Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - MBB 741 G100

Bioinformatics (3)

Class Number: 2581

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Wed, Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MBB 331 and MBB 342 or permission of the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Lectures and hands-on instruction at the computer in the use of, and theory behind, bioinformatic software and algorithms for the analysis of macromolecular data.

COURSE DETAILS:

Calendar Description: 
Examining the use of, and theory behind, bioinformatic software and algorithms for the analysis of macromolecular data. Includes consideration of recent literature and discussion of ethics in method development and analysis. 

Course Details: 
Examining the latest developments in bioinformatics, which is loosely defined as the intersection between the fields of molecular biology and computer science. Topics covered may include sequence searching and alignment, bioinformatics databases and ontologies, sequence variant analysis, sequence motif identification, metagenomics analysis, protein analysis, evolutionary/phylogenetic analysis, network/systems biology, machine learning/software development for predictive methods, and ethics in method/database development and analysis. Instruction will include lecture material and in-depth consideration of selected papers in the field.

Grading

  • Quizzes on lecture material and assigned reading throughout the term 45%
  • Presentations 25%
  • Participation 5%
  • Term paper 25%

NOTES:

Lecture: blended (synchronous lectures, recorded and available online for asynchronous viewing)
Tutorial: blended (synchronous, attendance not mandatory, recorded intro)
Laboratory:  one class will have computer lab-like structure (synchronous, recorded)
Assessments: assignments, synchronous presentations, and synchronous non-cumulative time-limited quizzes

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Access to high-speed internet
Computer, no need for webcam
Specialized software:  all software will be made available for free

REQUIRED READING:

None.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).