Introduction to Bioinformatics, 7.5 credits

Contents

The course is an introduction to bioinformatics and provides basic skills in bioinformatics. The course covers basic information retrieval, introduction to R and the Linux command line, statistics and linear models, analysis of genomics data and common tools for data integration.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, students must be able to, with regard to:

Knowledge and understanding:
* Explain the origin of normal statistical distributions.
* Explain how common plots in biology are to be interpreted.

Competence and skills:
* Obtain common biological data from online resources and use common tools relevant to bioinformatics.
* Use basic Linux commands for file management and software execution.
* Create basic scripts in R using documentation on the Internet.
* Apply linear models, including in matrix format, to solve common statistical problems (including ANOVA and the limma package).
* Calculate p-values for normal statistical distributions using R.
* Perform basic NGS analyses.
* Compare data using a number of different common methods.

Judgement and approach:
* Assess when the FAIR principles should be applied.

Required Knowledge

20 credits from completed courses in chemistry, of which at least 5 credits in biochemistry, or 20 credits from a combination of completed courses in chemistry and physics and/or mathematics, of which at least 5 credits in biochemistry; 60 credits from completed courses in biology, these credits must contain molecular biology, microbiology, genetics and cell biology.

Form of instruction

The course contains recorded lectures that deal with theory and the practical workflow, as well as individual examined assignments. Great emphasis is placed on practical practice through individual tasks with step-by-step instructions. A large part of the course is given online with recorded lectures. The students can do the individual exercises remotely, but they are also offered teacher-led lessons where they can work on the individual tasks. The language of instruction is English.

Examination modes

The course is assessed through an individual written exam. The final grade of the course is based on the evaluation of this exam. The written exam and the grade of the course is graded using Fail (U), Pass (G), and Pass with Distinction (VG).

The course coordinator may decide that active participation in non-mandatory tasks, case studies, or discussion forums will award bonus points to be added to the exam score of the regular written exam, not exceeding 10% of the total exam points. It is the responsibility of the course coordinator to inform students at the start of the course which activities offer bonus points and the criteria for earning them.

For students who have not been approved at the regular exam, a new exam will be arranged in accordance with Umeå University's Rules for grades and examinations at undergraduate and advanced level (FS 1.1-574-22). The first re-exam is offered no later than two months after the regular exam. In the cases where the regular exam takes place in May or June, a first re-examination is offered instead within three months of the regular exam. In addition, at least one further re-examination is offered within one year from the regular exam date. If the result is Fail, the student is then referred to the exam the next time the course/module is given.

A student who has passed two examinations for a course or part of a course without a passing result, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless there are special reasons against it (HF ch. 6 § 22). The request for a new examiner is made to the Deputy Head of the Department of Molecular Biology.

For students who have a decision on recommended support due to a disability, the examiner may decide on deviations from the examination format specified in the syllabus. Individual adaptation of the examination format shall be considered based on the student’s needs and the intended learning outcomes of the course. For more information, see the Procedures for support to students with disabilities and the Regulations for grading and examination.

Crediting
The student has the right to be tested if previous education or corresponding knowledge and skills acquired in professional activities can be credited for the corresponding education at Umeå University. The application for credit is sent to the Studentcentrum. More information about credit transfer can be found on Umeå University's student website and in the Higher Education Ordinance (ch. 6).

Other regulations

The course cannot be included in a degree together with the course Bioinformatics and Genome Analysis. The course cannot be used in a Degree of Master of Science in Engineering with specialization Engineering Biotechnology.

Transitional provisions

In the event that the syllabus ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examinations (including the regular examination opportunity) according to the regulations in the syllabus that the student was originally registered on for a period of a maximum of two years from the time that the previous syllabus ceased to apply or that the course ended.