Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - MBB 505 G200

Problem Based Learning in Bioinformatics (3)

Class Number: 6982

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, Wed, 3:00–5:00 p.m.
    Location: TBA

  • Instructor:

    Faraz Hach (UBC)

  • Prerequisites:

    MBB 741 or equivalent bioinformatics course (undergraduate or graduate).

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The problem-based learning course will develop students' ability to exchange ideas in small groups focused on real but simplified problems in bioinformatics. Problems will be carefully selected to cover multiple areas of bioinformatics research. This is an advanced bioinformatics course that assumes the student has previous bioinformatics training. This course is identical to CMPT 505 and students cannot take both courses for credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Bioinformatics is loosely defined as the intersection between the fields of molecular biology and computer science. This is an advanced problem-based learning course, suitable for students who wish to learn more about this newly emerging field. Each week a different bioinformatics topic is presented by a different facilitating tutor, covering, for example: genome analysis, sequence similarity searching, evolutionary analysis, protein structure determination, microarray data analysis, etc.

Course Structure:
Each week, the students will be presented with a particular bioinformatics problem designed by the tutor. As a group, they will discuss this problem on the first day, with facilitation from the tutor presenting the problem for that week, to identify learning needs. Students will then research the topic in time for the next class, and perform appropriate computational analyses, if necessary. At the second class of the unit, further discussion and development of a solution will occur. Solution(s) to the problem will be presented at the end of the given week or a short written assignment will be given.

Grading

  • Individual and group-based evaluations of participation in discussions and presentations 40%
  • Written assignments 60%

NOTES:

All classes will be in-person at the Genome Sciences Centre (#100 - 570 West 7th Ave.).

 

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

  • access to high-speed internet
  • computer (webcam not needed)

REQUIRED READING:

None

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.

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

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.