Bioinformatic Methods I from Coursera

Large-scale biology projects such as the sequencing of the human genome and gene expression surveys using RNA-seq, microarrays and other technologies have created a wealth of data for biologists. However, the challenge facing scientists is analyzing and even accessing these data to extract useful information pertaining to the system being studied. This course focuses on employing existing bioinformatic resources – mainly web-based programs and databases – to access the wealth of data to answer questions relevant to the average biologist, and is highly hands-on.

Topics covered include multiple sequence alignments, phylogenetics, gene expression data analysis, and protein interaction networks, in two separate parts.

The first part, Bioinformatic Methods I (this one), deals with databases, Blast, multiple sequence alignments, phylogenetics, selection analysis and metagenomics.

The second part, Bioinformatic Methods II, covers motif searching, protein-protein interactions, structural bioinformatics, gene expression data analysis, and cis-element predictions.

This pair of courses is useful to any student considering graduate school in the biological sciences, as well as students considering molecular medicine. Both provide an overview of the many different bioinformatic tools that are out there.

These courses are based on one taught at the University of Toronto to upper-level undergraduates who have some understanding of basic molecular biology. If you're not familiar with this, something like https://learn.saylor.org/course/bio101 might be helpful. No programming is required for this course.

Bioinformatic Methods I is regularly updated, and was completely updated for January 2023.

What's inside

Syllabus

NCBI/Blast I

In this module we'll be exploring the amazing resources available at NCBI, the National Centre for Biotechnology Information, run by the National Library of Medicine in the USA. We'll also be doing a Blast search to find similar sequences in the enormous NR sequence database. We can use similar sequences to infer homology, which is the primary predictor of gene or protein function.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Delves into bioinformatics, which is a key tool used by physicians, researchers, molecular biologists, and pharmaceutical scientists

Based on an upper-level undergraduate course, indicating the thoroughness of the material

Taught by experts in bioinformatics, Nicholas and Provart, who are recognized for their work in the field

Topics, such as sequence alignment and protein interaction networks, have extensive applications in drug discovery and development

Covers a wide range of techniques, from traditional sequence analysis to cutting-edge metagenomics

Provides hands-on experience through interactive labs and exercises

Reviews summary

Hands-on bioinformatics tools for biologists

According to learners, this course offers a solid, hands-on introduction to using essential bioinformatics web tools without requiring programming knowledge. Students appreciate the focus on practical application for biologists, covering key areas like Blast searches, sequence alignments, and phylogenetics. The course is frequently praised for its usefulness to those new to bioinformatics or needing to apply these methods in their research or work. Some found the pace or prerequisites challenging, noting that a solid foundation in molecular biology is helpful. Recent feedback, especially post-January 2023 updates, often highlights improved clarity and relevance, indicating the instructors are responsive to feedback.

Pace may vary depending on background.

"Found the pace perfect for an introduction, not too fast, not too slow."

"Some modules felt a bit rushed, especially towards the end."

"The difficulty level is manageable if you keep up with the labs."

"Might be too basic if you already have some bioinfo experience, but ideal for beginners."

Requires basic molecular biology understanding.

"Definitely recommend having a solid grasp of molecular biology before starting this; it makes understanding the 'why' much easier."

"Some parts were challenging because my molecular biology background wasn't as strong as it should have been."

"The course description is accurate - basic mol bio knowledge is really necessary to follow along well."

Explains core concepts well.

"The explanations for why we do certain analyses, like sequence alignments or phylogenetics, were very clear."

"It provides a solid understanding of the underlying principles behind the tools we are using."

"I feel like I now understand the basic logic of bioinformatic approaches covered."

"Helped me understand the significance of similarity scores and phylogenetic trees."

Course content is current and improved.

"Took it after the January 2023 update and everything felt current and the interface screenshots matched."

"It's clear they've updated the course, addressing previous issues with outdated websites or tools."

"The recent changes made the labs flow much better and fixed broken links I heard about."

"Appreciate that the instructors are actively maintaining and improving the content."

No programming needed, great for non-coders.

"As a biology student with no coding background, this course was perfect for getting into bioinformatics methods."

"The fact that it required zero programming made it very accessible and less intimidating."

"It bridges the gap for experimental biologists who need to analyze data but don't know how to program."

"Finally, a bioinformatics course I could follow without getting lost in code!"

Learn key web-based bioinfo tools.

"This course gave me the practical skills to actually *use* web tools like Blast and analyze my own sequences."

"I found the emphasis on hands-on usage of existing databases and programs incredibly useful for my research."

"It's great that they focus on tools biologists can use immediately without needing to code."

"The labs walk you through using real-world bioinformatics resources."

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 Bioinformatic Methods I with these activities:

Review basic biology concepts

Show steps

Refresh your understanding of basic biological principles to enhance your comprehension of the course material.

Browse courses on Biology

Show steps

Review your notes from previous biology courses.
Use online resources or textbooks to supplement your understanding.

Review NCBI and BLAST

Show steps

Learn to use NCBI for retrieving biological data and sequence information to prepare for the following modules.

Browse courses on NCBI

Show steps

Go to the NCBI website and explore its resources.
Use BLAST to search for similar sequences.

Practice using bioinformatics databases

Show steps

Enhance your proficiency in using bioinformatics databases to access and analyze biological data.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

Show steps

Identify different bioinformatics databases.
Practice searching and retrieving data from these databases.

Six other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all nine activities

Multiple sequence alignment practice

Show steps

Practice multiple sequence alignment to improve understanding of sequence conservation and homology.

Browse courses on Multiple Sequence Alignment

Show steps

Use Clustal or MUSCLE to align a set of sequences.
Identify conserved and variable regions in the alignment.

Read Molecular Biology of the Cell

Show steps

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of molecular biology and cell biology.

View Molecular Biology of the Cell on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book thoroughly.
Make notes and highlight important concepts.
Answer the review questions at the end of each chapter.

Follow tutorials on bioinformatics software

Show steps

Build your bioinformatics skills by working through tutorials on commonly used software.

Show steps

Identify tutorials for relevant bioinformatics software.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step.

Join a study group

Show steps

Discuss course materials, share notes, and work on assignments together to enhance understanding.

Show steps

Find other students taking the course and form a study group.
Meet regularly to discuss the material.
Work together on assignments.

Create a bioinformatics resource list

Show steps

Compile a list of useful bioinformatics resources to support your work during and after the course.

Browse courses on Databases

Show steps

Search for and evaluate different bioinformatics resources.
Create a list of resources, including their descriptions and links.

Contribute to an open-source bioinformatics project

Show steps

Gain hands-on experience with bioinformatics tools and contribute to the community.

Browse courses on Open Source

Show steps

Identify an open-source bioinformatics project that aligns with your interests.
Start contributing to the project by reporting bugs, writing documentation, or developing new features.

Career center

Learners who complete Bioinformatic Methods I will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Microbiologist

A Microbiologist studies microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This course may be useful for Microbiologists as it introduces databases, sequence alignments, protein interaction networks, gene expression data analysis, and other tools for analyzing biological data. By taking this course, Microbiologists can build a foundation in bioinformatics and stay up-to-date on the latest bioinformatics techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Microbiologist

Molecular Biologist

A Molecular Biologist studies the structure and function of molecules in living organisms. This course may be useful for Molecular Biologists as it introduces databases, sequence alignments, protein interaction networks, gene expression data analysis, and other tools for analyzing biological data. By taking this course, Molecular Biologists can build a foundation in bioinformatics and stay up-to-date on the latest bioinformatics techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Molecular Biologist

Computational Biologist

A Computational Biologist uses computer science and mathematics to solve complex problems in biology and medicine. This course may be useful for Computational Biologists as it introduces databases, sequence alignments, protein interaction networks, gene expression data analysis, and other tools for analyzing biological data. By taking this course, Computational Biologists can build a foundation in bioinformatics and stay up-to-date on the latest bioinformatics techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computational Biologist

Geneticist

A Geneticist studies the genes and chromosomes of living organisms. This course may be useful for Geneticists as it introduces databases, sequence alignments, protein interaction networks, gene expression data analysis, and other tools for analyzing biological data. By taking this course, Geneticists can build a foundation in bioinformatics and stay up-to-date on the latest bioinformatics techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geneticist

Research Scientist

A Research Scientist conducts research to develop new products and technologies. This course may be useful for Research Scientists as it introduces databases, sequence alignments, protein interaction networks, gene expression data analysis, and other tools for analyzing biological data. By taking this course, Research Scientists can build a foundation in bioinformatics and stay up-to-date on the latest bioinformatics techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Physician

A Physician diagnoses and treats diseases. This course may be useful for Physicians as it introduces databases, sequence alignments, protein interaction networks, gene expression data analysis, and other tools for analyzing biological data. By taking this course, Physicians can build a foundation in bioinformatics and stay up-to-date on the latest bioinformatics techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. This course may be useful for Software Engineers as it introduces databases, sequence alignments, protein interaction networks, gene expression data analysis, and other tools for analyzing biological data. By taking this course, Software Engineers can build a foundation in bioinformatics and stay up-to-date on the latest bioinformatics techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Statistician

A Statistician collects, analyzes, and interprets data. This course may be useful for Statisticians as it introduces databases, sequence alignments, protein interaction networks, gene expression data analysis, and other tools for analyzing biological data. By taking this course, Statisticians can build a foundation in bioinformatics and stay up-to-date on the latest bioinformatics techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Medical Scientist

A Medical Scientist conducts research to develop new treatments and cures for diseases. This course may be useful for Medical Scientists as it introduces databases, sequence alignments, protein interaction networks, gene expression data analysis, and other tools for analyzing biological data. By taking this course, Medical Scientists can build a foundation in bioinformatics and stay up-to-date on the latest bioinformatics techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Scientist

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer writes about technical topics for a specific audience. This course may be useful for Technical Writers as it introduces databases, sequence alignments, protein interaction networks, gene expression data analysis, and other tools for analyzing biological data. By taking this course, Technical Writers can build a foundation in bioinformatics and stay up-to-date on the latest bioinformatics techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help businesses make better decisions. This course may be useful for Data Scientists as it introduces databases, sequence alignments, protein interaction networks, gene expression data analysis, and other tools for analyzing biological data. By taking this course, Data Scientists can build a foundation in bioinformatics and stay up-to-date on the latest bioinformatics techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Pharmacist

A Pharmacist dispenses medications and provides advice on their use. This course may be useful for Pharmacists as it introduces databases, sequence alignments, protein interaction networks, gene expression data analysis, and other tools for analyzing biological data. By taking this course, Pharmacists can build a foundation in bioinformatics and stay up-to-date on the latest bioinformatics techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacist

Science Writer

A Science Writer writes about scientific topics for a general audience. This course may be useful for Science Writers as it introduces databases, sequence alignments, protein interaction networks, gene expression data analysis, and other tools for analyzing biological data. By taking this course, Science Writers can build a foundation in bioinformatics and stay up-to-date on the latest bioinformatics techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Teacher

A Teacher teaches students at a school or university. This course may be useful for Teachers as it introduces databases, sequence alignments, protein interaction networks, gene expression data analysis, and other tools for analyzing biological data. By taking this course, Teachers can build a foundation in bioinformatics and stay up-to-date on the latest bioinformatics techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Biostatistician

A Biostatistician develops new statistical and computational tools that can help researchers collect, analyze, and interpret biological data. This course may be useful for Biostatisticians as it introduces databases, sequence alignments, protein interaction networks, and other tools for analyzing biological data. By taking this course, Biostatisticians can build a foundation in bioinformatics and stay up-to-date on the latest bioinformatics techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician