BIOL 360: Genomic Analysis (List II)

(1 Unit)
Prerequisite: BIOL 300 or permission of instructor.
This is a project-based course exploring the concepts and skills of computer-based genome data analysis through. Previous projects have included the analysis of data obtained from two landmark studies: 1) The genome sequence analysis of 99 sequenced Ebola strains from the 2014 Ebola virus outbreak in Africa (Gire etal 2014) and 2) A study suggesting the mechanism by which the Zika virus infects human cortical neurons, leading to microcephaly (Tan et al., 2016).

We have also explored how DNA sequencing and genomic analysis was used to trace the origin and evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic - repeating some of these analyses using the actual data used in the original studies.

Other possible projects include how to analyze gene expression through RNA-sequencing data, or identifying the genetic basis of rare diseases.

This is a hands-on, project based course in which students will learn the latest bioinformatics (computer-based) techniques for genome sequence and gene expression analyses. The exact platfoms used vary but typically include an introduction to command line using linux, an introduction to bioinformatics approaches using galaxy (usegalaxy.org), and an introduction to programming using either R or python. All of these skills are essential for graduate school or jobs in biology upon graduation. This course counts as a Lab course for the Biology major. TR 2:15-4:05 Saville