BIOINFORMATICS

The course is intended to introduce the students to Bioinformatics, whose aim is to give computational solutions to problems in the field of molecular biology and genetics.
In particular, problems and solutions for the analysis of biological sequences, such as DNA and proteins, are considered.
In the context of Systems Biology, some examples of biological systems will be illustrated, represented with models and tools typical of computer science.

Knowledge and understanding.

The student will have mastered specific scientific terminology.
She will have acquired an introduction to bioinformatics and will have understood its potential and complexity.
She will be able to recognize and understand the IT solutions to the biological problems treated.


Ability to apply knowledge and understanding.

The student will be able to carry out exercises aimed at applying the knowledge acquired in the various topics of the course.
She will be able to perform, if required, a small software project for the solution of a biological problem.

Knowledge of algorithms and computational complexity.
Knowledge of formal languages.

1. Introduction to molecular biology: DNA, RNA, proteins, cell.
2. Sequences comparison: Pattern matching; Suffix tree; Suffix array; Pair alignment; Multiple alignment.
3. Phylogenetic trees: inference and comparison.
4. Genomic sequencing: technologies and strategies.
5. Systems Biology: a problem with a solution.
6. Sequences modelling: weighted and probabilistic grammars and automata; HMM.
7. Protein modelling and folding.

Papers assigned by the teacher.

Written exam consisting of questions and exercises on the program
In addition, deepen of an argument or software project assigned by the teacher.

The course uses classical frontal teaching

English

Further info available at
http://moodle.unive.it

written and oral