BL4273 Computational Genomics
(BL4273 online module handbook version )
The last twenty years has seen an explosion of genomics data through advances in new sequencing technologies. Computational tools are playing a central role in genomics: from assembling of DNA sequences to analysing genomes in order to locate genes, similarities between sequences of different organisms, and evolutionary histories of populations and species. In this module, you will be introduced to the bioinformatics tools necessary to perform genome analysis. Students will gain practical experience using essential Python programming skills. Building on this, students will gain an appreciation of bioinformatics and its applications in genomic studies of Evolutionary Biology and Biomedicine.
*Credits: 15*
Semester: 1†
Module OrganiserPre-requisite Modules:Before taking this module you must pass BL3320*
Anti-requisite Modules:*
Post-requisite Modules:*
Additional Module Information:
Biology Teaching Office:
Level 2, Biomolecular Sciences Building, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3602 or 3566
BL4273: Assessment
Coursework = 100%*
The following related information applies to all Biology modules:
Who to ask †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
Before contacting staff, students should check the content of the Biology Undergraduate Handbook, the module handbook and specific task instructions.
Biology Teaching Office:
We are happy to hear from you about teaching matters. The School of Biology Teaching Office is open Monday to Friday 09.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00. School of Biology staff will respond to your emails during these hours. Our team will provide a response to you within three working days.
Biology Teaching Office (Level 2), University of St Andrews, Biomolecular Sciences Building, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9ST
Email: bioteach@st-andrews.ac.uk
Tel: 01334 46 3602 or 3566
BL4273: Contributing Staff †
BL4273: Learning Outcomes †
Students completing module BL4273 successfully should be able to:
- gain an appreciation of the bioinformatics methods and tools used to explore biological data
- develop the programming skills required to analyse and evaluate genomic data sets
- gain experience of using appropriate tools, and working collaboratively, on a bioinformatics project
BL4273: Acquired Skills †
Practical Skills
Transferable Skills
- Short individual presentation on project idea (up to 15 min)
- Project report
- Computer programming
- Generating questions
- Online learning
- Data analysis
- Data presentation
- Produce graphs/figures
- Use other data analysis software
- Use R or R Studio
- Working in pairs/small groups
Policies †
(Information in this section applies to all Biology Modules)
- The procedures and regulations followed by the School of Biology are outlined in the University Handbook and in the School of Biology UG handbook  JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)Â
- All coursework associated with the module must be completed and submitted by its due date.
- Specific School regulations relating to absence reporting, penalties and rules for late submission of work, extensions for coursework, return of coursework, S-coding, Good Academic Practice and Academic Alert are stated in the School of Biology UG hand book JH booklet info (st-andrews.ac.uk)  and students are required to carefully read these regulations.
- Students are also referred to the University Handbook, available at: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/studenthandbook/
