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551-1295-00L 6 Credits BSC , MSC D-CHAB , D-PHYS , D-MAVT , D-BIOL , D-ITET , D-HEST
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Introduction to Bioinformatics: Concepts and Applications

Einführung in die Bioinformatik: Grundkonzept und Anwendungen

Lecturers: Dr. Johannes Fütterer, Prof. Dr. Beat Keller, Prof. em. Dr. Wilhelm Gruissem, Prof. Dr. Sacha Baginsky, Prof. Dr. Amedeo Caflisch, Dr. Guido Capitani, Prof. Dr. Markus Gerhard Grütter, PD Dr. Lars Hennig
Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Wilhelm Gruissem, Dr. Guido Capitani, PD Dr. Lars Hennig
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:14:53

Abstract

Storage, handling and analysis of large datasets have become essential in biological research. The course will introduce students to a number of applications of bioinformatics in biology. Freely accessible software tools and databases will be explained and explored in theory and praxis.

Objective

Introduction to Bioinformatics I: Concepts and Applications (formerly Bioinformatics I) will provide students with the theoretical background of approaches to store and retrieve information from large databases. Concepts will be developed how DNA sequence information can be used to understand phylogentic relationships, how RNA sequence relates to structure, and how protein sequence information can be used for genome annotation and to predict protein folding and structure. Students will be introduced to quantitative methods for measuring gene expression and how this information can be used to model gene networks. Methods will be discussed to construct protein interaction maps and how this information can be used to simulate dynamic molecular networks. In addition to the theoretical background, the students will develop hands-on experiences with the bioinformatics methods through guided exercises. The course provides students from different backgrounds with basic training in bioinformatics approaches that have impact on biological, chemical and physics experimentation. Bioinformatics approaches draw significant expertise from mathematics, statistics and computational science. Although "Intoduction to Bioinformatics I" will focus on theory and praxis of bioinformatics approaches, the course provides an important foundation for the course "Introduction to Bioinformatics II: Fundamentals of computer science, modeling and algorithms" that will be offered in the following semester.

Content

Bioinformatics I will cover the following topics: From genes to databases and information BLAST searches Prediction of gene function and regulation RNA structure prediction Gene expression analysis using microarrays Protein sequence and structure databases WWW for bioinformatics Protein sequence comparisons Proteomics and de novo protein sequencing Protein structure prediction Cellular and protein interaction networks Molecular dynamics simulation

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 75 minutes
Aids
None
Sprache der Leistungskontrolle ist Deutsch oder Englisch

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Einführung in die Bioinformatik: Grundkonzept und Anwendungen
gemeinsam mit der Uni ZH
  • Mon 15:15-17:00 (HG G 5)
  • Mon 17:15-18:00 (IFW C 31)
  • Mon 18:15-19:00 (IFW C 31)
4 h weekly

Offered In