551-1299-00L  Introduction to Bioinformatics

SemesterAutumn Semester 2018
LecturersS. Sunagawa, M. Gstaiger, A. Kahles, G. Rätsch, B. Snijder, E. Vayena, C. von Mering, N. Zamboni
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish
CommentNumber of participants limited to 50.


AbstractThis course introduces principle concepts, the state-of-the-art and methods used in the field of Bioinformatics. Major topics include: genomics, metagenomics, network bioinformatics, and imaging. Lectures are accompanied by practical exercises that involve the use of common bioinformatic methods and basic programming.
Learning objectiveThe course will provide students with the theoretical background in the area of genomics, metagenomics, network bioinformatics and imaging. In addition, students will acquire basic skills in applying modern methods that are used in these sub-disciplines of Bioinformatics. Students will thus be able to access and analyze DNA sequence information, construct and interpret networks that emerge though interactions of e.g. genes/proteins, and extract information based on computer-assisted image data analysis. Students will also be able to assess the ethical implications of access to and generation of new and large amounts of information as they relate to the identifiability of a person and the ownership of data.
ContentEthics
Case studies to learn about applying ethical principles in human genomics research

Genomics
Genetic variant calling
Analyze and critical evaluate genome wide association studies

Metagenomics
Reconstruction of microbial genomes
Microbial community compositional analysis
Quantitative metagenomics

Network bioinformatics
Inference of molecular networks
Use of networks for interpretation of (gen)omics data

Imaging
High throughput single cell imaging
Image segmentation
Automatic analysis of drug effects on single cell suspension (chemotyping)
Prerequisites / NoticeBringing your own laptop is a prerequisite for taking this course.