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Ge Gao 高歌, Ph.D. and Liping Wei 魏丽萍, Ph.D.

A big welcome to “Bioinformatics: Introduction and Methods” from Peking University! In this MOOC you will become familiar with the concepts and computational methods in the exciting interdisciplinary field of bioinformatics and their applications in biology, the knowledge and skills in bioinformatics you acquired will help you in your future study and research.

Course materials are available under the CC BY-NC-SA License.

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Syllabus

Introduction and History of Bioinformatics
Welcome to “Bioinformatics: Introduction and Methods! Upon completion of this module you will be able to: become familiar with the essential concepts of bioinformatics; explore the history of this young area; experience how rapidly bioinformatics is growing. Our supplementary materials will give you a better understanding of the course lectures through they are not required in quizzes or exams
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Builds a strong foundation for beginners in the field
Taught by recognized experts in the field: Ge Gao and Liping Wei
Affiliated with Peking University, a highly reputable institution
Covers the essential concepts of bioinformatics
Provides practical experience through interactive materials
Emphasizes applications in biology

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Reviews summary

生物信息学:概念与方法

根据学生反馈,这门北京大学生物信息学:导论与方法课程提供了生物信息学领域广泛的概念和方法概述(positive)。许多学习者认为课程内容涵盖了当前生物信息学的重要前沿主题,如下一代测序分析(positive),为进一步的学习和研究打下了良好的基础(positive)。然而,有部分评论指出,课程在深入讲解复杂的算法细节(warning)或提供实际的工具操作和动手实践(negative)方面有所欠缺。对于没有生物学、计算机或统计学背景(warning)初学者来说,课程难度可能较高(warning)。此外,由于生物信息学工具和数据库发展迅速,课程中提到的一些资源信息可能不够最新(warning),需要学习者自行查阅更新。总体而言,这是一门适合有一定基础、希望系统性了解生物信息学框架(positive)的学习者的课程,能提供不错的理论入门(neutral),但需要结合其他资源或自行实践(neutral)以掌握实际应用。
课程涵盖了NGS等现代生物信息学的重要技术和应用。
"课程中关于下一代测序(NGS)的几个模块非常有价值,跟当前研究热点结合紧密。"
"能了解到转录组分析、变异检测这些比较新的方向,感觉课程内容是与时俱进的。"
"讲师对前沿技术的介绍让我对生物信息学的应用有了更清晰的认识。"
课程提供了生物信息学全面的入门概念和方法介绍。
"我觉得这门课对生物信息学领域的主要方向都做了介绍,覆盖面很广。"
"作为一门导论课,它把各种重要的概念和方法都提到了,帮我构建了整体框架。"
"课程内容相当全面,从序列比对到NGS再到通路分析都有涉及。"
课程提到的一些数据库或软件资源信息可能不够最新。
"课程里提到的一些生物信息学数据库或者软件版本,现在可能已经更新了,界面和用法有变化。"
"学习过程中需要自己额外花时间去查阅最新的工具和资源信息。"
"一些参考资料或链接感觉不够及时更新,影响了使用便利性。"
理论讲解多,实际动手操作和工具应用指导较少。
"课程的理论部分讲得很好,但缺乏实际操作和工具使用的实践环节。"
"我希望能有更多关于如何运行软件、分析数据的实际演示或练习。"
"听完课还是不太确定如何在自己的数据上应用这些生物信息学方法。"
课程对学习者的生物学或计算背景有一定要求,不适合完全零基础。
"我没有编程经验,课程里讲算法和分析流程的部分理解起来有点吃力。"
"如果之前没学过分子生物学,很多生物学的背景知识需要自己补充。"
"这门课不是那种手把手教小白的,更适合有一定相关基础的人快速入门。"

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 Bioinformatics: Introduction and Methods 生物信息学: 导论与方法 with these activities:
Review of Basic Bioinformatics Concepts
Get familiar with fundamental concepts in bioinformatics to enhance understanding of course content.
Browse courses on Bioinformatics
Show steps
  • Read assigned course materials (e.g., textbooks, articles) or watch introductory videos on bioinformatics.
  • Identify and define key terms (e.g., DNA, RNA, proteins, genetic code).
  • Explore online resources (e.g., NCBI, EMBL-EBI) to familiarize yourself with bioinformatics databases and tools.
  • Attend the first few lectures or tutorials to gain basic knowledge of bioinformatics concepts.
Multiple Sequence Alignment Practice
Develop proficiency in sequence alignment algorithms to better comprehend subsequent sections on sequence analysis.
Browse courses on Sequence Alignment
Show steps
  • Solve practice problems on multiple sequence alignment using dynamic programming.
  • Use online tools (e.g., ClustalW, T-Coffee) to perform sequence alignments and analyze results.
  • Attend workshops or tutorials to enhance understanding of sequence alignment techniques.
Bioinformatics Conference Attendance
Expand understanding of the field, connect with professionals, and learn about recent advancements in bioinformatics.
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  • Attend a bioinformatics conference related to the course topics.
  • Attend presentations and listen to experts in the field.
  • Interact with researchers and professionals to exchange ideas and learn about new projects and collaborations.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Bioinformatics Software Tool Comparison
Enhance understanding of bioinformatics software tools and their applications by conducting a comparative analysis.
Show steps
  • Identify a specific bioinformatics task (e.g., sequence analysis, genome assembly).
  • Research and select several popular software tools for the task.
  • Download and install the software tools.
  • Test and evaluate each tool using benchmark datasets or real-world data.
  • Compare and contrast the features, performance, and strengths and weaknesses of each tool.
  • Write a report or create a presentation summarizing the findings and recommendations.
Next-Generation Sequencing Data Analysis Exercise
Develop practical skills in analyzing next-generation sequencing data to strengthen understanding of genome analysis methods.
Show steps
  • Obtain a dataset from a public repository (e.g., NCBI Sequence Read Archive).
  • Install and use bioinformatics software (e.g., BWA, SAMtools) to map reads and identify variants.
  • Analyze the variants and identify potential mutations or genetic polymorphisms.
Advanced Sequence Analysis Techniques
Enhance analytical skills in bioinformatics by exploring advanced techniques and algorithms for sequence analysis.
Browse courses on Sequence Analysis
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  • Review online tutorials or attend workshops on topics such as hidden Markov models (HMMs) or machine learning for sequence analysis.
  • Implement algorithms for HMMs or other advanced techniques using programming languages (e.g., Python, R).
  • Apply these techniques to real-world biological datasets and analyze the results.
Bioinformatics Community Involvement
Gain practical experience and contribute to the bioinformatics community by volunteering in relevant projects.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Identify open-source bioinformatics projects or organizations that align with your interests.
  • Contact the project leaders or organizers to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Contribute to the project by participating in discussions, testing software, or writing documentation.
Bioinformatics Case Study Presentation
Deepen understanding of bioinformatics applications by conducting a case study and presenting findings.
Browse courses on Computational Biology
Show steps
  • Choose a bioinformatics case study (e.g., disease diagnosis, drug discovery) that aligns with course topics.
  • Conduct research to gather relevant data and information.
  • Create a presentation that summarizes the case study, methods used, and key findings.
  • Present the case study to the class or a designated group for feedback and discussion.

Career center

Learners who complete Bioinformatics: Introduction and Methods 生物信息学: 导论与方法 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Bioinformatician
Bioinformaticians use their knowledge of computer science and biology to develop and apply computational techniques to biological data. This course will teach you the essential concepts of bioinformatics, including sequence alignment, sequence database search, and Markov models. These concepts are fundamental to bioinformatics, and this course will help you build a strong foundation for a career in this field. Furthermore, the course will cover topics such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and the analysis of RNA-Seq data, which are increasingly important in bioinformatics.
Computational Biologist
Computational biologists use their knowledge of computer science and biology to develop and apply computational techniques to biological problems. This course will teach you the essential concepts of bioinformatics, including sequence alignment, sequence database search, and Markov models. These concepts are fundamental to computational biology, and this course will help you build a strong foundation for a career in this field. Furthermore, the course will cover topics such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and the analysis of RNA-Seq data, which are increasingly important in computational biology.
Molecular Biologist
Molecular biologists use their knowledge of molecular biology to study the structure, function, and regulation of biological molecules. This course will teach you the essential concepts of bioinformatics, including sequence alignment, sequence database search, and Markov models. These concepts are fundamental to molecular biology, and this course will help you build a strong foundation for a career in this field. Furthermore, the course will cover topics such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and the analysis of RNA-Seq data, which are increasingly important in molecular biology.
Geneticist
Geneticists use their knowledge of genetics to study the inheritance and variation of genes. This course will teach you the essential concepts of bioinformatics, including sequence alignment, sequence database search, and Markov models. These concepts are fundamental to genetics, and this course will help you build a strong foundation for a career in this field. Furthermore, the course will cover topics such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and the analysis of RNA-Seq data, which are increasingly important in genetics.
Biostatistician
Biostatisticians use their knowledge of statistics and biology to design experiments, collect data, and analyze biological information. This course will teach you the essential concepts of bioinformatics, including sequence alignment, sequence database search, and Markov models. These concepts are fundamental to biostatistics, and this course will help you build a strong foundation for a career in this field. Furthermore, the course will cover topics such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and the analysis of RNA-Seq data, which are increasingly important in biostatistics.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical engineers use their knowledge of engineering and biology to design and develop medical devices and technologies. This course will teach you the essential concepts of bioinformatics, including sequence alignment, sequence database search, and Markov models. These concepts are fundamental to biomedical engineering, and this course will help you build a strong foundation for a career in this field. Furthermore, the course will cover topics such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and the analysis of RNA-Seq data, which are increasingly important in biomedical engineering.
Data Scientist
Data scientists use their knowledge of statistics, computer science, and domain expertise to extract insights from data. This course will teach you the essential concepts of bioinformatics, including sequence alignment, sequence database search, and Markov models. These concepts are fundamental to data science, and this course will help you build a strong foundation for a career in this field. Furthermore, the course will cover topics such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and the analysis of RNA-Seq data, which are increasingly important in data science.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists use their knowledge of pharmacology to dispense and administer medications. This course will teach you the essential concepts of bioinformatics, including sequence alignment, sequence database search, and Markov models. These concepts are fundamental to pharmacology, and this course will help you build a strong foundation for a career in this field. Furthermore, the course will cover topics such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and the analysis of RNA-Seq data, which are increasingly important in pharmacology.
Physician
Physicians use their knowledge of medicine to diagnose and treat diseases. This course may be useful for physicians who want to learn more about bioinformatics and how it can be used to improve patient care. The course will cover topics such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and the analysis of RNA-Seq data, which are increasingly important in medicine.
Nurse
Nurses use their knowledge of nursing to provide care to patients. This course may be useful for nurses who want to learn more about bioinformatics and how it can be used to improve patient care. The course will cover topics such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and the analysis of RNA-Seq data, which are increasingly important in nursing.
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare administrators use their knowledge of healthcare administration to manage healthcare organizations. This course may be useful for healthcare administrators who want to learn more about bioinformatics and how it can be used to improve healthcare delivery. The course will cover topics such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and the analysis of RNA-Seq data, which are increasingly important in healthcare administration.
Science Writer
Science writers use their knowledge of science to communicate scientific information to the public. This course may be useful for science writers who want to learn more about bioinformatics and how it is used to advance scientific research. The course will cover topics such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and the analysis of RNA-Seq data, which are increasingly important in science writing.
Teacher
Teachers use their knowledge of education to teach students. This course may be useful for teachers who want to learn more about bioinformatics and how it can be used to teach biology. The course will cover topics such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and the analysis of RNA-Seq data, which are increasingly important in biology education.
Librarian
Librarians use their knowledge of library science to manage libraries and provide information services to the public. This course may be useful for librarians who want to learn more about bioinformatics and how it is used to organize and disseminate scientific information. The course will cover topics such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and the analysis of RNA-Seq data, which are increasingly important in library science.
Patent Attorney
Patent attorneys use their knowledge of law and science to obtain and defend patents for inventions. This course may be useful for patent attorneys who want to learn more about bioinformatics and how it is used to develop and protect intellectual property in the life sciences. The course will cover topics such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and the analysis of RNA-Seq data, which are increasingly important in patent law.

Reading list

We've selected eight 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 Bioinformatics: Introduction and Methods 生物信息学: 导论与方法.
本书是生物信息学领域的经典教材,全面介绍了生物信息学的基本概念、方法和应用,适合作为生物信息学入门或进阶学习的读物。
Provides a comprehensive overview of bioinformatics and functional genomics. It covers topics such as sequence analysis, gene expression analysis, and protein structure prediction. It valuable resource for students and researchers in the field of bioinformatics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of next-generation sequencing data analysis. It covers topics such as data quality control, alignment, and variant calling. It valuable resource for students and researchers in the field of bioinformatics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of bioinformatics programming using Python. It covers topics such as data structures, algorithms, and programming tools. It valuable resource for students and researchers in the field of bioinformatics.
Provides a clear and concise introduction to the field of bioinformatics. It covers topics such as sequence analysis, gene expression analysis, and protein structure prediction. It good choice for students and researchers who are new to the field of bioinformatics.
本书介绍了生物信息学中常用的模式识别方法,包括序列比对、序列搜索、基因预测等,适合对模式识别感兴趣的读者。
本书介绍了生物信息学中常用的统计方法,包括统计推断、数据分析、机器学习等,适合对统计方法感兴趣的读者。
本书是生物信息学的入门读物,简要介绍了生物信息学的概念和方法,适合对生物信息学感兴趣的普通读者。

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