Finding Hidden Messages in DNA (Bioinformatics I) from Coursera

Named a top 50 MOOC of all time by Class Central!

This course begins a series of classes illustrating the power of computing in modern biology. Please join us on the frontier of bioinformatics to look for hidden messages in DNA without ever needing to put on a lab coat.

In the first half of the course, we investigate DNA replication, and ask the question, where in the genome does DNA replication begin? We will see that we can answer this question for many bacteria using only some straightforward algorithms to look for hidden messages in the genome.

In the second half of the course, we examine a different biological question, when we ask which DNA patterns play the role of molecular clocks. The cells in your body manage to maintain a circadian rhythm, but how is this achieved on the level of DNA? Once again, we will see that by knowing which hidden messages to look for, we can start to understand the amazingly complex language of DNA. Perhaps surprisingly, we will apply randomized algorithms, which roll dice and flip coins in order to solve problems.

Finally, you will get your hands dirty and apply existing software tools to find recurring biological motifs within genes that are responsible for helping Mycobacterium tuberculosis go "dormant" within a host for many years before causing an active infection.

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: Welcome!

Welcome to class!

This course will focus on two questions at the forefront of modern computational biology, along with the algorithmic approaches we will use to solve them in parentheses:

Weeks 1-2: Where in the Genome Does DNA Replication Begin? (Algorithmic Warmup)
Weeks 3-4: Which DNA Patterns Play the Role of Molecular Clocks? (Randomized Algorithms)

Week 5 will consist of a Bioinformatics Application Challenge in which you will get to apply software for finding DNA motifs to a real biological dataset.

Each of the two chapters in the course is accompanied by a Bioinformatics Cartoon created by Randall Christopher and serving as a chapter header in the Specialization's bestselling print companion. You can find the first chapter's cartoon at the bottom of this message. What does a cryptic message leading to buried treasure have to do with biology? We hope you will join us to find out!

Image: http://bioinformaticsalgorithms.com/images/cover/chapter1_cropped.jpg

Phillip and Pavel

Week 2: Finding Replication Origins

Welcome to Week 2 of class!

This week, we will examine the biological details of how DNA replication is carried out in the cell. We will then see how to use these details to help us design an intelligent algorithmic approach looking for the replication origin in a bacterial genome.

Week 3: Hunting for Regulatory Motifs

Welcome to Week 3 of class!

This week, we begin a new chapter, titled "Which DNA Patterns Play the Role of Molecular Clocks?" At the bottom of this message is this week's Bioinformatics Cartoon. What does a late night casino trip with two 18th Century French mathematicians have in common with finding molecular clocks? Start learning to find out...

Image: https://d396qusza40orc.cloudfront.net/bioinformatics%2Fimages%2Fchapter3_final.jpg

Week 4: How Rolling Dice Helps Us Find Regulatory Motifs

Welcome to Week 4 of class!

Last week, we encountered a few introductory motif-finding algorithms. This week, we will see how to improve upon these motif-finding approaches by designing randomized algorithms that can "roll dice" to find motifs.

Week 5: Bioinformatics Application Challenge

Welcome to week 5 of the class! This week, we will apply popular motif-finding software in order to hunt for motifs in a real biological dataset.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for learners who want to study the hidden messages in DNA without requiring a lab coat

Introduces the power of computing in modern biology and will help learners look for hidden messages within DNA

Named a top 50 MOOC of all time by Class Central!

A best-selling course that includes a print companion

Taught by Pavel Pevzner and Phillip Compeau, two recognized instructors who lead the course

Provides hands-on experience in applying existing software tools to find recurring biological motifs within genes

Reviews summary

Accessible introduction to bioinformatics

Learners say this course is an accessible introduction to bioinformatics that is particularly engaging for those with a background in biology. The real-world assignments are difficult, but the step-by-step instructions make them achievable. The course may be less useful for those without any coding skills.

Introduces Biological Concepts

"great content introducing biological concepts and the mathematical/algorithmic ideas used in computation for problems in biology."

Great for Following Concepts

"They certainly provide plenty of step-by-step instructions via video and and text."

Helpful for Biologists with Programming Experience

"A very good course that uses on online textbook, with built-in programming assignments using real biological data."

"I have a biology background, but limited programming experience."

"I learnt alot though and will certainly be taking the next course in the series."

May be challenging

"Seems harder than it needs to be."

"Sometimes it is easier to come up with my own code than to follow their suggested code in many of the exercises."

May Lack Depth for some

"For someone like me with a background in computer science/engineering... they provide plenty of step-by-step instructions via video and and text."

"However, I was able to get a good grade (98%) without them checking for a deep enough understanding of the concepts & principles."

Career center

Learners who complete Finding Hidden Messages in DNA (Bioinformatics I) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Bioinformatician

A bioinformatician develops and applies computational techniques to analyze and interpret biological data. This data can come from a variety of sources, including DNA sequences, protein structures, and gene expression data. Bioinformaticians use their skills in computer science, mathematics, and biology to develop new algorithms and software tools for analyzing biological data. This course, Finding Hidden Messages in DNA (Bioinformatics I), can help you build a foundation in bioinformatics. This knowledge will be essential for a successful career as a bioinformatician.

See salaries and explore the career path for Bioinformatician

Biomedical Data Scientist

A biomedical data scientist uses data science techniques to analyze and interpret biomedical data. Biomedical data scientists work for a variety of organizations, including hospitals, universities, and pharmaceutical companies. In this course, Finding Hidden Messages in DNA (Bioinformatics I), you will learn the basics of bioinformatics algorithms and the computational techniques used to analyze biological data. This knowledge can be applied to the development of new data science techniques for biomedical research, making this course a valuable asset for aspiring biomedical data scientists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Data Scientist

Computational Biologist

A computational biologist develops and applies computational techniques to analyze and interpret biological data. This data can come from a variety of sources, including DNA sequences, protein structures, and gene expression data. Computational biologists use their skills in computer science, mathematics, and biology to develop new algorithms and software tools for analyzing biological data. This course, Finding Hidden Messages in DNA (Bioinformatics I), can help you build a foundation in bioinformatics algorithms and the computational techniques used to analyze biological data. This knowledge will be essential for a successful career as a computational biologist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computational Biologist

Molecular Biologist

A molecular biologist studies the structure and function of molecules, such as DNA, RNA, and proteins. Molecular biologists use a variety of techniques to study molecules, including DNA sequencing, gene expression analysis, and protein purification. In this course, Finding Hidden Messages in DNA (Bioinformatics I), you will learn the basics of bioinformatics algorithms and the computational techniques used to analyze biological data. This knowledge can be applied to the study of molecules, making this course a valuable asset for aspiring molecular biologists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Molecular Biologist

Biostatistician

A biostatistician applies statistical methods to data relating to living organisms. Some of the main focuses of biostatistics are the design of biological experiments to collect data and analyze the resulting data, as well as the development of statistical methods for analyzing biological data. As a biostatistician, you will need to have a strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, and biology. This course, Finding Hidden Messages in DNA (Bioinformatics I), can help you build a foundation in bioinformatics. Bioinformatics is the application of computer science and information technology to the field of biology. This course will teach you the basics of bioinformatics algorithms and the computational techniques used to analyze biological data. This knowledge will be essential for a successful career as a biostatistician.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician

Geneticist

A geneticist studies genes and heredity. Geneticists use a variety of methods to study genes, including DNA sequencing, gene expression analysis, and genetic mapping. In this course, Finding Hidden Messages in DNA (Bioinformatics I), you will learn the basics of bioinformatics algorithms and the computational techniques used to analyze biological data. This knowledge can be applied to the study of genes and heredity, making this course a valuable asset for aspiring geneticists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geneticist

Software Engineer

A software engineer designs, develops, and maintains software systems. Software engineers work for a variety of organizations, including software companies, financial institutions, and government agencies. In this course, Finding Hidden Messages in DNA (Bioinformatics I), you will learn the basics of bioinformatics algorithms and the computational techniques used to analyze biological data. This knowledge can be applied to the development of new software tools for bioinformatics, making this course a valuable asset for aspiring software engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Biomedical Engineer

A biomedical engineer applies engineering principles to the field of medicine. Biomedical engineers design and develop medical devices, implants, and other products to improve human health. In this course, Finding Hidden Messages in DNA (Bioinformatics I), you will learn the basics of bioinformatics algorithms and the computational techniques used to analyze biological data. This knowledge can be applied to the development of new biomedical devices and products, making this course a valuable asset for aspiring biomedical engineers.

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Research Scientist

A research scientist conducts scientific research in a variety of fields, including biology, chemistry, and physics. Research scientists use a variety of methods to conduct research, including experimentation, data analysis, and computer modeling. In this course, Finding Hidden Messages in DNA (Bioinformatics I), you will learn the basics of bioinformatics algorithms and the computational techniques used to analyze biological data. This knowledge can be applied to a variety of research projects, making this course a valuable asset for aspiring research scientists.

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Computer Scientist

A computer scientist designs, develops, and analyzes computer systems. Computer scientists work for a variety of organizations, including software companies, hardware companies, and research institutions. In this course, Finding Hidden Messages in DNA (Bioinformatics I), you will learn the basics of bioinformatics algorithms and the computational techniques used to analyze biological data. This knowledge can be applied to the development of new algorithms and software tools for bioinformatics, making this course a valuable asset for aspiring computer scientists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Data Scientist

A data scientist uses scientific methods and processes to extract knowledge and insights from data in various forms, both structured and unstructured. Data scientists are employed in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. In this course, Finding Hidden Messages in DNA (Bioinformatics I), you will learn the basics of bioinformatics algorithms and the computational techniques used to analyze biological data. This knowledge can be applied to other domains as well, making this course a valuable asset for aspiring data scientists.

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Database Administrator

A database administrator designs, implements, and maintains databases. Database administrators work for a variety of organizations, including businesses, government agencies, and healthcare organizations. In this course, Finding Hidden Messages in DNA (Bioinformatics I), you will learn the basics of bioinformatics algorithms and the computational techniques used to analyze biological data. This knowledge can be applied to the design and implementation of databases for bioinformatics, making this course a valuable asset for aspiring database administrators.

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Science Writer

A science writer communicates complex scientific concepts to a general audience. Science writers work for a variety of organizations, including newspapers, magazines, and websites. In this course, Finding Hidden Messages in DNA (Bioinformatics I), you will learn the basics of bioinformatics. This knowledge can help you to write clear and concise articles about complex scientific topics, making this course a valuable asset for aspiring science writers.

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Technical Writer

A technical writer creates instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documents that explain complex technical concepts. Technical writers work for a variety of organizations, including software companies, manufacturing companies, and government agencies. In this course, Finding Hidden Messages in DNA (Bioinformatics I), you will learn the basics of bioinformatics. This knowledge can help you to write clear and concise technical documents about complex scientific topics, making this course a valuable asset for aspiring technical writers.

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Teacher

A teacher educates students in a variety of subjects, including science, mathematics, and history. Teachers use a variety of methods to teach, including lectures, discussions, and demonstrations. In this course, Finding Hidden Messages in DNA (Bioinformatics I), you will learn the basics of bioinformatics. This knowledge can help you to teach your students about the exciting field of bioinformatics, making this course a valuable asset for aspiring teachers.

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Finding Hidden Messages in DNA (Bioinformatics I)

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Accessible introduction to bioinformatics

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