Lecturer: Paolo Magni  

Course name: Bioinformatics and synthetic biology
Course code: 503310
Degree course: Bioingegneria
Disciplinary field of science: ING-INF/06
L'insegnamento è caratterizzante per: Bioingegneria
University credits: CFU 9
Course website: http://aimed11.unipv.it/iscrizioni/main.htm

Specific course objectives

Bioinformatics is a new discipline that results from the integration of Biology and Information Technology, whose aim is the use and the utilization of the knowledge made available by recent developments in molecular biology and genetics. The course aims to introduce students to major issues relating to the development of appropriate computational tools to solve problems arising from the analysis of biological sequences (DNA, RNA). The main objective of the course is to provide students with a systematic view of the problem in an field characterized by rapid and recent evolution. From a methodological point of view the attention will be focused on Hidden Markov Models and the EM algorithm. This course provides basic knowledge for those wishing to exploit the opportunities offered by the recent development of Bioinformatics. The course also introduces students to the main problems of the synthetic biology, a new research field, that aims the rational programming of a molecular chassis. The main theoretical aspects will be described, as well as the main lab problems. If it will be possible, visits to a genetic molecular lab and practical activities will complement the classroom lessons.

Course programme

Course entry requirements

Course structure and teaching

Lectures (hours/year in lecture theatre): 64
Practical class (hours/year in lecture theatre): 3
Practicals / Workshops (hours/year in lecture theatre): 6

Suggested reading materials

Testing and exams

An oral final exam which includes a brief presentation of 20 min. on a topic relating to the course chosen by the student.