Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - MBB 505 G200

Problem Based Learning in Bioinformatics (3)

Class Number: 2619

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Mon, Wed, 3:30–5:20 p.m.
    Location: TBA

  • 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:

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN CLASS TIMES: Mo, We 1500-1700

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:

Most likely the classes will be virtual, but a room has been tentatively booked at the Genome Sciences Centre at 570 W 7th Avenue, Vancouver, in case they are in person.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

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

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 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.