Course Outline: FST612 Bioinformatics 6 Credits: 50: 5:5
Objective: To provide students with basic knowledge on the analysis and evaluation of
bioinformatics data to discover patterns.
Content
Week 1: Introduction to Bioinformatics
Definition, history, and applications of bioinformatics
Role of bioinformatics in genomics and molecular biology
Overview of bioinformatics tools and databases
Week 2: Genome Sequencing Projects
Introduction to genome sequencing projects
Case study: Human Genome Project
Analyzing and interpreting genomic data
Week 3: Databases in Bioinformatics
Introduction to bioinformatics databases
Types of databases and their applications
Limitations and challenges in database usage
Week 4: Literature Search Databases
Overview of literature search databases
Using PUBMED and MEDLINE for literature review
Effective search strategies and citation management tools
Week 5: Nucleic Acid and Protein Databases
Introduction to nucleic acid and protein databases
NCBI, EMBL, DDBJ, SWISS PROT, UNIPROT, and other major databases
Accessing and retrieving sequence information
Week 6: Biotechnological Databases
Overview of biotechnological databases
EST, STS, GSS, HTG, SNP, and other relevant databases
Applications of biotechnological databases in research
Week 7: Animal and Plant Databases
Introduction to animal and plant databases
Ensemble Genome project, TIGR database, Maize GDB, and other relevant databases
Analyzing and comparing genomic data in animals and plants
Week 8: Motifs and Pattern Databases
Overview of motifs and pattern databases
PROSITE, Pfam, BLOCKS, PRINTS, and other major databases
Predicting functional motifs and patterns in protein sequences
Week 9: Structural Databases
Introduction to structural databases
PDB, PDBsum, NDB, SCOP, CATH, and other major databases
Analyzing protein structures and their functions
Week 10: Database Retrieval and Deposition Systems
Overview of database retrieval and deposition systems
SRS, Entrez, Bankit, Seqin, Webin, AutoDep, and other relevant systems
Uploading and sharing data in bioinformatics databases
Week 11: Web Tools and Resources for Sequence Analysis
Introduction to web-based tools for sequence analysis
Sequence alignment, similarity search, and motif prediction tools
Hands-on exercises using popular web tools
Week 12: Gene Prediction and Phylogenetic Tree Construction
Gene prediction algorithms and tools
Phylogenetic tree construction and evolutionary analysis
Interpreting and visualizing phylogenetic relationships
Week 13: Protein Structure Prediction and Visualization
Protein structure prediction methods and algorithms
Homology modeling, ab initio prediction, and structure validation
Visualizing protein structures using molecular visualization tools
Grading
- Continuous Assessments (Tests, Assignments and Presentations)(30%) and Written
Examination(70%)
Mode of Instruction
- Lectures, Practical and industrial Visits
Instructors: Ndam L., Ayuk E.
Outcome: Students gain basic knowledge on the analysis and evaluation of bioinformatics data
to discover patterns.
References
Helder, I. N. (Ed.). (2021). Bioinformatics. Brisbane (AU): Exon Publications. Retrieved August
9, 2024, from [Link]
Bayat A. (2002). Science, medicine, and the future: Bioinformatics. BMJ (Clinical research
ed.), 324(7344), 1018–1022. [Link]
