Bioinformatics: analysis of DNA and protein structure

Protein structure and methods of structure determination will be presented as well as the use of protein databases and software for visualizing proteins. Methods for secondary and tertiary protein

structure prediction will be discussed as well as methods for modeling small/molecule-protein

interactions and protein-protein interactions. Finally, students will be introduced to experimental and

computational aspects of mapping protein interaction networks. Computational methods for study of

biological DNA sequence data in comparative biology and evolution. Analysis of genome DNA

content and organization. Techniques for searching sequence databases, pairwise and multiple

sequence alignment, phylogenetic methods, and methods for pattern recognition and functional

inference from sequence data.

1. Baxevanis, A.D., Ouellette, B.F.F. Bioinformatics: A Practical Guide to the Analysis of Genes and

Proteins. (2004) Wiley-Interscience

2. Higgs P.G., Attwood T.K. Bioinformatics and Molecular Evolution (2005) Wiley-Blackwell

3. Jin Xiong, Essential Bioinformatics (2006) Cambridge University Press

KNOWLEDGE

A student:

- understands the theory and statistical background of commonly available bioinformatics tools

- recognizes the role of bioinfomatics methods in modern biosciences

- understands the advantages and disadvantages of different techniques used in bioinformatics

SKILLS

A student is able to:

- use well-established and widely used bioinformatics

tools and platforms

- navigate through internet-based biological databases

- manipulate DNA and protein sequences using stand-alone PC programs and online tools

- find homologues, analyse sequences, construct and interpret evolutionary trees

- analyse protein sequences, identify proteins, and retrieve protein structures from databases. View and interpret these structures.

ATTITUDES

- The broad education necessary to understand

the impact of bioinformatics in a global, and societal

context.

- A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage

in lifelong learning.

- Understand social, legal, and privacy implications of electronic storage and sharing of biological information