Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/assembling-genomes
The Coursera course, ‘Genome Assembly Programming Challenge,’ offers a fascinating and practical journey into the world of bioinformatics, centered around the real-world crisis of the 2011 European E. coli outbreak. This course doesn’t just present theoretical concepts; it immerses you in a compelling narrative that starts with a deadly bacterial strain, dubbed E. coli X, which hospitalized thousands and tragically claimed lives in Germany.
The syllabus is structured to guide you through the complexities of genome assembly, beginning with the historical context of the outbreak. You’ll learn how computational biologists were essential in identifying the pathogenic strain by sequencing its genome. The course cleverly uses this dramatic event as a springboard to introduce fundamental genomic concepts. Before tackling the formidable task of assembling the E. coli X genome, you’ll warm up by assembling a smaller viral genome, providing a crucial stepping stone.
A significant portion of the course is dedicated to ‘Assembling Genomes Using de Bruijn Graphs.’ Here, you’ll explore the evolution of DNA sequencing technologies, from early viral genome sequencing to the revolutionary idea of DNA arrays that paved the way for personalized medicine. The course brilliantly connects algorithmic challenges to historical anecdotes, like the Bridges of Königsberg problem, to help you grasp the intricacies of assembling genomes from short DNA sequences (k-mers).
Finally, ‘Genome Assembly Faces Real Sequencing Data’ brings theory into practice. You’ll confront the real-world challenges posed by modern sequencing technologies and learn the algorithmic solutions developed to overcome them. The course culminates in assembling the genome of a small bacterium found in leafhoppers, a practical application before you’re equipped to tackle the E. coli X genome. This course is highly recommended for anyone interested in bioinformatics, computational biology, or even just understanding the scientific processes behind tracking and combating infectious diseases.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/assembling-genomes