AP0702 - Bioinformatics

You will learn through lectures, practical IT sessions and independent learning. The lead lectures will introduce different topics and include in-class exercises, which put into practice the material covered in the lectures. Lecture slots will include guidance on the exploitation of information from the directed-learning materials. The online reading lists will provide directed learning material, including primary peer-reviewed literature and current textbooks for introductory material. You will be expected to undertake independent self-directed learning, with the module reading lists providing a platform for further study.

You will be supported in the completion of the coursework component by the provision of structured computer laboratory sessions running concurrently with the lectures, which will provide you with training in the use of appropriate bioinformatics tools. There will be time in-class for the tutor to respond to specific questions. In addition, tutors will respond to questions via the module’s discussion board at the University’s eLearning Portal so that the whole group can benefit, alongside being available via email and/or face-to-face meetings for more specific queries. Training in essay techniques will be provided prior to the assessed exam, so that you will have an understanding of what might be expected for a good essay answer.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
•You will be expected to engage with the theory underpinning the material covered, the bioinformatics tools covered and their application to prokaryotic sequences
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
•You will develop skills in undertaking advanced bioinformatic analysis of sequence data and learn skills in quantitative analysis to prepare you for further study and/or employment in a quantitative profession
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural/awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
•You will develop an understanding of how bioinformatics is changing biology and how the application of these techniques enables the investigation of genome-wide questions

Assessment is by coursework, comprising two 50% components focused on analyses of genome and protein sequences, respectively (KU, IPA)
These courseworks (In-class tests) will assess a practical understanding of genome comparison, understanding functional impact of SNPs (mutations), identification of bacterial species using genomic approaches and protein localisation, and will be marked with appropriate feedback within 20 working days of submission of the coursework (KU).

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Bioinformatics is the application of computer-based tools in the management and analysis of biological data, and this module will enable you to gain an understanding and practical experience of state-of-the-art bioinformatic techniques. We have designed this module to focus on the application of bioinformatics to prokaryotic genomes, which will complement the course-wide learning outcomes with applications to both biotechnology and microbiology.
You will learn about phylogeny, sequence searching, next-generation sequencing and its application, as well as protein structural analysis. Additionally, you will gain an understanding of CRISPR-Cas, a potentially game-changing technology that enables precision genome editing. The taught material will be enhanced with the opportunity to gain practical experience in the use of appropriate bioinformatic tools. Upon completion of the module, students will understand the fundamental importance of bioinformatics in biology.