Introduction to Bioinformatics

Live Online · Semester 1 Core Course

Course code: INTO-BIO
Prerequisites: None

This course introduces biological databases and resources, DNA and protein sequence analysis, alignments, BLAST, motif discovery, Linux and reproducible bioinformatics workflows.

Included in the Bioinformatics & Computational Sciences Diploma. For the upcoming cohort, access is provided through diploma enrolment in My Learning.

Enroll in the Diploma

Key topics and learning outcomes

• Understand core bioinformatics concepts and the relationship between molecular biology and computing.
• Find and use common biological and disease-related databases.
• Analyse DNA and protein sequences and interpret similarity scores.
• Use BLAST and introductory pairwise and multiple sequence alignment workflows.
• Explore motif discovery, Linux and reproducible analytical practice.
• Develop a research project and interpret results.

Assessment and completion

• Quizzes: 20%
• Assessments: 30%
• Final project: 50%
• Pass mark: 60%
• Minimum project grade: 50%
• All mandatory components must be completed.
• One reassessment or resubmission opportunity is available for a failed mandatory assessment or final project.

Live-online learning

Upcoming Zoom Session → Live Lecture → Recording → Materials → Quiz / Assessment, with a dedicated final-project area.

Lecture recordings are available to enrolled students after live sessions through My Learning, alongside materials and assessments. Session dates, Zoom joining details and the final-project brief will be added when confirmed by the academic team.