Applications of Bioinformatics
Overview
Extending from the fundamentals of biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics studied in the first year of Master of Science in Biotechnology course, this unit intends to provide the students with an exposure to the interface between biotechnology and computer science. Bioinformatics is now an essential aspect of biotechnology, and relates to rapid and extensive computer-based analysis of the genetic information of organisms, for purposes such as analysing the structures and roles of genes and proteins, comparative and evolutionary studies, disease detection and drug design. The topics covered provide a strong foundation for diverse research and development opportunities.
Requisites
01-June-2025
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Research and analyse the structural properties of nucleic acids, proteins and other biomolecules using industry-standard computer tools
- Taking a systems-level approach, use technology to appraise and critically analyse diverse biological complexities and their related challenges
- Assess the role of bioinformatics to evaluate the issues and conceptualise solutions in diverse areas such as health and medicine, agriculture and the environment
- Record scientific observations correctly and interpret these critically and accurately
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Class | 3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning | 1.50 | 12 weeks | 18 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 8.00 | 12 weeks | 96 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Quizzes | Individual | 5 - 20% | 1,2,3 |
| Online Tests | Individual | 20 - 40% | 1,2,3 |
| Report | Individual | 15 - 35% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Tutorial Exercises | Individual | 35 - 55% | 1,2,3,4 |
Hurdle
As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass a unit and meet all ULOs to a minimum standard, an undergraduate student must have achieved:
(i) An aggregate mark of 50% or more, and(ii) Complete a minimum of 80% of the computer tutorials/computer laboratory work, based on the criteria for successful completion as explained in the unit outline, and(iii) Obtain at least 40% of the possible marks for the computer tutorials/computer laboratory work.Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirements (ii) and (iii) will receive a maximum of 45% as the total mark for the unit
Content
The indicative content of this evolving field is as follows:
- Molecular genetic analysis of DNA and protein sequence data for purposes such as directional manipulations, restriction mapping, determining gene structures, regulatory sequences
- Translation of DNA into predicted proteins, analyses of the predicted proteins for biochemical signatures and roles
- Primer design for amplifications and analyses of genes
- Alignments and comparisons of DNA and protein sequences for assessing sequence similarities, mutations, evolutionary relationships
- Introduction to omics technologies and related databases including genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics
- The tasks guide the students through a query process using numerous computer-based tools. Exercises vary from year to year
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.