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140.638.01
Analysis of Biological Sequences

Course Status
Discontinued

Location
East Baltimore
Term
2nd Term
Department
Biostatistics
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
In-person
Class Time(s)
Tu, Th, 8:30 - 9:50am
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Description
With fast-growing technology we can determine the sequences of biological molecules like DNA, RNA, and protein, and can produce tremendous amounts of data. Understanding these sequence data requires hybrid biological, mathematical, and computational expertise. This course presents algorithms and methods for working with and thinking about biological sequences, providing the first steps toward proficiency in this growing field.
Presents a variety of methods for assigning function to biological sequences, emphasizing biologically informed algorithm design. Covers a variety of topics, including low- and high-throughput sequencing history and methods; multiple classes of sequence alignment problems (one-to-one, multiple alignment, alignment of a few sequences to a database, and alignment to a reference genome); interpreting sequence alignments; discovery of patterns in sequences; and visualizing data.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Describe the algorithms used in assigning function to biological sequences;
  2. Determine which methods are appropriate for analyzing sequences derived from different experiments;
  3. Design analysis pipelines that are biologically meaningful and mathematically rigorous.
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 70% Homework
  • 30% Written critique of a publication