BIOINF 704 Statistical Bioinformatics 2

Below description edited in year: 2013

Points: 15

Prereqs: No knowledge of basic biology will be assumed in this course, and the required concepts will be taught as part of the class. Experience in programming, in any language, is preferable although not indispensable.

Restrictions: Stats 771

Credit: Final exam 40%, assignments 40%, mid-semester test 20%

For Advice: Stéphane Guindon (Email: s.guindon@auckland.ac.nz | extn: 82755)

Taught: Second Semester City

Website: BIOINF 704 website

BIOINF 704 provides (1) a detailed description of the statistical techniques required to analyse modern human genetic data (80%) and (2) an introduction to the analysis of gene-expression data (20%). The methods used to locate genomic regions involved in genetic diseases through the analysis of pedigree data are introduced. Central concepts in population genetics are also presented and a thorough description of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) is given. The limitations and ethical implications of GWAS are also discussed. The second part of the course focuses on the statistical analysis of microarray data and the methods that are used to make sense of the expression levels of thousands of genes measured in various experimental conditions.

BIOINF 704 is mainly aimed at statisticians, medical school students, computer scientists and biologists with a desire to understand the challenges brought by the deluge of genetic data available nowadays. It will provide them with the statistical techniques required to make sense of this type of information.

Disclaimer:
Although every reasonable effort is made to ensure accuracy, this information for the course year (2013), is provided as a general guide only for students and is subject to alteration. All students enrolling at the University of Auckland must consult its official document, the University of Auckland Calendar, to ensure that they are aware of and comply with all regulations, requirements and policies.