CHEM 360 - Introduction to Bioinformatics

Computational Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (3 credits)
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Description

The recent explosion in data from geneome sequencing projects and structural biology initiatives has made the computer an indispensible tool for the biologist or biochemist. The need for database management and search tools, pattern-matching algorithms, graphics and number-crunching applications has led to the creation and rapid growth of the field of bioinformatics. This course is intended to serve as an introduction to the methods and applications of bioinformatics, and participants will learn the basics of how the computer is used as an investigative tool by researchers in the biochemical and biomedical sciences. Approximately half the course will be devoted to methods for the viewing and analysis of protein structures. Additional topics to be covered will include structure prediction tools, sequence search, comparison, and alignment tools, design of primers for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experiments, and the mathematical foundations of problems in bioinformatics.
   

Required materials & prerequisites

This course is most appropriate for students who are prepared to take Biochemistry (CHEM 440 / BIOL 440), or have already done so. Prior coursework should include organic chemistry (CHEM 230 & CHEM 331) and exposure to basic molecular cell biology (e.g. BIOL 201). Students must have ready access to a desktop computer and the internet, and be familiar and comfortable with basic desktop computer operations such as running programs, downloading and installing software, and using web-based search and other client applications. The course prerequisites may be waved in special cases for students with a strong background in computer science and experience with Unix or Linux operating systems and a strong interest in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Text (required): Arthur M. Lesk, Introduction to Bioinformatics (Oxford University Press, 2002).

Oher recommended texts:

Listed below are two other highly recommended books that are useful references.

Cynthia Gibas & Per Jambeck - Developing Bioinformatics Computer Skills (O'Reilly & Associates, 2001).
Arthur M. Lesk - Introduction to Protein Architecture (Oxford University Press, 2001).

For further information, contact Dr. Jeff D Cronk, Department of Chemistry, Gonzaga University.

E-mail: cronk@gonzaga.edu

[ GU Biochemistry ] 21-May-2003 *