Explore

Comparing Genes, Proteins, and Genomes (Bioinformatics III)

Approx. 22 hours to complete

Save Course

Go to Course

Course Summary

This course provides an in-depth exploration of genome comparison, including the analysis of similarities and differences between genomes, and the use of computational tools to detect genomic variations.

Key Learning Points

Learn how to compare genomes using computational tools and techniques
Understand the importance of genomic variation in evolutionary processes
Explore the practical applications of genome comparison in fields such as medicine and biotechnology

Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have

- USA: $90,000 - $130,000
- India: ₹600,000 - ₹1,200,000
- Spain: €28,000 - €60,000
- USA: $90,000 - $130,000
- India: ₹600,000 - ₹1,200,000
- Spain: €28,000 - €60,000
- USA: $70,000 - $110,000
- India: ₹500,000 - ₹1,000,000
- Spain: €25,000 - €50,000

Learning Outcomes

Develop the skills to compare and analyze genomes
Understand the role of genomic variation in evolutionary processes
Apply genomic comparison techniques in practical settings

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of genetics and molecular biology
Familiarity with programming languages such as Python and R

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online self-paced
Video lectures
Assignments and quizzes

Similar Courses

Genomic Data Science with Galaxy
Bioinformatics: Introduction and Methods
Genomic and Precision Medicine

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Director of the European Bioinformatics Institute
President and Founding Director of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard

Related Books

Description

Once we have sequenced genomes in the previous course, we would like to compare them to determine how species have evolved and what makes them different.

In the first half of the course, we will compare two short biological sequences, such as genes (i.e., short sequences of DNA) or proteins. We will encounter a powerful algorithmic tool called dynamic programming that will help us determine the number of mutations that have separated the two genes/proteins. In the second half of the course, we will "zoom out" to compare entire genomes, where we see large scale mutations called genome rearrangements, seismic events that have heaved around large blocks of DNA over millions of years of evolution. Looking at the human and mouse genomes, we will ask ourselves: just as earthquakes are much more likely to occur along fault lines, are there locations in our genome that are "fragile" and more susceptible to be broken as part of genome rearrangements? We will see how combinatorial algorithms will help us answer this question. Finally, you will learn how to apply popular bioinformatics software tools to solve problems in sequence alignment, including BLAST.

Outline

Week 1: Introduction to Sequence Alignment
(Check Out Our Wacky Course Intro Video!)
From Sequence Comparison to Biological Insights
The Alignment Game and the Longest Common Subsequence Problem
The Manhattan Tourist Problem
The Change Problem
Dynamic Programming and Backtracking Pointers
From Manhattan to the Alignment Graph
Course Details
Week 1 Quiz

Week 2: From Finding a Longest Path to Aligning DNA Strings
From Global to Local Alignment
Week 2 Quiz

Week 3: Advanced Topics in Sequence Alignment
Penalizing Insertions and Deletions in Sequence Alignment
Space-Efficient Sequence Alignment
Multiple Sequence Alignment
Week 3 Quiz

Week 4: Genome Rearrangements and Fragility
Transforming Men Into Mice
Sorting by Reversals
Breakpoint Theorem
Rearrangements in Tumor Genomes
2-Breaks
Week 4 Quiz

Week 5: Applying Genome Rearrangement Analysis to Find Genome Fragility
Breakpoint Graphs
2-Break Distance Theorem
Rearrangement Hotspots in the Human Genome
Synteny Block Construction
Week 5 Quiz

Week 6: Bioinformatics Application Challenge

Summary of User Reviews

Comparing Genomes is an excellent course that provides a comprehensive understanding of the comparative genomics field. The course content is well-organized, engaging and insightful. The course instructors are knowledgeable and provide excellent guidance throughout the course.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The course provides a great balance between theory and practical application.

Pros from User Reviews

The course is well-structured and easy to follow.
The course content is up-to-date and relevant.
The instructors are knowledgeable and engaging.
The course provides practical skills that can be immediately applied.

Cons from User Reviews

The course may be too technical for beginners.
Some of the lectures are quite lengthy.
The course may require a significant time commitment.
The course may not be suitable for those without a background in biology.

Recommended for you

Comparing Genes, Proteins, and Genomes (Bioinformatics III)

Once we have sequenced genomes in the previous course, we would like to compare them to determine how species have evolved and what makes them different....

Save Course