Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - MBB 342 D100

Introductory Genomics and Bioinformatics (3)

Class Number: 4711

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 5, 2025
    Fri, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MBB 231, BISC 202 and either MBB 110 or three units of CMPT or equivalent, all with a minimum grade of C. Recommended: STAT 201 (or an equivalent statistics course) or STAT 270.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Major topics in genomics and bioinformatics, with integrated discussion of associated ethical/legal/social issues. An overview of laboratory and computer-based methods to study genomes, and their applications. Hands-on computer lab session providing an opportunity to use and experiment with bioinformatics software and databases utilized in genomics and bioinformatics research.

COURSE DETAILS:

Course Structure:

Approximately one week will be devoted to each of the following topics:

  1. What is Bioinformatics? What is Genomics? An overview and history
  2. Obtaining the data: Genome sequencing, genome assembly
  3. Organizing the data: Gene/genome databases, browsers and searching
  4. Sequence alignment and sequence similarity search
  5. Genome assembly and short read mapping
  6. Human genome variation – SNP, copy number and structural
  7. Transcriptomics/RNA sequencing, chromatin IP and promoter analysis
  8. Multiple sequence alignment, intro to evolutionary analysis
  9. Orthologs, paralogs/gene families, phylogenetic analysis
  10. Protein, network-based analysis and Systems Biology
  11. Microbial genomics and metagenomics of environmental/human microbiomes
  12. Human genomics and personalized medicine
  13. Plant and animal genomics in agriculture and aquaculture

Grading

  • Lab assignments 35%
  • Two non-cumulative written exams, the second held during the final exam period (2 x 25%) 50%
  • Lab assignment/project 15%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

No textbook is required.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:


  • For help with writing, learning and study strategies please contact the Student Learning Commons at
    http://learningcommons.sfu.ca/
  • Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability, must contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (778-782-3112 or e-mail:  caladmin@sfu.ca)

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.