OVERVIEW

Nowadays, solving biological problems is heavily linked to the necessity of managing large amounts of biological data. This is made possible thanks to advancements in technologies that allow for the study of molecular changes in cells. In this course, students will have the opportunity to learn how to analyze and interpret this data using computational tools, which are available in free libraries such as Bioconductor and CRAN. Additionally, students will learn how to effectively reuse existing data deposited in biological databases.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Bioinformatics is the study of how information is represented and analyzed in biological systems, especially information derived at the molecular level. The course will focus on the methodological and technological basis of bioinformatics, they include the creation and management of standard terminologies and data representations, the integration of heterogeneous databases, the organization and searching of the biomedical literature, the use of machine learning techniques to extract new knowledge, the simulation of biological processes, and the creation of knowledge-based systems to support advanced practitioners in the field.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will cultivate the ability to develop their imagination and creativity, fostering an environment where innovative thinking thrives. This innovative thinking is connected to learning how to face complex data management problems such as predictions, gene regulation, and protein-protein communication networks. Through critical reflection and strategic thinking, learners will engage in problem-solving activities that are directly applicable to these challenges and evolving creative processes. The course also emphasizes the effective and efficient use of available databases, transforming ideas into actionable solutions. By enhancing self-awareness, this course empowers students to become proactive contributors in the field of bioinformatics.

PREREQUISITES

• Basic knowledge of Chemistry: structure of matter, inter / intramolecular bonds, energy potentials
• Basic knowledge of biology: meaning of Mendelian genetics, the concept of evolution, nucleic acids, proteins.
• Data management and analysis
• Knowledge of logic programming

TEACHING METHODS

48 hours of classroom lessons, unless otherwise indicated by the Ministerial guidelines. To pass the bioinformatics exam, students will be required to develop a project. Additionally, practical exercises using the R language will be conducted in the classroom, directly connected to the theoretical concepts taught in the course.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Biological basis for Bioinformatics

Basic notions of organic chemistry and molecular biology

Notions of Genetics.

gene sequences and evolution: point mutations, gene duplication, chromosomal rearrangement

Databases of biological interest

Web platforms: EnsEMBL, GenBank, Genome Browser

Sequence Alignment (Alignment of Sequence Pairs, Alignment Algorithms, Scoring of an alignment)

Homology, identity, and similarity of genes

Similarity matrices of scoring and substitution, BLAST

Clustal. Algorithm.

Gene regulation and differential analysis

The 20 amino acids: chemical-physical characteristics, one and three letters code.

Databases of protein structures: Uniprot, Protein Data Bank, Expasy proteomics tools.

Use of R language and Bioconductor libraries

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Bibliography
  • Paul M. Selzer, Richard J. Marhöfer, Oliver Koch. Applied Bioinformatics. Springer International Publishing AG. Available online at the link: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-68301-0
  • Slides provided by teachers

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

CAMILLO ROSANO (President)

GABRIELA FERNANDA CORONEL VARGAS

VITTORIO SANGUINETI (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/11159/p/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Project work and oral exam

ASSESSMENT METHODS

• The practical test aims to verify students’ acquired knowledge of basic bioinformatics notions, and their ability to face up a bio-chemical problems by consulting databases and using open source informatic tools available in scientific bibliography.

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  The oral exam will mainly focus on the topics covered during the lectures and must confirm that the student has acquired the basic notions (biological and IT) provided by the course.