Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - MBB 841 G100

Genomics and Bioinformatics Colloquium (1)

Class Number: 5184

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Location: TBA

  • Prerequisites:

    It is recommended that students have previously taken one introductory computer-programming course (e.g. CMPT 102, 110, 120, 130 or equivalent) and one introductory statistics course (e.g. STAT 201, 270 or equivalent); or permission of the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Recent research articles on modern genomic techniques will be presented and discussed by students and faculty, with an emphasis on critical analysis of the concepts, experimental design, technologies and the practical application of bioinformatics algorithms. A student may not take more than 3 units of colloquia.

COURSE DETAILS:

General Course Description and objectives
Problems and methods presented in contemporary research literature, investigating emerging techniques for studying genetics, gene expression and regulation from a genomic perspective will be discussed. A strong emphasis will be on the diverse applications of genomic techniques spanning human health and disease, pathogenesis and molecular evolution. Bioinformatics methodologies for manipulating large genomic data sets will be a key focus.

Format
The student will select a new research article for presentation in consultation with the instructor. The student will research the topic, including other necessary articles, in addition to the lead article. The topic will be presented orally in a 50 minute session, with ample time for discussion. All students will be expected to read the lead paper and to participate in discussions.

The colloquium will also be open for attendance and participation by anyone (including post-docs, research associates and faculty) in MBB or from other departments at SFU.

Grading

  • Oral presentations 50%
  • Class discussion 50%

NOTES:

Evaluation in each category above will be based on the students' grasp of knowledge and effective communication and presentation.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

None; material to be covered will be drawn directly from primary literature.

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.