BIOL 495S / CS 490B / MATH 490B / STAT 490B
Introduction to Bioinformatics
Spring 2002

Bioinformatics is broadly defined as the study of molecular biological information, targeting particularly the enormous volume of DNA sequence and functional complexity embedded in entire genomes. Topics will include understanding the evolutionary organization of genes (genomics), the structure and function of gene products (proteomics), and the dynamics of gene expression in biological processes (transcriptomics). Inherently, bioinformatics is interdisciplinary, melding various applications of computational science with biology. This jointly taught course introduces analytical methods from biology, statistics and computer science that are necessary for bioinformatics investigations. Our objective is to develop the skills of both tool users and tool designers in this important new field of research

This course is intended for junior and senior undergraduates from various science backgrounds.

Grades in the course will be based on one mid-term and one final exam, together worth a total of 40% of the course grade. The balance of the course grade (60%) will be based on 2-3 mini-projects, with associated homework assignments, and quizzes. Each mini-project will be conducted by an interdisciplinary student group, i.e., containing a biologist, a statistician, a computer scientist, a mathematician, etc. Mini-projects will be focused on various aspects of genomics, transcriptomics or proteomics. Semester grades will be awarded based on the following minima of performance: 90% = A, 80% = B, 70% = C and 60% = D; < 60% = F. These thresholds will not be raised but may be lowered at the instructors' discretion.

Attendance is mandatory. Academic dishonesty of any kind (cheating, plagiarism, fabrication of data, improper collaboration, etc.) is not tolerated and is grounds for failing the course (grade F) and notification of University administration for further disciplinary action. All assignments will be explicitly labeled for individual versus group effort; groups will be instructed as to the rules for collaboration. All questions about course policy and administration should be directed to the Course Coordinator.