Class times: Tuesday & Thursday 9:30-10:50AM
Class location: Nevada Building Computer Lab 1203 1/2 W. Nevada Street (map)
Moodle Page For Students https://learn.illinois.edu/course/view.php?id=20799

Instructor: Dr. Patrick Degnan
Email: pdegnan at illinois.edu

Course Summary & Objectives

The field of Molecular Biology exists at the interface genetics and biochemistry and has undergone numerous revolutions in the last 75+ years. In particular genome-enabled research has provided a fundamental shift in the scale and scope of molecular biological questions that can be asked and answered. Analyzing and understanding such large datasets has required the development and application of numerous computational tools. This course will introduce students to the tools and technologies that (1) turn a pile of random sequence reads into an assembled and annotated genome, (2) determine gene homology, function and evolution, (3) assess gene regulatory and metabolic networks. In the process students will become proficient in utilizing not only important web resources, but learn the basics of the command line interface and PERL programming.

The entirety of course instruction occurs in the Nevada Building Computer Lab and is necessarily hands-on. Sessions are divided between (1) lectures on biological and computational concepts and (2) guided computer activities. Students participate in both individual assignments and team projects that reinforce their skills and understanding of the material. No prior programing or bioinformatic experience is expected, but a willingness to experiment and persevere with potentially challenging tasks is strongly recommended.

For more information contact the instructor.