Genomics and Bioinformatics

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

A bachelor degree with a major in a Life Science or Chemistry and at least 65% in the major or equivalent. As part of their degree studies, applicants must have completed an appropriate sequence of genetics or biochemistry related subjects or equivalent to at least second year level.

Students must have completed ONE of the following subjects (or the equivalent):

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements for this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject describes current technologies used to sequence genomes, annotate functional units and identify gene families within organisms and between organisms. The field of informatics has evolved to analyse and interpret large amounts of data generated by new the biotechnologies. Advanced topics will include transcriptome technologies, genome evolution and tree building techniques to identify protein orthologs and paralogs. The subject will cover bioinformatic analysis of protein structure and motifs at the secondary and tertiary levels. This subject will explore the latest developments in bioinformatics and detail how systems biology is helping to model complex biological processes.

The objectives of this subject are to provide students with knowledge of:

• current concepts concerning the molecular basis of genome structure and gene expression;
• theoretical background to genome analysis strategies and technologies and an appreciation of their biotechnological applications;
• the significance and applications of human and other genome sequencing programs
• bioinformatic techniques and applications in the analysis of protein structure and function

• One 2 hour written exam held in the examination period (40 %),
• Four 1000 word assignments due at intervals during semester (60%)

“Understanding Bioinformatics” by Zvelebil and Baum (Garland Science)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Completion of this subject is expected to enhance the generic skills of students in:

• the ability to interpret scientific literature and interpret data from electronic databases.
• the ability to use information technology to acquire relevant knowledge for their understanding of the current status of the field and its relevance to society.
• the capacity to integrate knowledge across disciplines.
• the ability to comprehend a question, evaluate the relevant information and communicate an answer
• the capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning and research.