Module: Computational Biology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Computational Biology
Module Code	BIO1003 (ITS: BE250)
Faculty	Biotechnology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

Learning Outcomes

1. Refresh understanding of key genetics processes
2. Understand the process of genome annotation; access biological data from different genome browsers and databases
3. Determine the linkage disequilibrium structure of a genetic locus
4. Perform a genetic association analysis
5. Design PCR primers
6. Infer homology using computational methods
7. Retrieve sequence data and perform multiple sequence alignments
8. Work at the command line on Linux

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	38	Computer Practicals & Workshops
Independent Study	87	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20083	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Denise Harold	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	n/a	10%	n/a
In Class Test	n/a	70%	Week 7
Assignment	Short assignment (worth 20% module) - due towards the end of semester	20%	Sem 2 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to genome annotation and the available genome bowsers.

Understanding data formats.

Efficient use of biological databases.

Appropriate statistical analysis of a genetic association study.

Designing PCR primers.

Database search algorithms and statistics.

Multiple sequence alignment.

Linux command-line

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None