Introduction to Bioinformatics

OVERVIEW

Quarter: Winter/Spring 2001

This course introduces the scientist to Bioinformatics, which uses computer databases to store, retrieve and assist in understanding biological information. The human genome-sequencing project will lead to a preliminary description or sequencing of all genes in a variety of organisms, including humans. Gene sequences are the codes, which direct the production of proteins that in turn regulate all life processes. The student will be shown how these sequences can lead to a much fuller understanding pharmaceutical companies to determine if particular drugs are applicable to all patients. Examples will be presented to the student of how Bioinformatics as a drug discovery tool will, dramatically increase the number of potential biological target for a drug's action (which is almost always a protein) to be identified and studied for drug development.

Instructor: Helge Weissig; Technical Project Manager, Protein Data Bank at the UCSD San Diego Supercomputer Center.

COURSE MATERIAL

previous courses: Spring 2000
SURVEY: please complete this online survey during the first session
1st Session
Lecture: HTML, Notes (PDF, 408 kb), Handouts (PDF, 315 kb)
References: Bioinformatics - Introduction; M. Gerstein, Yale
Bioinformatics - Sequence; M. Gerstein, Yale
materials provided by M. Evans (previous instructor)
Additional Material: Genetic Analysis Tools on the Internet
2nd Session
Lecture: morning session: Protein Analysis
afternoon session (powerpoint slides): HTML
the "other stuff"
References: SQL for Dummies; A.G. Taylor, IDG Books Worldwide; ISBN: 0764501050 - very nice introduction to SQL
Using SQL; R. Colburn, QUE; ISBN: 0789719746 - intermediate to advanced level and very thorough! Provides many examples for different RDBMs.
Web Developers Virtual Library: Databases
Additional Bioinformatics Information Resources
A list of useful Bioinformatics books
Further reading materials
Links
Related Courses by the Instructor
Introduction to Structural Bioinformatics
Advanced Bioinformatics (coming Spring 2001)

The final is here!!