Course Objectives: |
The objective of this course is to introduce students to the field of bioinformatics by teaching fundamental concepts, tools, and methods used in biological data analysis. The course aims to equip students with the ability to analyze DNA, RNA, and protein sequences, effectively utilize biological databases, and interpret data using bioinformatics tools. Additionally, students will develop skills in sequence alignment, genome analysis, and searching for motifs and domains in proteins using bioinformatics approaches. |
Course Content: |
This course provides an introduction to bioinformatics, covering fundamental concepts, tools, and applications in biological data analysis. Students will explore biological databases, sequence alignment, molecular evolution, genome analysis, protein modeling, and transcriptomics. Hands-on practice with bioinformatics software will enhance their ability to analyze and interpret biological data. |
Week |
Subject |
Related Preparation |
1) |
Introduction of bioinformatics
• Definition of Bioinformatics
• Types of Data (DNA, RNA, Protein)
• Application Areas |
Lecture notes and powerpoint presentations |
2) |
Introduction to Biological Databases
• Types of Biological Databases
• Database Formats and Data Organization
• Applications of Biological Databases
|
Lecture notes and powerpoint presentations |
3) |
DNA and RNA Sequence Analysis
• Basic Concepts of Sequence Alignment
• Global Pairwise Sequence Alignment: Needleman-Wunsch Algorithm
• Local Pairwise Sequence Alignment: Smith-Waterman Algorithm
• Practices with BLAST and EMBOSS Needle for Sequence Alignment
|
Lecture notes and powerpoint presentations |
4) |
Multiple Sequence Alignment Methods
• Progressive Alignment Methods
• Iterative Alignment Methods
• Consistency-Based Alignment Methods
• Scoring and Evaluation Metrics in MSA
• Clustal Omega, MUSCLE, MAFFT and T-Coffee applications
|
Lecture notes and powerpoint presentations |
5) |
Molecular Evolution and Phylogenetic Trees
• Introduction to Molecular Evolution
• Phylogenetics: Basic Concepts
• The construction of phylogenetic tree via MEGA
|
Lecture notes and powerpoint presentations |
6) |
Protein Fundamentals
• Structure and Functions of Proteins
• Analysis of Protein Sequences
• Structural Levels of Proteins
• Protein-Protein Interactions |
Lecture notes and powerpoint presentations |
7) |
Sequence motif and domain analysis
• Identification and Significance of protein motifs and domains
• Practical Analysis of Motifs and Domains
|
Lecture notes and powerpoint presentations |
8) |
Midterm week |
|
9) |
Sequencing
• Definition of DNA, RNA, or protein sequencing.
• Historical overview and significance of sequencing.
• Sequencing Techniques (Sanger Sequencing, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), Third-Generation Sequencing)
|
Lecture notes and powerpoint presentations |
10) |
Raw Data Interpretation and Assembly
• Introduction to Raw Sequencing Data
• Quality Control (QC)
• Sequence Assembly
• The tools used for quality control and assembly
|
Lecture notes and powerpoint presentations |
11) |
Genome analysis
• Typing
• Annotation
• Visualization
|
Lecture notes and powerpoint presentations |
12) |
RNA-Seq and transcriptomic analysis
• Introduction to RNA-Seq
• Experimental Workflow of RNA-Seq
• Differential Expression Analysis
• RNA-Seq Applications
|
Lecture notes and powerpoint presentations |
13) |
Protein Modeling
• Introduction to Protein Modeling
• Types of Protein Modeling
• Tools and Software for Protein Modeling
|
Lecture notes and powerpoint presentations |
14) |
• Introduction to Metagenomics
• Metagenomic Data Collection
• Types of Metagenomic Studies |
Lecture notes and powerpoint presentations |
15) |
Bioinformatics and genetic diseases |
Course notes |
Course Notes / Textbooks: |
M. Zvelebil and J. O. Baum, Understanding Bioinformatics, Garland Science, 2008 |
References: |
• D.E. Krane and M.L. Raymer, Fundamental Concepts of Bioinformatics, Pearson Education, 2003.
• N. C. Jones and P. A. Pevzner, An Introduction to Bioinformatics Algorithms, MIT press, 2004.
• C.A. Orengo, D.T. Jones and J.M.Thornton, Bioinformatics: Genes, Proteins and Computers, Roultledge, 2003.
• A. M. Lesk, Introduction to Bioinformatics, Oxford University Press, 2002.
• D. Mount, Bioinformatics: Sequence and genome analysis, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 2001.
• P. A. Pevzner, Computational Molecular Biology: An Algorithmic Approach, MIT press, 2000.
• P. Baldi and S. Brunak, Bioinformatics: the machine learning approach (2nd edition), MIT press, 2001.
• T. Jiang, Y. Xu, and M. Zhang, eds. Current Topics in Computational Molecular Biology, MIT press, 2002.
• S. Karlin, Frontiers of Bioinformatics: Unsolved Problems and Challenges, National Academy Press, 2005
|
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Program Outcomes |
Level of Contribution |
1) |
Sufficient knowledge in mathematics, science and engineering related to their branches; and the ability to apply theoretical and practical knowledge in these areas to model and solve engineering problems. |
2 |
2) |
The ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems; selecting and applying appropriate analysis and modeling methods for this purpose. |
3 |
3) |
The ability to design a complex system, process, device or product under realistic constraints and conditions to meet specific requirements; the ability to apply modern design methods for this purpose. (Realistic constraints and conditions include such issues as economy, environmental issues, sustainability, manufacturability, ethics, health, safety, social and political issues, according to the nature of design.) |
1 |
4) |
Ability to develop, select and use modern techniques and tools necessary for engineering applications; ability to use information technologies effectively. |
5 |
5) |
Ability to design experiments, conduct experiments, collect data, analyze and interpret results to examine engineering problems or discipline-specific research topics. |
3 |
6) |
The ability to work effectively in disciplinary and multidisciplinary teams; individual work skill. |
2 |
7) |
Effective communication skills in Turkish oral and written communication; at least one foreign language knowledge; ability to write effective reports and understand written reports, to prepare design and production reports, to make effective presentations, to give and receive clear and understandable instructions. |
1 |
8) |
Awareness of the need for lifelong learning; access to knowledge, ability to follow developments in science and technology, and constant self-renewal. |
2 |
9) |
Conform to ethical principles, and standards of professional and ethical responsibility; be informed about the standards used in engineering applications. |
1 |
10) |
Awareness of applications in business, such as project management, risk management and change management; awareness of entrepreneurship, and innovation; information about sustainable development. |
2 |
11) |
Information about the universal and social health, environmental and safety effects of engineering applications and the ways in which contemporary problems are reflected in the engineering field; awareness of the legal consequences of engineering solutions. |
1 |