- Level Foundation
- Duration 19 hours
- Course by University of California San Diego
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Offered by
About
Are you interested in learning how to program (in Python) within a scientific setting? This course will cover algorithms for solving various biological problems along with a handful of programming challenges helping you implement these algorithms in Python. It offers a gently-paced introduction to our Bioinformatics Specialization (https://www.coursera.org/specializations/bioinformatics), preparing learners to take the first course in the Specialization, "Finding Hidden Messages in DNA" (https://www.coursera.org/learn/dna-analysis). Each of the four weeks in the course will consist of two required components. First, an interactive textbook provides Python programming challenges that arise from real biological problems. If you haven't programmed in Python before, not to worry! We provide "Just-in-Time" exercises from the Codecademy Python track (https://www.codecademy.com/learn/python). And each page in our interactive textbook has its own discussion forum, where you can interact with other learners. Second, each week will culminate in a summary quiz. Lecture videos are also provided that accompany the material, but these videos are optional.Modules
Welcome!
1
Readings
- Course Details
Week 1
1
Assignment
- Week 1 Quiz
1
External Tool
- Interactive Text for Week 1
2
Videos
- Optional: Where in the Genome Does DNA Replication Begin? (Part 1)
- Optional: Where in the Genome Does DNA Replication Begin? (Part 2)
1
Readings
- (Optional) Week 1 FAQs
Week 2
1
Assignment
- Week 2 Quiz
1
External Tool
- Interactive Text for Week 2
2
Videos
- Optional: Where in the Genome Does DNA Replication Begin? (Part 3)
- Optional: Where in the Genome Does DNA Replication Begin? (Part 4)
1
Readings
- (Optional) Week 2 FAQs
Week 3
1
Assignment
- Week 3 Quiz
1
External Tool
- Interactive Text for Week 3
3
Videos
- Optional: From Implanted Patterns to Regulatory Motifs (Part 1) (10:09)
- Optional: From Implanted Patterns to Regulatory Motifs (Part 2) (05:06)
- Optional: From Implanted Patterns to Regulatory Motifs (Part 3) (07:22)
1
Readings
- (Optional) Week 3 FAQs
Week 4
1
Assignment
- Week 4 Quiz
1
External Tool
- Interactive Text for Week 4
3
Videos
- Optional: How Rolling Dice Helps Us Find Regulatory Motifs (Part 1) (12:43)
- Optional: How Rolling Dice Helps Us Find Regulatory Motifs (Part 2) (05:37)
- Optional: How Rolling Dice Helps Us Find Regulatory Motifs (Part 3) (07:46)
1
Readings
- (Optional) Week 4 FAQs
Auto Summary
Unlock the fascinating world where biology meets programming with the "Bioinformatics for Beginners" course, tailored for those eager to delve into Python programming within a scientific context. This foundational course, offered in the Health & Fitness domain, is perfect for beginners and sets the stage for deeper exploration into bioinformatics. Instructed by Coursera, the course spans four weeks, each packed with engaging content designed to teach you how to solve biological problems using algorithms and Python. Expect a blend of interactive textbook exercises, real-world biological challenges, and supportive discussion forums. New to Python? No problem! The course includes "Just-in-Time" exercises from Codecademy to get you up to speed. The course culminates each week with a summary quiz to reinforce your learning. Optional lecture videos are also available to enhance your understanding. With 1140 minutes of content, you can choose from Starter or Professional subscription options to suit your needs. Ideal for beginners, this course prepares you for the next step in the Bioinformatics Specialization, starting with "Finding Hidden Messages in DNA." Dive in and start your journey into the intersection of biology and programming today!

Pavel Pevzner

Phillip Compeau