This course offers a gently-paced introduction to concepts in computing such as algorithms, problem solving, and programming, with particular focus on their applications in the life sciences. Basic skills in problem solving, programming, as well as in accessing, storing, and manipulating biological data are developed. The course will consist of two components. First, basic concepts in computing will be explored using introductory programming techniques. Second, select bioinformatics programs and databases currently utilized in the life sciences will be introduced, including resources for sequence similarity search, sequence alignment, and inferring phylogeny. Hands-on exercises will provide students with the opportunity to apply basic computing skills to specific tasks in biology. Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 1 Practicum/Lab hoursPrerequisite(s): One of BIOL 120.3 or BIOL 121.3 or BMSC 200.3. Note: Students may receive credit for only one of CMPT 140.3 or BINF 151.3. BINF 151 can be taken for credit after the completion of CMPT 100, but CMPT 100 cannot be taken for credit after completion of BINF 151. Students with credit for CMPT 140, CMPT 141, CMPT 105, CMPT 111, CMPT 113, or CMPT 116 cannot obtain credit for BINF 151. CMPT 141 can be taken for credit concurrently with BINF 151. CMPT 141 can be taken for credit concurrently with BINF 151. Costs in addition to tuition apply to this course.
This course offers a gently-paced introduction to concepts in computing such as algorithms, problem solving, and programming, with particular focus on their applications in the life sciences. Basic skills in problem solving, programming, as well as in accessing, storing, and manipulating biological data are developed. The course will consist of two components. First, basic concepts in computing will be explored using introductory programming techniques. Second, select bioinformatics programs and databases currently utilized in the life sciences will be introduced, including resources for sequence similarity search, sequence alignment, and inferring phylogeny. Hands-on exercises will provide students with the opportunity to apply basic computing skills to specific tasks in biology. Weekly hours: 3 Lecture hours and 1 Practicum/Lab hoursPrerequisite(s): One of BIOL 120.3 or BIOL 121.3 or BMSC 200.3. Note: Students may receive credit for only one of CMPT 140.3 or BINF 151.3. BINF 151 can be taken for credit after the completion of CMPT 100, but CMPT 100 cannot be taken for credit after completion of BINF 151. Students with credit for CMPT 140, CMPT 141, CMPT 105, CMPT 111, CMPT 113, or CMPT 116 cannot obtain credit for BINF 151. CMPT 141 can be taken for credit concurrently with BINF 151. CMPT 141 can be taken for credit concurrently with BINF 151. Costs in addition to tuition apply to this course.
