Modern biology research generates very large datasets and analysing these to extract meaningful relationships is now a major bottleneck which is aided by machine learning methods. Neural network models in particular are able to learn rules from such datasets to make predictions about biological systems This course will provide a practical introduction to neural network models in biology.

Students will study bioinformatic concepts in the areas of metagenomics, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, biological networks and biostatistics. Through integrated lectures, practical hands-on exercises and project work, students will also be trained in analytical and programming skills to meet the emerging increase in data-driven knowledge generation in biology in the 21st century.

Computational Biology und Bioinformatik analysieren lebende Systeme mit Methoden der Informatik. Das Seminar kombiniert Präsentationen von Studierenden und Forschenden, um das sich schnell entwickelnde Gebiet aus der Informatikperspektive zu skizzieren. Themenbereiche sind Sequenzanalyse, Proteomics, Optimierung und Bio-inspired computing, Systemmodellierung, -simulation und -analyse.

Students will be introduced to and advance their programming skills in UNIX, python and R. Following the biological genotype-to-phenotype concept, students will learn to analyse DNA sequences, protein structures and imaging-captured phenotypes through weekly lectures and homework assignments.

The course teaches computational methods and first hands-on applications by starting from biological problems/phenomena that students in the 4th semester are somewhat familiar with. During the exercises, students will obtain first experience with programming their own analyses/models for data analysis/interpretation.

Introduction to experimental and computational methods of systems biology. By using baker’s yeast as a thread through the series, we focus on global methods for analysis of and interference with biological functions. Illustrative applications to other organisms will highlight medical and biotechnological aspects.