BIOL 3010

Bioinformatic tools are essential in modern molecular biology, biochemistry and ecology. High throughput DNA, RNA and protein sequencing tools have transformed the way we look at the biological world, and the data sets that life scientists currently face are larger than they have ever been. Students develop research skills required for framing strong hypotheses and performing robust experiments using large DNA and protein sequencing data sets. They examine approaches for data quality assessment and evaluation of bioinformatic tools, which are major themes of the course. Laboratory time provides hands-on experience with analysis of DNA, RNA and protein sequence data, and introduces basic computing tools that are useful for moving data between computer databases and programs.