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Year 2026/27
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Module - LIFE3076 - Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
ProgrammeSoLS - Life Sciences Modules Database (Level 3)
C703 - M.Sci. Hons. Biochemistry (Part 2 - Restricted Group 1)
C741 - B.Sc. Hons. Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (Part 2 - Restricted Group 1)
C742 - M.Sci. Hons. Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine (Part 2 - Restricted Group 1)
C700 - B.Sc. Hons. Biochemistry (Part 2 - Restricted Group 2)
CC47 - B.Sc. Hons. Biochemistry and Genetics (Part 2 - Alternative Group 1)
CC4R - M.Sci. Hons. Biochemistry and Genetics (Part 2 - Alternative Group 1)
Year
Select a new weight:
Year 2026/2027
Accrediting Bodies
HEFCE Biochemistry benchmarks
Royal Society of Biology
RSB Biochemistry subject specific outcomes
Module CodeLIFE3076
Credits10
Total Credits:
 
10.00
 
Level:
 
3
 
Target Students:
 
This course is for students enrolled on C700, C703, C720, C721, C741, C742. Preference will be given to students on biochemistry degrees. Students from other degree courses would need prior written approval from Professor Shaw or Dr Boyan Bonev to register on this module
 
Summary Of Content:

This module will consist of nine lectures and one workshop. The first two lectures will introduce the complexity of biomolecular systems as a rationale for the need to develop databases and algorithms capable of curating and processing effectively large scale datasets. Originally conceived as a means of organising DNA sequence data, biological databases have expanded into comprehensive interconnected resources, in which biological data and analytical software tools are curated and made available for the global research enterprise. Subsequent lectures will showcase the application of bioinformatics and computational biology in the analysis of datasets derived from global gene expression studies, RNA silencing, protein structure prediction, protein mass spectrometry and metabolic flux analysis. The module will conclude with a workshop in which students will undertake a guided analysis of raw data using established bioinformatic software tools.
 
 
 

This course aims to:

- explain the background and rationale for the development of bioinformatics and computational biology
- reveal the scope and role of bioinformatics resources and how they underpin scientific research globally
- illustrate the expedience of bioinformatics tools in molecular and cellular biochemistry research
- provide direct experience of using bioinformatics tools to process and interpret biological data 
 
Education Aims:
 
Offering School:
 
Life Sciences
 
Convenor:
 
 
 
Name
Dr Boyan Bonev
Prof Peter Shaw
 
 
 
 
Semester
Spring UK
 
 
 
Requisites:
 
 
 
SubjectCourse Title
LIFE2076
Structure, Function and Analysis of Genes
 
 
Additional Requirements:
 
 
 
Condition
Only available for students studying BSc hons Biochemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Medecine, Biochemistry and Genetics and BSc/MSci Hons Biochemistry and Biological Chemistry
 
 
Method and Frequency of Class:
 
 
 
ActivityNumber of WeeksNumber of sessionsDuration of a session
Lecture
5 weeks
2 week
1 hour
Workshop
1 week
1 week
 
 
   
 
Method of Assessment:
 
Assessment TypeWeightRequirements
Coursework 1
20.00
Case Study and Powerpoint Presentation
Exam 1
80.00
 
 
   
 
Assessment Period:
 
 
 
     
 
Learning Outcome:
 

The module offers an introduction to the wide front molecular characterisation of life in its complexity, diversity and interconnectivity, the compilation and curation of very large and high value datasets. Descriptions of “omics” approaches and their allied databases will be offered. Students will learn how to contribute to and interrogate current biological databases and use them in a complementary fashion. The module will also introduce the role and use of high performance computing in studying molecular dynamics, as well as other modern tools for structure and function prediction and optimisation.  
-Knowledge and understanding: 
Knowledge from molecular studies of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and metabolites will be brought together in a holistic way and exemplified by cross-referenced databases; the molecular structures of life will be discussed through interconnections between focussed databases;
-Intellectual skils:
Building on second year molecular studies, students will develop the ability to discuss life at a molecular level with a perspective covering different groups of biological molecules; 
-Practical/professional skills:
Students will practise accessing, interrogating and criticaly assessing large scale biological datasets;
-Transferable skils:
The module will enhance computational skills and the ability to access and use large scale datasets. 
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