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Introduction to Genomic Technologies

This course introduces you to the basic biology of modern genomics and the experimental tools that we use to measure it. We'll introduce the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology and cover how next-generation sequencing can be used to measure DNA, RNA, and epigenetic patterns. You'll also get an introduction to the key concepts in computing and data science that you'll need to understand how data from next-generation sequencing experiments are generated and analyzed.

This is the first course in the Genomic Data Science Specialization.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Overview

In this Module, you can expect to study topics of "Just enough molecular biology", "The genome", "Writing a DNA sequence", "Central dogma", "Transcription", "Translation", and "DNA structure and modifications".

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Builds foundational knowledge in genomics and sequencing technologies

Provides a comprehensive introduction to the field

Covers the essential concepts of next-generation sequencing

Introduces key concepts in computing and data science

Requires no prior knowledge in molecular biology or computer science

Taught by experienced instructors in genomics and data science

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Reviews summary

Foundational introduction to genomic technologies

According to learners, this course provides a broad and essential overview of genomic technologies, covering key areas from basic biology to sequencing and data science. Many find it an excellent starting point and a solid foundation for the Genomic Data Science Specialization. However, students note the pace can feel rushed, particularly in the computing and data science modules, making it quite challenging for some. Success often requires some prior knowledge in biology, statistics, or basic programming, and it may not be suitable for those with no background in any of the covered topics.

Integrates biology, tech, and data science.

"The blend of biology, tech, and data is unique."

"leap from theory to the data science part was challenging."

"overview of the types of questions genomic data science can answer."

Provides essential intro to the field.

"Provides a broad and essential overview of the field."

"Excellent starting point for the specialization."

"Covers a lot of ground effectively. The blend of biology, tech, and data is well-structured."

"Great introduction to key concepts in genomics, sequencing, and data handling."

"A solid foundation, but definitely requires some prior knowledge..."

"Helpful introduction. Good overview of the types of questions..."

Some prior background is recommended.

"Requires some prior knowledge in biology and perhaps basic stats/programming to keep up."

"Assumed too much prior knowledge."

"Not suitable for complete beginners."

"isn't for true beginners across all topics."

Course can feel fast-paced and difficult.

"Pace felt rushed, especially in the computing and data science modules."

"Found it very challenging. The leap between theory and data science was too large for me..."

"Needed external resources to fully grasp concepts."

"Completely lost during the computing sections."

"Some parts felt dry."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Genomic Technologies with these activities:

Review Basic Biology Knowledge

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Reviewing basic biology concepts will provide a solid foundation for understanding genomics.

Browse courses on Molecular Biology

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Read through introductory biology textbooks or online resources.
Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding.

Review 'Introduction to Genomics' by Peter J. Russell

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of genomics, its applications, and ethical implications.

View Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course... on Amazon

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Read through the chapters relevant to the course topics.
Take notes and highlight key concepts.
Discuss the book's content with peers or the instructor.

Follow Tutorials on Next-Generation Sequencing

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Tutorials provide hands-on experience and practical knowledge of next-generation sequencing techniques.

Browse courses on Next-Generation Sequencing

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Identify reputable online platforms or courses offering tutorials.
Work through the tutorials, following the instructions and completing exercises.
Experiment with different parameters and settings to gain a deeper understanding.

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Participate in Study Groups

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Engaging with peers through study groups can foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and critical thinking.

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Connect with classmates or form study groups.
Meet regularly to discuss course materials, share insights, and work through problems.
Provide constructive feedback and support to group members.

Practice Solving Bioinformatics Problems

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Solving bioinformatics problems strengthens computational thinking and problem-solving skills essential for genomics research.

Browse courses on Bioinformatics

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Identify online platforms or resources with bioinformatics problems.
Attempt to solve problems independently.
Review solutions and learn from your mistakes.

Develop a Data Analysis Plan

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Creating a data analysis plan will help you organize and structure your approach to analyzing genomic data.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Define the research question and objectives.
Identify the relevant data sources and types.
Choose appropriate data analysis methods and tools.
Document your plan clearly and concisely.

Create Visualizations of Genomic Data

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Creating visual representations of genomic data enhances understanding and facilitates communication of complex information.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Choose a dataset and identify key patterns or trends.
Explore different visualization techniques and platforms.
Create compelling visuals that effectively convey the data.
Share your visualizations with others for feedback and discussion.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Genomic Technologies will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Bioinformatician

A Bioinformatician analyzes biological data, such as DNA sequences, to identify patterns and trends. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic biology of modern genomics and the experimental tools used to measure it, which are essential skills for a Bioinformatician. The course also covers key concepts in computing and data science, which are necessary for understanding how data from next-generation sequencing experiments are generated and analyzed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Bioinformatician

Computational Biologist

A Computational Biologist uses computer science and mathematics to solve biological problems. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic biology of modern genomics and the experimental tools used to measure it, which are essential skills for a Computational Biologist. The course also covers key concepts in computing and data science, which are necessary for understanding how data from next-generation sequencing experiments are generated and analyzed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computational Biologist

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist uses data to solve problems and make decisions. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic biology of modern genomics and the experimental tools used to measure it, which are essential skills for a Data Scientist. The course also covers key concepts in computing and data science, which are necessary for understanding how data from next-generation sequencing experiments are generated and analyzed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Geneticist

A Geneticist studies genes and heredity. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic biology of modern genomics and the experimental tools used to measure it, which are essential skills for a Geneticist. The course also covers key concepts in computing and data science, which are necessary for understanding how data from next-generation sequencing experiments are generated and analyzed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geneticist

Medical Geneticist

A Medical Geneticist studies the role of genes in health and disease. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic biology of modern genomics and the experimental tools used to measure it, which are essential skills for a Medical Geneticist. The course also covers key concepts in computing and data science, which are necessary for understanding how data from next-generation sequencing experiments are generated and analyzed.

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Molecular Biologist

A Molecular Biologist studies the structure and function of molecules. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic biology of modern genomics and the experimental tools used to measure it, which are essential skills for a Molecular Biologist. The course also covers key concepts in computing and data science, which are necessary for understanding how data from next-generation sequencing experiments are generated and analyzed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Molecular Biologist

Pharmacogenomics Scientist

A Pharmacogenomics Scientist studies the role of genes in drug response. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic biology of modern genomics and the experimental tools used to measure it, which are essential skills for a Pharmacogenomics Scientist. The course also covers key concepts in computing and data science, which are necessary for understanding how data from next-generation sequencing experiments are generated and analyzed.

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Population Geneticist

A Population Geneticist studies the genetic diversity of populations. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic biology of modern genomics and the experimental tools used to measure it, which are essential skills for a Population Geneticist. The course also covers key concepts in computing and data science, which are necessary for understanding how data from next-generation sequencing experiments are generated and analyzed.

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Research Scientist

A Research Scientist conducts scientific research in a variety of fields. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic biology of modern genomics and the experimental tools used to measure it, which are essential skills for a Research Scientist. The course also covers key concepts in computing and data science, which are necessary for understanding how data from next-generation sequencing experiments are generated and analyzed.

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Science Writer

A Science Writer writes about scientific topics for a variety of audiences. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic biology of modern genomics and the experimental tools used to measure it, which are essential skills for a Science Writer. The course also covers key concepts in computing and data science, which are necessary for understanding how data from next-generation sequencing experiments are generated and analyzed.

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Statistician

A Statistician collects, analyzes, interprets, and presents data. This course may be helpful for a Statistician who wants to learn more about the basic biology of modern genomics and the experimental tools used to measure it. The course also covers key concepts in computing and data science, which are necessary for understanding how data from next-generation sequencing experiments are generated and analyzed.

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Teacher

A Teacher teaches students about a variety of subjects. This course may be helpful for a Teacher who wants to learn more about the basic biology of modern genomics and the experimental tools used to measure it. The course also covers key concepts in computing and data science, which are necessary for understanding how data from next-generation sequencing experiments are generated and analyzed.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer writes technical documents, such as manuals and reports. This course may be helpful for a Technical Writer who wants to learn more about the basic biology of modern genomics and the experimental tools used to measure it. The course also covers key concepts in computing and data science, which are necessary for understanding how data from next-generation sequencing experiments are generated and analyzed.

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Web Developer

A Web Developer develops and maintains websites. This course may be helpful for a Web Developer who wants to learn more about the basic biology of modern genomics and the experimental tools used to measure it. The course also covers key concepts in computing and data science, which are necessary for understanding how data from next-generation sequencing experiments are generated and analyzed.

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Systems Biologist

A Systems Biologist studies the interactions between different parts of a biological system. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic biology of modern genomics and the experimental tools used to measure it, which are essential skills for a Systems Biologist. The course also covers key concepts in computing and data science, which are necessary for understanding how data from next-generation sequencing experiments are generated and analyzed.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Biologist

Reading list

We've selected 17 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Genomic Technologies.

Genomes 4

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This introductory textbook covers eukaryotic genomes comprehensively, including the latest advances in the field.

Introduction to Genomic Technologies

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Foundational introduction to genomic technologies

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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