We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Candace Savonen, MS

This course is a follow up course to "Choosing genomics tools" which dives into further detail about RNA informatics methods!

This course is for individuals who:

- Have taken Researcher's Guide to Fundamentals of Omic Data

- Have RNA data and don’t know what to do with it.

- Want a basic overview of their RNA focused data type.

- Want to find resources for processing and interpreting RNA data

What this course will cover:

- Fundamentals of RNA methods.

- Resources you may consider looking into for your own purposes.

Read more

This course is a follow up course to "Choosing genomics tools" which dives into further detail about RNA informatics methods!

This course is for individuals who:

- Have taken Researcher's Guide to Fundamentals of Omic Data

- Have RNA data and don’t know what to do with it.

- Want a basic overview of their RNA focused data type.

- Want to find resources for processing and interpreting RNA data

What this course will cover:

- Fundamentals of RNA methods.

- Resources you may consider looking into for your own purposes.

- Questions you should ask yourself and your colleagues about your goals and experimental design.

What this course will NOT cover:

- Code needed to process your data.

- Details about every type of experimental design.

- Everything you’d need to know to make you a computational biologist. In other words we still highly encourage you to consult your informatics and computational colleagues, especially those who may have done any handling of data you are trying to learn about.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction
In this first module we introduce the goals of this course an do an overview of the available methods for RNA methods, otherwise known as gene expression.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides foundational understanding of RNA methods for gene expression analysis
Suitable for learners with prior experience in genomics tools and RNA data
Emphasizes resources, tools, and considerations for RNA data analysis
Covers various RNA sequencing methods, including bulk, single cell, and spatial transcriptomics
Does not delve into technical details, such as coding or specific experimental designs
Taught by an experienced instructor specializing in omics data informatics

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Researcher's essential rna-seq conceptual guide

According to students, this course offers a fantastic overview of RNA sequencing methods, including Bulk RNA-seq, Single Cell RNA-seq, and Spatial Transcriptomics. Learners commend its clear explanations and strong focus on experimental design questions, proving highly valuable for research planning. It's especially praised as a strong conceptual guide, aiding wet-lab scientists in understanding the field and communicating with bioinformaticians. While explicitly not covering code, some reviewers expressed a desire for more practical examples or deeper application beyond the theoretical. Overall, the course is well-structured and effectively achieves its stated goals as a guide, not a coding bootcamp.
Organized and easy to follow course modules.
"The content is well-structured and easy to follow."
"Very informative. The explanations for Bulk, scRNA-seq, and Spatial Transcriptomics were clear and distinct."
Helps non-computational researchers bridge knowledge gaps.
"As someone who inherited RNA data, this course was a lifesaver. It didn't make me a bioinformatician, but it gave me the language to talk to my computational colleagues..."
"Highly recommended for wet-lab scientists."
"It certainly achieved its goal of providing a strong conceptual guide, not a coding boot camp."
Provides excellent clarity on RNA-seq methods.
"This course was an absolutely fantastic overview of RNA sequencing methods. I appreciated the clear explanations..."
"A solid introduction to RNA-seq. It covered the core concepts well, particularly liked the module on single-cell."
"Excellent course for researchers. It clarifies the 'why' behind different RNA-seq techniques and emphasizes critical thinking about experimental setup."
Some found the course too high-level and superficial.
"Good course, but a bit too high-level for my needs."
"I found this course somewhat disappointing. While it gives an overview, it doesn't go deep enough into any one method."
"It felt like scratching the surface."
Desired more practical examples or coding guidance.
"...it explicitly states no code, which is fair, but I wish there were at least pointers to resources for the actual data analysis..."
"Good course, but a bit too high-level for my needs. I was hoping for more practical examples or case studies, even without code."
"While it explains the methods, applying them feels like a separate hurdle."

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 Researcher's guide to RNA sequencing data with these activities:
Review the structure and function of RNA
Refresh your knowledge of the structure and function of RNA, including the different types of RNA molecules and their roles in gene expression.
Show steps
  • Read a textbook chapter or online article on RNA structure and function.
  • Watch a video tutorial on RNA structure.
Review Bulk RNA-seq
Refresh your knowledge of Bulk RNA-seq methods to solidify your understanding of gene expression of tissue.
Show steps
  • Go over foundational principles of Bulk RNA-seq.
  • Review protocols and pipelines for Bulk RNA-seq.
Review RNA sequencing (RNA-seq)
Refreshing your knowledge of the RNA-Seq technique is essential for getting the most out of this course.
Browse courses on RNA-seq
Show steps
  • Re-read the basic principles of RNA-Seq.
  • Go over the different types of RNA-Seq experiments.
  • Review the data analysis workflow for RNA-Seq.
22 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 25 activities
Review basic methods of gene expression
Refresh your knowledge of the basic methods used to measure gene expression, such as RNA sequencing and microarrays.
Browse courses on Gene Expression
Show steps
  • Read a textbook chapter or online article on RNA sequencing.
  • Watch a video tutorial on how to perform RNA sequencing.
  • Complete a practice exercise on RNA sequencing data analysis.
Discuss RNA-seq Analysis Techniques
Gain diverse perspectives and insights into RNA-seq analysis techniques through discussions with peers.
Browse courses on RNA-Seq Analysis
Show steps
  • Connect with classmates or peers in the field.
  • Host or join study groups to discuss specific RNA-seq analysis methods.
Review RNA extraction techniques
Reviewing RNA extraction techniques will refresh your memory on the proper procedures and ensure that you have a solid foundation for the course.
Browse courses on RNA Sequencing
Show steps
  • Read articles or watch videos on RNA extraction techniques.
  • Practice RNA extraction on a sample.
Identify a Mentor in the Field of RNA Bioinformatics
Gain access to expert guidance and support by identifying a mentor in the field of RNA Bioinformatics.
Browse courses on RNA Sequencing
Show steps
  • Research potential mentors at universities or research institutions.
  • Reach out to potential mentors via email or LinkedIn.
Follow tutorials on RNA analysis software
Following tutorials on RNA analysis software will introduce you to the tools and techniques used in the course, giving you a head start.
Show steps
  • Identify a tutorial on an RNA analysis software tool.
  • Follow the tutorial step-by-step, practicing the commands and techniques.
Learn about gene expression microarrays
This activity will help you understand the basics of gene expression microarrays, which is a closely related technique to RNA-Seq.
Browse courses on Microarrays
Show steps
  • Find an online tutorial about gene expression microarrays.
  • Follow the tutorial to learn about the principles of microarrays.
  • Watch a video demonstration of a microarray experiment.
Follow a tutorial on spatial transcriptomics
Spatial transcriptomics is a newer method for evaluating gene expression that provides spatial information. This tutorial will help you learn the basics of spatial transcriptomics.
Show steps
  • Find a tutorial on spatial transcriptomics
  • Follow the tutorial step-by-step
  • Complete the exercises or assignments included in the tutorial
Interpret Spatial Transcriptomics Data
Develop your ability to analyze gene expression of tissue with spatial information by interpreting Spatial Transcriptomics data.
Show steps
  • Gather various sample Spatial Transcriptomics datasets.
  • Practice interpreting the data to identify patterns and insights.
Participate in a study group
Participating in a study group will provide you with opportunities to discuss course concepts, ask questions, and learn from others.
Show steps
  • Find a study group or start your own with classmates.
  • Meet regularly to discuss course material, work on assignments, and prepare for exams.
Practice analyzing RNA sequencing data
Practice your skills in analyzing RNA sequencing data to identify differentially expressed genes and other patterns of gene expression.
Browse courses on Gene Expression Analysis
Show steps
  • Download an RNA sequencing dataset from a public repository.
  • Use a software package to analyze the dataset and identify differentially expressed genes.
  • Interpret the results of your analysis and write a brief report.
Practice Bulk RNA-seq techniques
Bulk RNA-seq is a common method for evaluating gene expression. This practice will help reinforce learning from the Bulk RNA-seq module.
Browse courses on RNA-seq
Show steps
  • Review the Bulk RNA-seq module materials
  • Use an online tool or software to practice analyzing Bulk RNA-seq data
  • Join a discussion forum or online community to discuss Bulk RNA-seq techniques with other learners
Enroll in a Single Cell RNA-seq Tutorial
Supplement your understanding of gene expression of single cells by exploring Single Cell RNA-seq methods.
Show steps
  • Find reputable Single Cell RNA-seq tutorials online.
  • Follow the tutorial, making notes and asking questions as needed.
Create a visualization of Single Cell RNA-seq data
Creating a visualization of Single Cell RNA-seq data will help you understand the relationships between different cell types and their gene expression profiles.
Browse courses on RNA-seq
Show steps
  • Review the Single Cell RNA-seq module materials
  • Use a visualization tool or software to create a visualization of Single Cell RNA-seq data
  • Share your visualization with others and get feedback
Summarize course lectures
Creating summaries of course lectures will help you retain information and identify key concepts.
Show steps
  • After each lecture, take notes on the main points.
  • Within 24 hours, expand your notes into a concise summary.
  • Review your summaries regularly to reinforce your understanding.
Practice interpreting RNA-Seq data
This activity will give you hands-on experience with interpreting RNA-Seq data.
Browse courses on RNA-seq
Show steps
  • Download a publicly available RNA-Seq dataset.
  • Use a software package to analyze the dataset.
  • Write a report summarizing your findings.
Develop a research proposal using RNA methods
This will help you apply the concepts you have learned in the course to a real-world research question.
Show steps
  • Identify a research question that you are interested in
  • Develop a hypothesis and specific aims
  • Choose the appropriate RNA methods to use
  • Design your experiment
  • Write a research proposal
Explore Gene Expression Microarrays
Expand your knowledge in gene expression analysis by familiarizing yourself with Gene Expression Microarrays.
Show steps
  • Find educational resources on Gene Expression Microarrays.
  • Review the principles, methods, and applications of microarrays.
Practice RNA analysis problems
Solving RNA analysis problems will improve your understanding of the concepts and techniques covered in the course.
Browse courses on Data Interpretation
Show steps
  • Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
  • Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
  • Check your solutions against the provided answer key.
Create a Visual Representation of RNA-seq Results
Enhance your understanding of RNA-seq results by creating a visual representation of the data.
Browse courses on RNA-seq
Show steps
  • Select appropriate data visualization tools for your chosen data.
  • Create visualizations that effectively communicate the key findings of your RNA-seq analysis.
Create a visualization for your RNA-Seq data
This activity will help you to improve your data visualization skills and communicate your findings more effectively.
Browse courses on RNA-seq
Show steps
  • Choose a type of visualization that is appropriate for your data.
  • Use a software package to create the visualization.
  • Present your visualization to your classmates or colleagues.
Design an Experiment Using RNA-seq Data
Apply your understanding of RNA-seq data by designing an experiment that utilizes it.
Browse courses on RNA-seq
Show steps
  • Identify a specific research question you want to address.
  • Determine the appropriate RNA-seq approach for your experiment.
  • Design the experiment, including sample preparation, sequencing parameters, and data analysis methods.
Create a research proposal on an RNA-related topic
Creating a research proposal will allow you to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the course to a real-world problem.
Browse courses on Research Proposal
Show steps
  • Identify a research question related to RNA.
  • Research the topic, including relevant literature and data.
  • Write a proposal outlining your research question, methods, and expected outcomes.

Career center

Learners who complete Researcher's guide to RNA sequencing data will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 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 Researcher's guide to RNA sequencing data.
The third edition of the essential guide to data wrangling with pandas, NumPy, and Jupyter in Python. Updated for newer versions of the libraries, this book remains a core resource for anyone performing data analysis in Python. It widely used textbook and reference for its clear explanations and practical examples.
Widely used textbook that provides a comprehensive introduction to the three major approaches to research design: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. It is excellent for gaining a broad understanding and is often used as a foundational text in academic programs. The latest edition includes updates reflecting the 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual, making it a current and valuable reference.
This foundational text in cell and molecular biology, providing a comprehensive overview of gene expression as a core cellular process. It is widely used as a textbook in undergraduate and graduate programs and serves as an excellent reference for professionals. While not solely focused on gene expression, its detailed chapters on transcription, translation, and gene regulation are essential for a broad understanding. The 7th edition recent publication, incorporating the latest research.
Is specifically focused on the analysis of data generated by next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, which are central to modern biological research and computational biology. It covers various aspects of NGS data analysis workflows. The second edition, published in 2023, makes it a highly relevant resource for contemporary topics.
Similar to 'Molecular Biology of the Cell', this textbook provides a comprehensive treatment of cell biology, with strong sections on gene expression, regulation, and the underlying molecular mechanisms. It is widely used in undergraduate and graduate courses and serves as a valuable reference. It helps solidify an understanding of gene expression within the context of cellular function.
Explores the application of deep learning, a contemporary topic in computational biology, to various life science domains like genomics, microscopy, and drug discovery. It is highly relevant for those interested in cutting-edge methods and provides practical examples of how deep learning is being used. Published in 2019, it covers recent advancements.
Classic guide to the research process, focusing on formulating research questions, developing arguments, and communicating findings effectively. It is highly recommended for students at all levels who are learning how to approach and structure a research project. It is particularly useful for solidifying an understanding of the fundamental principles of research.
Offers a unique approach to learning bioinformatics algorithms through active problem-solving. It is an excellent resource for both biology and computer science students, bridging the gap between biological challenges and algorithmic solutions. It is often used as a textbook and provides hands-on learning opportunities.
A practical guide to coding qualitative data, this book provides detailed instructions and examples for various coding methods. It is an essential tool for anyone undertaking qualitative data analysis, from beginners to experienced researchers. It helps solidify understanding of a crucial step in qualitative research.
Is widely considered a foundational text in bioinformatics, offering a comprehensive overview of core concepts, particularly sequence and genome analysis. It is highly valuable for gaining a broad understanding and is often used as a textbook in academic settings. While not the most recent, its clear explanations and breadth of coverage make it an essential reference.
This sourcebook detailed guide for analyzing qualitative data. It offers a wide range of methods and techniques, making it a valuable reference for students and researchers undertaking qualitative studies. The fourth edition includes new visual display models and updated content, ensuring its relevance for contemporary research.
Covers modern statistical methods essential for analyzing complex biological data, particularly high-throughput data. It utilizes R and Bioconductor, which are widely used tools in computational biology. It is an excellent resource for researchers and graduate students focusing on statistical analysis of biological data. Published in 2019, it recent and relevant text.
Offers a clear and engaging introduction to molecular biology, with significant coverage of gene expression. It emphasizes the experimental basis of discoveries in the field, making it valuable for understanding how our knowledge of gene expression has been developed. The second edition includes updates on recent advances. This suitable textbook for undergraduate students.
Provides a foundational understanding of the fundamental principles of data science and the data-analytic thinking necessary for extracting value from data in a business context. It is highly relevant for undergraduate business analytics programs and working professionals. It serves as a useful reference for understanding the business applications of data analysis and is commonly used as a textbook.
A comprehensive guide to mixed methods research, this book covers the design, implementation, and analysis of studies that combine qualitative and quantitative approaches. It is essential for researchers interested in this growing area of research methodology and provides detailed guidance.
This online textbook and accompanying website provide a comprehensive overview of research methods concepts and procedures. It widely used resource for learning and teaching research methods, offering clear explanations and interactive exercises. It good resource for both foundational knowledge and review.
Is specifically dedicated to the intricate mechanisms of gene regulation, offering a more focused and detailed understanding beyond general textbooks. It is ideal for those looking to deepen their knowledge in this key aspect of gene expression. Suitable for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers.
A classic in the field, this book delves into the probabilistic models that are fundamental to sequence analysis. It provides a rigorous treatment of topics like hidden Markov models and their applications. is essential for those seeking a deeper theoretical understanding and key reference for researchers.
Focuses on the application of machine learning techniques to biological problems. It covers various machine learning algorithms and their use in areas such as sequence analysis, protein structure prediction, and gene expression analysis. It's a valuable resource for those interested in the intersection of machine learning and computational biology.
Focuses on the crucial skill of communicating insights from data effectively through compelling visualizations. is highly relevant for all levels, emphasizing the importance of clear and impactful data presentation. It is valuable additional reading that complements technical data analysis skills.
Offers a broad introduction to bioinformatics with a focus on its applications in functional genomics. It covers essential topics such as sequence analysis, database searching, and the analysis of high-throughput data. It serves as a good resource for gaining a broad understanding and is often used as a textbook for introductory courses.
Bridges the gap between statistical theory and its practical application in data science using R and Python. It focuses on the statistical concepts most relevant to data scientists and provides code examples. It's a useful reference and learning resource for those applying statistics in their work.
A definitive guide to conducting case study research, this book covers the design, collection, and analysis of case study data. It is essential for researchers utilizing this specific qualitative approach and provides in-depth knowledge for mastering the method.
This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to bioinformatics, covering a wide range of topics from basic concepts to more advanced techniques. It is well-regarded for its clear explanations and is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students. The first edition was published in 2008.
Offers a new way of thinking about data science and ethics informed by intersectional feminist thought. It challenges existing power structures within data and explores how data can be used to work towards justice. It's highly relevant for contemporary discussions around fairness and bias in data analysis.
Is an excellent starting point for anyone new to data analysis or statistics. It demystifies core statistical concepts without relying heavily on mathematical formulas, making it highly accessible for high school and undergraduate students. It provides a strong foundation in the intuition behind statistical analysis and helps readers understand how data can be used and misused. This is valuable background reading that builds prerequisite knowledge.
Provides practical guidance on conducting survey research, covering questionnaire design, sampling, data collection, and analysis. It valuable resource for those focusing on quantitative methods, particularly in social sciences and market research. It helps deepen understanding of a specific research methodology.
Practical guide to using Python for bioinformatics tasks. It covers essential programming concepts and demonstrates how to apply them to biological data analysis. It's particularly useful for those who need to develop programming skills for computational biology research. The second edition was published in 2017.
This practical guide offers a broad overview of bioinformatics concepts and tools, with a focus on the analysis of genes and proteins. It useful reference for both students and researchers, covering a wide range of topics and providing practical examples.
Emphasizes the practical data skills needed for bioinformatics research, focusing on reproducible and robust workflows using open-source tools. It is highly relevant for anyone doing hands-on data analysis in computational biology and provides valuable guidance on best practices.
Provides a guide to creating effective and aesthetically pleasing data visualizations. It delves into the principles behind good visualization design, helping readers make informed choices about how to represent their data. It valuable reference for anyone creating visualizations, from students to professionals.
Provides a solid introduction to the field of bioinformatics, covering a wide range of topics from sequence analysis to genomics and data mining. It is well-suited for beginners and provides a good foundation for further study. The clear explanations and practical examples make it a valuable resource for those new to the subject.
Focuses on systems biology, a key area within computational biology that deals with the analysis of biological networks. It describes how to reconstruct and analyze biological networks to understand cellular functions. It valuable resource for those interested in a systems-level understanding of biological processes.
While not solely focused on computational biology, this book provides essential data science skills that are highly relevant to the field. It covers data manipulation, visualization, and analysis using programming languages like R and Python, which are crucial tools for computational biologists. This valuable resource for building practical data handling skills. The second edition was published in 2023, making it a recent publication.
Teaches probability and statistics using a computational approach with Python. It's ideal for students and professionals with programming experience who want to understand statistical concepts by doing. It helps solidify understanding through hands-on application.
Offers a step-by-step guide to conducting a research project, covering all stages from planning to writing up findings. It is particularly helpful for undergraduate and postgraduate students undertaking their first research project, providing practical advice and avoiding common mistakes.
Focuses on essential data skills for bioinformatics, emphasizing reproducible research practices using open-source tools like the command line and R. It is highly practical and valuable for students and professionals who need to manage and analyze biological data effectively.
SQL fundamental skill for data analysis, and this book delves into advanced techniques for working with data in databases. It's essential for anyone who needs to retrieve and manipulate data stored in relational databases. It serves as a valuable reference for more complex data extraction and transformation tasks.
A timeless classic that remains highly relevant today. exposes common ways statistics can be manipulated or misinterpreted, fostering a critical eye essential for anyone working with data. It's valuable for all levels, from high school to professional, as it highlights the importance of data integrity and ethical considerations. This serves as crucial additional reading to develop data literacy.
Considered a classic in qualitative research, this book introduces the principles and practices of naturalistic inquiry. It foundational text for understanding the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research. It is more theoretical and suitable for graduate-level study and beyond.
This introductory textbook provides an accessible entry point into qualitative research, focusing on analyzing life experiences. It is suitable for beginners and those seeking a more narrative approach to qualitative inquiry.
This practical guide focuses specifically on utilizing NCBI databases and performing sequence alignments using tools like BLAST. It is highly relevant for anyone working with biological sequence data and provides step-by-step guidance with examples.
Provides a comprehensive guide to molecular modeling and simulation, techniques often used in computational biology to study the structure and dynamics of biological molecules. It covers various computational methods and their applications. While the first edition is older (2002), it remains a foundational text in the area of molecular simulation. The second edition was published in 2010.
Provides an introduction to research methods specifically within the field of sociology. It covers a range of methods and their application in sociological research, making it relevant for students in this discipline. It helps provide context for research methods within a specific social science.
Explores the world of prediction and forecasting across various fields, demonstrating how data analysis and statistical modeling are used in practice. It's particularly engaging for undergraduate and graduate students interested in the application of data analysis in real-world scenarios. It adds breadth by showcasing diverse applications and the challenges involved in making accurate predictions.
Provides a high-level overview of the data science process, from asking questions to interpreting results. It focuses on the principles and concepts rather than specific tools, making it suitable for a broad audience. It helps in gaining a broad understanding of the data analysis workflow.

Share

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

Similar courses

Here are eight courses similar to Researcher's guide to RNA sequencing data.
Classical papers in molecular genetics
Most relevant
Genomic Data Science and Clustering (Bioinformatics V)
Most relevant
Big Data Science with the BD2K-LINCS Data Coordination...
Most relevant
Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression
Most relevant
Bioinformatic; Learn Bulk RNA-Seq Data Analysis From...
Most relevant
Molecular Biology: Gene Expression Techniques and Cancer
Molecular Biology - Part 2: Transcription and...
Most relevant
Neuroscience Reconstructed: Genetics and Development
Most relevant

Coursera Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Accredited University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

7-Day Free Trial & Free Audit

7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions; free audit option available on most individual courses to explore video lectures and readings at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Refund Guarantee

14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus subscriptions and single-course purchases prior to certificate issuance. Monthly subscriptions do not offer refunds once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Accredited university and industry certifications (e.g. Stanford, Google, IBM, Yale), secure SSL payment processing, and verifiable digital certificate links.

Key Purchase Protections
14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus and single courses
7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions
Free course audit option for lectures and readings
Verified certificates from top universities & companies
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
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 - 2025 OpenCourser