  • To provide students with the knowledge and skills to analyse DNA and protein sequence data.
  • To provide students with the knowledge and skills to use public bioinformatics databases.

Content

  • Introduction of bioinformatics.
  • R environment for data analysis and visualization in Bioinformatics.
  • Linux and high-performance computing.
  • Analysis of RNA-seq data using standard software.
  • Analysis of small-scale mutations in genome sequencing data using standard software.
  • Analysis of DNA and protein sequence data.
  • Public bioinformatics databases.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Essential knowledge of the R environment for data analysis and visualization in Bioinformatics.
  • Essential knowledge of Linux and high-performance computing.
  • Essential knowledge of RNA-seq data analysis.
  • Essential knowledge of genome sequencing data analysis.
  • Essential knowledge of DNA and protein sequence data analysis.
  • Familiar with major public bioinformatics databases.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Ability to use the R environment for data analysis and visualization in Bioinformatics.
  • Ability to use Linux and high-performance computing.
  • Ability to analyse RNAseq data using standard software.
  • Ability to analyse small-scale mutations in genome sequencing data using standard software.
  • Ability to analyse DNA and protein sequence data.
  • Ability to use major public bioinformatics databases.
Key Skills:
  • Data analysis, visualization and interpretation
  • Linux and high-performance computing
  • Hypothesis building
  • Problem solving

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • This module will be delivered via workshops
  • Summative assessment will be via coursework.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Workshops 16 Twice per week 2 hours 32 ■
Preparation and reading 118
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Bioinformatics Report 40%
Mini Project Report 60%

Formative Assessment:

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University