Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sheng-wu-xin-xi-xue
In the rapidly evolving landscape of life sciences, bioinformatics has emerged as a critical interdisciplinary field, bridging the gap between biology and computational science. The explosion of high-throughput sequencing technologies has generated an unprecedented volume of biological data, necessitating advanced computational methods for analysis. Peking University’s Coursera course, “生物信息学: 导论与方法” (Bioinformatics: Introduction and Methods), offers a comprehensive and systematic introduction to this vital area.
This course is designed to guide learners through the fundamental concepts and methodologies of bioinformatics, starting with the foundational techniques of sequence alignment. It progressively delves into more complex topics such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis, computational genomics, and molecular pathway identification. The syllabus is meticulously structured, beginning with an introduction to the history and basic concepts of bioinformatics, followed by in-depth modules on sequence alignment algorithms (Needleman-Wunsch and Smith-Waterman), and sequence database searching using tools like BLAST.
The course also explores the application of probabilistic models, specifically Markov models and Hidden Markov Models (HMMs), in biological problem-solving. A significant portion is dedicated to NGS data analysis, covering both re-sequencing for variant identification and RNA-Seq for transcriptome analysis. Learners will gain practical skills in understanding NGS data workflows and applying bioinformatics tools. Furthermore, the course addresses the crucial aspect of predicting the functional impact of genetic variations, introducing tools like SIFT and Polyphen.
Beyond these core technical skills, the course broadens the scope by discussing essential bioinformatics databases and software resources, providing a high-level overview of major platforms like NCBI and EBI. The syllabus is further enriched with case studies that illustrate how bioinformatics methods are applied to solve real-world evolutionary problems, such as the origin of new genes and the functional analysis of DNA methyltransferases.
Overall, “生物信息学: 导论与方法” is an exceptionally well-rounded course. It strikes an excellent balance between theoretical understanding and practical application, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and analyze the vast datasets generated in modern biological research. The inclusion of insights from leading researchers and case studies makes the learning experience both engaging and informative. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in pursuing research in genomics, molecular biology, or related fields.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/sheng-wu-xin-xi-xue