We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Phillip Compeau and Pavel Pevzner

Building a fully-fledged algorithm to assemble genomes from DNA fragments on a real dataset is an enormous challenge with major demand in the multi-billion dollar biotech industry.

Read more

Building a fully-fledged algorithm to assemble genomes from DNA fragments on a real dataset is an enormous challenge with major demand in the multi-billion dollar biotech industry.

In this capstone project, we will take the training wheels off and let you design your own optimized software program for genome sequencing.

This big data challenge will cover the entire MicroMasters program. After a brief introduction to the steps required to build a genome assembler, we will let you take steps on your own to start working with real data taken from a sequencing machine and see if you can design genome assembly software that can compete with popular software used in hundreds of sequencing labs around the world every day.

Three deals to help you save

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Graph algorithms
  • Algorithms for genome assembly
  • Algorithm optimization

Syllabus

This big data challenge will cover the entire program. After a brief introduction to the steps required to build a genome assembler, we will let you take steps on your own to start working with real data taken from a sequencing machine and see if you can design genome assembly software that can compete with popular software used in hundreds of sequencing labs around the world every day.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines graph algorithms, core for genome assembly
Explores algorithms for genome assembly, an industry standard
Develops algorithm optimization, a core skill for bioinformatics
Involves designing and implementing a genome assembler, a sought-after skill in biotech
Leverages real-world data, ensuring practical relevance

Save this course

Save Algorithms and Data Structures Capstone to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

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 Algorithms and Data Structures Capstone with these activities:
Explore the edX course platform
Start learning about the course platform to familiarize yourself with the course structure and tools.
Browse courses on edX
Show steps
  • Create an edX account
  • Explore the course interface
  • Review the course syllabus
Build a simple genome assembly algorithm
Develop a basic understanding of genome assembly algorithms by building your own
Browse courses on Genome Assembly
Show steps
  • Choose a programming language and framework
  • Implement the De Bruijn graph algorithm
  • Test your algorithm on a small dataset
  • Analyze the results and identify areas for improvement
Solve graph algorithm problems
Strengthen your understanding of graph algorithms by solving practice problems.
Browse courses on Graph Algorithms
Show steps
  • Identify a problem-solving platform
  • Start solving problems of varying difficulty levels
  • Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Attend a workshop on genome assembly
Expand your knowledge and connect with experts in the field by attending a workshop on genome assembly.
Browse courses on Genome Assembly
Show steps
  • Identify and register for a relevant workshop
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions
  • Follow up with the organizers or speakers to continue learning
Read 'Algorithms for DNA Sequencing' by Pavel Pevzner
Gain a deeper understanding of genome assembly algorithms from a leading expert in the field.
Show steps
  • Identify the key concepts covered in the book
  • Read and take notes on the relevant chapters
  • Summarize the main takeaways
Mentor junior students in genome assembly
Reinforce your understanding of genome assembly by mentoring others.
Browse courses on Genome Assembly
Show steps
  • Identify opportunities to mentor junior students
  • Provide guidance and support on genome assembly concepts
  • Evaluate student progress and provide constructive feedback
Create a presentation on genome assembly optimization
Demonstrate your understanding of genome assembly optimization by creating a presentation.
Browse courses on Genome Assembly
Show steps
  • Research different genome assembly optimization techniques
  • Design and create a presentation that showcases your findings
  • Present your findings to your peers or instructors
Contribute to an open-source genome assembly project
Gain practical experience and contribute to the field by participating in an open-source genome assembly project.
Browse courses on Genome Assembly
Show steps
  • Identify a relevant open-source project
  • Review the project documentation and contribute code
  • Participate in project discussions and provide feedback

Career center

Learners who complete Algorithms and Data Structures Capstone will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Bioinformatician
Your work may include developing and publishing machine learning algorithms for sequencing and assembling complex microbial communities. Expertise in writing efficient algorithms in C++ to solve large-scale genomic problems would be important. You should have a strong background in algorithm design for sequence assembly and genomics. This course will provide you with a foundation in designing algorithms for genome assembly. You will also learn graph algorithms.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers collaborate with doctors, biologists, and computer scientists to solve problems in biology and health. You may design medical devices, imaging systems, or computer simulations, and then test them on cells and living organisms. You may also work on developing algorithms.
Computer Scientist
The primary research method of computer science is to design, develop, implement and apply computer software and hardware systems. This course will teach you the graph algorithms and algorithms for genome assembly used by computer scientists.
Data Analyst
Data analysts collect, clean, and analyze data. They may also create visualizations to help people understand data. This course will teach you the data analysis algorithms used by data analysts.
Genomics Specialist
Genomics specialists are responsible for analyzing and interpreting genomic data. This may involve developing and using algorithms for genome assembly. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in the graph algorithms and algorithms for genome assembly that are used by genomics specialists.
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine learning engineers use machine learning algorithms to solve problems. They may also develop and implement new machine learning algorithms. This course will teach you graph algorithms and algorithms for genome assembly that are used by machine learning engineers.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations research analysts use mathematical and analytical methods to solve problems in business and industry. These methods may include algorithm optimization. This course will teach you the algorithm optimization techniques used by operations research analysts.
Computational Biologist
Computational biologists use tools like bioinformatics, statistical modeling, and machine learning to analyze biological data. These tools can be used to better understand biological processes, create models to predict future events, and diagnose diseases. This course will provide you with the essential graph algorithms and algorithms for genome assembly needed to be successful as a computational biologist.
Research Scientist
Research scientists conduct research in a variety of fields, including computer science, biology, and engineering. Research scientists may develop and use algorithms for genome assembly. This course will provide you with the graph algorithms and algorithms for genome assembly that are essential for research in this field.
Genome Bioinformatician
Genome bioinformaticians play a vital role in modern medical research. They develop and apply bioinformatics tools such as sequence assembly and alignment algorithms to genome data. As a genome bioinformatician, you will be responsible for developing and implementing algorithms for genome assembly. This course will provide you with a foundation in graph algorithms and algorithms for genome assembly, which are essential for success in this role.
Data Scientist
Data scientists use scientific methods to extract knowledge from data, which they may use to make predictions or solve problems. This course will teach you the graph algorithms and algorithms for genome assembly that are used by data scientists.
Software Developer
Software developers design, develop, and implement software. They may also work on developing algorithms. This course will teach you the graph algorithms and algorithms for genome assembly used by software developers.
Systems Analyst
Systems analysts design, develop, and implement computer systems. They may also work on developing algorithms. This course will teach you the graph algorithms and algorithms for genome assembly used by systems analysts.
Web Developer
Web developers design, develop, and implement websites. They may also work on developing algorithms. This course will teach you the graph algorithms and algorithms for genome assembly used by web developers.
Database Administrator
Database administrators design, develop, and implement databases. They may also work on developing algorithms. This course will teach you the graph algorithms and algorithms for genome assembly used by database administrators.

Reading list

We've selected nine 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 Algorithms and Data Structures Capstone.
Comprehensive guide to bioinformatics algorithms, with a strong focus on genome assembly. It covers the fundamental concepts and techniques used in genome assembly, and provides detailed descriptions of popular software tools.
Comprehensive guide to data structures and algorithms in Java. It covers a wide range of topics, including basic data structures, sorting algorithms, and graph algorithms.
Classic textbook on algorithms. It covers a wide range of topics, including graph algorithms, string algorithms, and NP-completeness.
Practical guide to bioinformatics data skills. It covers a wide range of topics, including data management, data analysis, and data visualization.
Comprehensive guide to data analysis for the life sciences. It covers a wide range of topics, including statistical methods, machine learning, and data visualization.
Concise guide to bioinformatics. It covers a wide range of topics, including DNA sequencing, RNA sequencing, and protein sequencing.
Gentle introduction to bioinformatics. It covers a wide range of topics, including DNA sequencing, RNA sequencing, and protein sequencing.
Classic textbook on molecular biology. It covers a wide range of topics, including DNA structure and function, gene expression, and protein synthesis.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Algorithms and Data Structures Capstone.
Bioinformatics Capstone: Big Data in Biology
Most relevant
Whole Genome Sequencing: Decoding the Language of Life...
Most relevant
Graph Algorithms in Genome Sequencing
Most relevant
Genome Sequencing (Bioinformatics II)
Most relevant
Genomic Technologies in Clinical Diagnostics: Next...
Molecular Biology – Part 3: RNA Processing and Translation
Whole genome sequencing of bacterial genomes - tools and...
Genome Assembly Programming Challenge
Molecular Biology - Part 2: Transcription and...
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser