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551-0500-00L 6 Credits BSC D-CHAB , D-BIOL

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Application of Deep Learning Models in Biology

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Pedro Beltrao

Number of participants limited to 10. The enrolment is done by the D-BIOL study administration.

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:38:43

Abstract

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.

Objective

In this course the students will learn how to apply deep learning methods for the analysis of biological data (e.g. images, DNA sequences, protein sequences). The course will provide a basic foundation on neural networks but focus primarily on practical use of neural network models for practical application to problems in biology.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture Notes, Literature

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Grading criteria:60% for the project; 20% for each of 2 quizzes.Students are obliged to be present throughout the block course.Cancellation: If you have to deregister from a course that has been assigned to you (just emergency reasons), please notify in written the course coordinator at least four weeks before the course starts, for courses in the 1st quarter, a cancellation period of one week applies. The study secretariat D-BIOL must also be informed (email CC [email protected]) so that the enrollment is deleted. Otherwise the course is considered as "failed".

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
practical/laboratory course	Application of Deep Learning Models in Biology Permission from lecturers required for all students. Block course in the 1st quarter of the spring semester	Tue 12:45-16:30 (HPV F 7.1) Wed 07:45-16:30 (HPV F 7.1) Thu 07:45-16:30 (HPV F 7.1) Fri 07:45-16:30 (HPV F 7.1)	100 h semesterly

Offered In

Biology Bachelor
- Third Year Courses
  - Block Courses (Registration for Block courses is mandatory. Please register under . Registration period: 21.12.2023 to 10.01.2024. Please note the ETH admission criteria for the admission of ETH students to ETH block courses on the block course registration website under "allocation".)
    - Block Courses in 1st Quarter of the Semester (From 20.02.2024 to 13.03.2024)
Biochemistry – Chemical Biology Bachelor
- Block Courses (Registration for Block courses is mandatory. Please register under . Registration period: from 21.12.23 - 10.01.2024 Please note the ETH admission criteria for the admission of ETH students to ETH block courses on the block course registration website under "allocation".)
  - Block courses in the 1st quarter of the semester (20.02.2024 to 13.03.2024)