Course Description :
In recent years, there has been a explosion in the amount of biological
information available due to technology developed by efforts such as the
Human Genome Project. Bioinformatics is the field that includes the
development and implementation of mathematical and computer techniques
to analyze this data. In this course, the fundamental mathematical
and algorithmic theory behind current bioinformatics techniques will be
taught. The student will implement these methods. They include
hidden Markov models, the dynamic programming algorithm, genetic algorithms,
simulted annealing, neural networks, and information theory. The
biological background will be provided in the course.
Grading Policy:
The course grade will be determined as follows-
90-100
A
Mid-Term Exam - 25% 80-89.9
Final Exam - 25% 80-89.9
B
Problem Sets - 25% 70-79.9
C
Final Projects - 25% 0-69.9
F
Problem sets will be assigned as homework several times during the semester.
They will be due two weeks after they are assigned. The assignments will
be posted on the course web page. Late homeworks will not be accepted.
All students are expected
to complete the final project and make a presentation at the announced
time.
Academic Honesty Policy :
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. This includes cheating,
plagiarism, and falsification of academic records. That being said, you
can help each other out on the homework (this does not mean that you can
copy each other's homework).
Important Dates:
Wednesday, January 23, 4:30 - 7:10 pm - First Day of Class
Wednesday, March 5, 4:30 - 7:10 pm - Mid-Term Exam
Wednesday, March 12, 4:30 - 7:10 pm - No class due to Spring Break
Wednesday, March 19, 4:30 pm - Final Project Proposals Due
Wednesday, April 30, 4:30 - 7:10 pm - Final Project Presentations
Wednesday, May 7, 4:30 - 7:15 pm - Final Exam
Sage Advice:
If you want to do well in course: 1) Do all the problem sets. 2) Read the
text book and any other assigned reading. 3) Ask questions in class and
office hours. 3) If you are having difficulty doing the problem sets, be
sure to get help. I encourage the students discussing the course
material and problems, but require everyone to do the work - NO COPYING.