Module: Introduction to Computational Biology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Introduction to Computational Biology
Module Code	CSC1000 (ITS: BE115)
Faculty	Biotechnology	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to a UNIX environment and scripting.

Learning Outcomes

1. Combine commands using the pipe character and save combinations of commands as scripts
2. Understand the use of variables in storing data
3. Learn how to control the flow of a script using conditional statements and loops
4. Write scripts that receive input and generate output from/to files and/or the keyboard
5. Understand the use of regular expressions and string manipulations in processing text
6. Use several languages (such as sed, awk and perl) to analyse and manipulate biological data

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Tutorial	12	No Description
Directed learning	36	No Description
Independent Study	53	No Description
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20082	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Emma Finlay	Module Teacher	Denise Harold, Linda Holland, Paul Cahill

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	n/a	15%	n/a
Assignment	n/a	20%	n/a
Assignment	n/a	25%	n/a
Assignment	n/a	25%	n/a
Assignment	n/a	15%	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

An introduction to the Unix environment and the use of scripting to analyse biological data.
Manipulation of files and directories. Input and production of data from files and keyboard. Use of regular expressions and text manipulation. Decisions/ Flow Control. Use of variables, arrays and hashes.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None