Module Descriptors

Mathematics

MA170: Introduction to programming for biologists (5 ECTS)

This module provides biology you with foundation programming skills in Perl and enables them to perform core bioinformatic tasks. It will also introduce them to the scope for further learning and more advanced applications, and allow them to appreciate that computer-based tools are fundamental to modern biology and medicine.

Taught in Semester(s) I. Examined in Semester(s) Continuous Assessment.

Workload: 106 hours (12 Lecture hours, 12 Tutorial hours, 12 Lab hours, 70 Self study hours).

Module Learning Outcomes. On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:

  1. Access, interpret and apply programming education resources.
  2. Assess the usefulness of programming to perform fundamental tasks in molecular biology.
  3. Create different types of programming code to compare molecular biology data.
  4. Create and structure a computer program that alters molecular biology data.
  5. Identify and co-opt other coding solutions to perform specific tasks.

Indicative Content

  1. Group task – how do we code?
  2. Group task – accessing education resources (video)
  3. Individual task – why we program report
  4. Group task – scalars “the” and printing
  5. Individual task – arrays
  6. Group task – loops
  7. Individual task – research talk + opening files
  8. Group task – printing to files
  9. Individual task – pattern matching
  10. Group task – conditional statements
  11. Individual task – substitution and transliteration
  12. Individual task – DNA translation to protein

Module Resources

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