Genomics and Bioinformatics

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

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

Master of Biotechnology students may have the right background to undertake this subject without the specific pre-requisite subjects above. Such students should contact Dr Matthew Digby (mdigby@unimelb.edu.au) for special enrolment approval.

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For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject describes current technologies used to sequence genomes - the starting point for comparative analyses of genes and proteins. The field of informatics has evolved to analyse and interpret large amounts of data generated by the new biotechnologies. Advanced topics will include transcriptome technologies, genome evolution and sequence similarity analysis techniques to identify protein orthologues and paralogues. The subject will cover bioinformatic analysis of protein structure and motifs at the secondary and tertiary levels, and modelling studies aimed at drug design. 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

• 4 x 1500 word assignments at intervals during semester (80%)
• 1 x Oral presentation (10 min) at end of semester (20%)

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“Practical Bioinformatics" by Michael Agostino (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.