Kursplan

COURSE TITLE

Bioinformatics - Medical Applications, 7,5 points

COURSE CATEGORY   Single subject course
MAIN FIELD OF STUDY
SUBJECT AREA

COURSE CODE

8FA010

AIM OF THE COURSE

The aim of the course is to provide knowledge about the theory and practical applications of computer-based methods for analysing DNA sequences and protein structures within the field of medicine. The course comprises in-depth knowledge in medical biology.

Learning outcomes
By the end of the course the students will be able to:
-Find and follow relevant instructions to utilize internet-based tools and computer programs to identify, compare and analyse biological molecules
-Interpret and evaluate results from databank searches in a biomedically relevant context
-Compare and evaluate bioinformatics tools for given datasets
-Independently identify and select relevant bioinformatics tools in order to illuminate different aspects of a given task and perform relevant analyses
-Compile and communicate conclusions regarding the interpretation of the results as well as comparison of the results to published information from biological experiments

CONTENTS

The course involves practical applications and theoretical overview of computer-based methods for studying biological molecules, such as DNA sequences and protein structures. The different parts of the course cover different types of internetbased tools and computer programs. The following problem areas will be covered:
-Performing searches in biological databanks
-Identification and comparison of sequence data of nucleotide and amino acid sequences
-Patterns in amino acid sequences
-Secondary and tertiary structures of proteins
-Metabolic pathways
-Phylogenetic reconstructions through alignments of sequences between different species

TEACHING

The educational methods include lectures, computer exercises, seminars and laboratory work.

The educational method used is problem-based learning (PBL). PBL emphasises the students development of free, self-supporting, life-long learning ability as an instrument for critical inquiry. The students own queries and the problems formulated form the basis of PBL. Important is also the student´s ability to take responsibility for his/her own learning, and to seek and evaluate information and knowledge as well as to develop co-operative skills and a flexible attitude to different views and ideas.

EXAMINATION

Examination forms include active participation in tutorial groups and seminars, written and oral examinations, oral presentations of reports/essays, completed assignments and examination of practical skills.

Students who have failed the course or part of the course twice are entitled to request another examiner for the following examination occasion.

Extent of re-examination
The extent of a re-examination shall be similar to the regular examination.

Entries for examinations
Rules for entries for examinations are given in the course plans. In addition the "Regulations regarding examinations and examiners" laid down by decision of Linköping University (Dnr LiU 1109/00-40) apply.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

At least three years of full-time undergraduate studies in a major subject area with relevance for Life Science, e.g. from faculties within medicine, technology/natural sciences, odontology, pharmaceutical science. The lowest acceptable grade from undergraduate studies is Pass.

Applicants with a degree from a non-Swedish university must enclose an official examination certificate of at least three years of full-time studies in subjects with relevance for Life Science, such as biology, chemistry, medicine or similar.
Documented knowledge of English equivalent to ”Engelska B”; i.e. English as native language or an internationally recognized test, e.g. TOEFL (miminum scores: Paperbased 550 + TWE-score 4.0, computerbased 213 and internetbased 79), IELTS, academic (minimum score: Overall band 6.0 and no band under 5.0), or equivalent.

GRADING

The course is graded on the following scale: Pass; Fail.

CERTIFICATE

Course certificate is issued by the Faculty Board on request. The Department provides a special form which should be submitted to the Student Affairs Office at the Faculty of Health Sciences.

COURSE LITERATURE

The course literature is decided upon by the department in question.

OTHER INFORMATION

Course Evaluation
Planning and implementation of the course shall be carried out from the wording in this course plan. The evaluation of the course should therefore consider the question how well the course agrees with the course plan. Oral and written evaluation will be arranged at the end of the course.

Electronic evaluation of the course will also take place in accordance with Linköping University´s regulations (Dnr LiU 780/06-04).

Certificate
At the student´s request, a course certificate may be issued by the director of studies for courses or, according ro delegation, by the head of the department/director of programme studies.

Additional Information
The course is given in such a way that both men´s and women´s experiences and knowledge are foregrounded and developed.

If the course is withdrawn, or is subject to major changes, examinations according to this course plan are normally offered on a total of three occations within one year, one of them in close connection with the first examination.

Bioinformatics - Medical Applications
Bioinformatics - Medical Applications, advanced course

Department responsible
for the course or equivalent: MEDBIO - Medicinsk biologi

Registrar No: 1410/06-41

Course Code: 8FA010

Exam codes: see Local Computer System

Subject/Subject Area :

Level		Education level			Subject Area Code		Field of Education
Avancerad					MBI		Medicin