Module: Translational Bioinformatics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Translational Bioinformatics
Module Code	BIO1027 (ITS: BE539AU)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Biotechnology
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

Description

This course will provide an introduction to bioinformatics methods and applications used in the field of translational medicine research, focusing on analytics that translate high-throughput molecular data into biomedical knowledge.

Learning Outcomes

1. 1DF1296E-AD5B-0001-F3D8-10701A201AC4
2. Demonstrate a range of standard and specialist knowledge of the major areas of translational informatics.
5. 1
6. 1DF1296E-B277-0001-E8C0-1093A39F19BB
7. Critically appraise existing applications and methods in these areas.
10. 2
11. 1DF1296E-B602-0001-97DB-1030A7F05A10
12. Exhibit a systematic understanding of knowledge of bioinformatics databases and tools to search, manage and analyse molecular data.
15. 3
16. 1DF1296E-BA17-0001-FFC8-95B03AF010E5
17. Demonstrate a critical awareness of this subject by identifying likely future applications and probable growth areas.
20. 4

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	16	Lectures Translational Bioinformatics (1 Hour online)
Tutorial	6	Tutorials at DCU to supplement and support the lectures
Assignment Completion	80	Assignments (data analysis / mini review)
Independent Study	23	Independent study of lectures and directed reading material
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20110	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Gaetan Thilliez	Module Teacher	Denise Harold, Emma Finlay, Michael Freeley, Paul Cahill

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Completion of online activity	Assignment - analysis and interpretation of RNA seq	10%	n/a
Assignment	Assignment - Analysis and interpretation of GWAS data	10%	n/a
Assignment	Mini review on the use of genomic / RNA seq for disease discovery or development of new therapeutics	80%	n/a

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

Translational Bioinformatics
Introduction to Genetics and Genomics; Introduction to Cancer Genetics, Bioinformatics Databases, Statistics and Machine Learning; Genome Mapping and Sequence Analysis; RNA Sequencing; Disease Association Analysis; Pathways and Network Analysis; Structural Biology

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Pevsner J: 2015, Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics: Third Edition, ISBN 9781118

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None