Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - MBB 441 D100

Bioinformatics (3)

Class Number: 5127

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MBB 243 or 3 units of CMPT or equivalent with a minimum grade of C, or permission of the instructor; MBB 331 and MBB 342, with a minimum grade of C.

Description

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:

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 through the term 45%
  • Short summaries/critiques of papers selected from primary literature 25%
  • Participation 5%
  • Term paper 25%

Materials

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.