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Niema Moshiri, Mikhail Rayko, Vikram Sirupurapu, Sabeel Mansuri, and Pavel Pevzner

In this course, you will follow in the footsteps of the bioinformaticians investigating the COVID-19 outbreak by annotating the SARS-CoV-2 genome and using the annotation to design a COVID-19 diagnostic test. Whether you’re new to the world of computational biology, or you’re a bioinformatics expert seeking to learn about its applications in the COVID-19 pandemic, or somewhere in between, this course is for you! As you go through this journey, we will introduce and explain genomic concepts and give you many opportunities to practice your skills, and we will provide a series of problems with gradually increasing complexity. This second course will only discuss the annotation of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, but future courses in this series will explore follow-up bioinformatics analyses used in the COVID-19 pandemic.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1
In Chapter 3, we will explore how to use bioinformatics to aid in rapidly diagnosing patients who may be infected with COVID-19. Much like how laboratories around the world have been hard at work developing methods to test for COVID-19, we will now try to design our own diagnostic test.
Read more
Week 2
In Chapter 4, we will use the SARS-CoV-2 genome annotation to design our own COVID-19 diagnostic test and will learn how to measure its accuracy.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores bioinformatics to help learners design a diagnostic test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus
Taught by instructors recognized for their work in bioinformatics
Develops skills relevant to ongoing industry work in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic
Offers a comprehensive study of using bioinformatics to diagnose a particular virus

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Reviews summary

Sars-cov-2 bioinformatics course

Learners say this popular bioinformatics course offers engaging readings and relevant software tools that complement the lectures. Reviewers describe the materials as informative and interactive but also note that the monotonous lectures can be improved. Nevertheless, students largely appreciate the readings and Professor Moshiri's willingness to answer questions.
Is willing to answer questions.
"Professor Moshiri is very willing to answer questions."
The provided readings are informative and interactive.
"The reading materials are very interactive..."
"Both of the Hacking COVID-19 courses introduce relevant software tools which ties up nicely with the theory."
Lectures could be improved.
"The lecture is a little bit monotonous..."

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 Hacking COVID-19 — Course 2: Decoding SARS-CoV-2's Secrets with these activities:
Review 'Bioinformatics Data Skills' by Vince Buffalo
This book will equip you with the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in bioinformatics.
Show steps
  • Read Chapter 1: Introduction to Bioinformatics
  • Complete the exercises in Chapter 1
  • Review the key concepts in Chapter 1
Review the fundamentals of genomic concepts
Review the fundamentals of genomic concepts will be beneficial in preparing for the course.
Browse courses on Genomic Concepts
Show steps
  • Read the textbook chapter on basic genomics concepts.
  • Watch online videos or tutorials on genomics fundamentals.
  • Take practice quizzes or exercises on genomic concepts.
Follow tutorials on SARS-CoV-2 genome annotation
Following tutorials on SARS-CoV-2 genome annotation will provide a structured learning experience.
Browse courses on Bioinformatics
Show steps
  • Find online tutorials or courses on SARS-CoV-2 genome annotation.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step and complete the exercises.
  • Use the knowledge gained from the tutorials to annotate SARS-CoV-2 genomes.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Practice genome annotation
Practice genome annotation will improve your skills in the course.
Browse courses on Genome Annotation
Show steps
  • Use online bioinformatics tools to annotate a sample genome.
  • Complete practice problems on genome annotation.
  • Participate in online forums or discussion groups on genome annotation.
Attend a workshop on bioinformatics and COVID-19
Attending a workshop on bioinformatics and COVID-19 will provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.
Browse courses on Bioinformatics
Show steps
  • Find a workshop on bioinformatics and COVID-19 that aligns with your interests.
  • Register for the workshop and prepare for the event.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in the sessions.
  • Follow up with the workshop organizers or speakers to continue learning.
Design a COVID-19 diagnostic test
Designing a COVID-19 diagnostic test will apply the skills and knowledge learned in the course.
Browse courses on Bioinformatics
Show steps
  • Research different methods for diagnosing COVID-19.
  • Design a diagnostic test based on the SARS-CoV-2 genome annotation.
  • Evaluate the accuracy and specificity of the diagnostic test.
  • Write a report on the design and evaluation of the diagnostic test.

Career center

Learners who complete Hacking COVID-19 — Course 2: Decoding SARS-CoV-2's Secrets will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Pathologist
A Pathologist studies the causes and effects of disease. They perform autopsies and examine tissue samples to diagnose diseases. This course would be helpful for Pathologists interested in learning more about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and how to design diagnostic tests for COVID-19.
Research Scientist
A Research Scientist conducts research to develop new knowledge and technologies. They work in a variety of fields, including medicine, engineering, and computer science. This course would be helpful for Research Scientists who want to learn more about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and how to develop new diagnostic tests and treatments for COVID-19.
Molecular Biologist
A Molecular Biologist studies the structure and function of DNA and RNA. They use this knowledge to develop new diagnostic tests and treatments for diseases. This course would be helpful for Molecular Biologists interested in learning more about the SARS-CoV-2 genome and how to design diagnostic tests for COVID-19.
Medical Doctor
A Medical Doctor diagnoses and treats diseases. They prescribe medications and perform surgeries. This course would be helpful for Medical Doctors who want to learn more about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and how to diagnose and treat COVID-19.
Epidemiologist
An Epidemiologist investigates the causes and patterns of disease in human populations. This course would be helpful for Epidemiologists interested in learning more about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and how to design diagnostic tests to track the spread of the disease.
Microbiologist
A Microbiologist studies microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They use this knowledge to develop new antibiotics and vaccines. This course would be helpful for Microbiologists interested in learning more about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and how to develop new diagnostic tests and treatments for COVID-19.
Physician Assistant
A Physician Assistant provides medical care under the supervision of a doctor. They diagnose and treat diseases, prescribe medications, and perform minor surgeries. This course would be helpful for Physician Assistants who want to learn more about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and how to diagnose and treat COVID-19.
Public Health Nurse
A Public Health Nurse promotes health and prevents disease in communities. They provide vaccinations, teach about healthy lifestyles, and work with community organizations to improve health outcomes. This course would be helpful for Public Health Nurses who want to learn more about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and how to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Computational Biologist
A Computational Biologist uses computational tools to analyze biological data. They develop and apply mathematical models to understand biological systems. This course would be helpful to Computational Biologists interested in learning more about the SARS-CoV-2 genome and how to use bioinformatics to design diagnostic tests.
Geneticist
A Geneticist studies genes and heredity. They use genetic information to diagnose and treat diseases. This course would be helpful to Geneticists interested in learning more about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and how to design genetic tests to diagnose COVID-19.
Data Scientist
A Data Scientist collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help businesses make better decisions. This course may be useful for Data Scientists who want to learn more about the bioinformatics of COVID-19 and how to use data to develop diagnostic tests.
Immunologist
An Immunologist studies the immune system. They develop new vaccines and treatments for diseases. This course may be useful for Immunologists who want to learn more about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and how to develop new diagnostic tests and treatments for COVID-19.
Biostatistician
A Biostatistician designs and conducts statistical studies to help solve medical and public health problems. They analyze data to identify trends, make predictions, and develop new treatments. This course may be useful for Biostatisticians who want to learn more about the bioinformatics of COVID-19 and how to design diagnostic tests.
Pharmacist
A Pharmacist dispenses medications and provides information about their use. They also work with doctors to develop new drug therapies. This course may be useful for Pharmacists who want to learn more about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and how to use medications to treat COVID-19.
Biomedical Engineer
A Biomedical Engineer applies engineering principles to the design and development of medical devices and systems. This course would be helpful to Biomedical Engineers interested in designing and developing diagnostic tests for COVID-19 or other infectious diseases.

Reading list

We've selected seven 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 Hacking COVID-19 — Course 2: Decoding SARS-CoV-2's Secrets.
Provides a comprehensive overview of molecular biology. It would be a valuable resource for students or professionals who need a strong foundation in the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of genome analysis and genomics. It would be a valuable resource for students or professionals who want to learn about the latest advances in the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of sequence alignment methods and applications. It would be a valuable resource for researchers who are working with sequence data.
Provides a practical guide to statistical methods in bioinformatics. It would be a valuable resource for researchers who are using or planning to use statistical methods in their research.
Provides a theoretical and practical introduction to bioinformatics. It would be a valuable resource for students or professionals who want to learn about the foundations of the field.
Provides a concise overview of essential bioinformatics concepts and tools. It would be a valuable resource for students or professionals who need a quick introduction to the field.

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