2025/2026

The course aims to consolidate basic knowledge regarding genomic databases and new sequencing technologies. Additionally, it will provide basic knowledge of programming languages necessary for the bioinformatics analyses addressed during the course. At the end of the course, students will be able to apply their skills to tackle and solve complex problems in the field of bioinformatics, such as the analysis and interpretation of large genomic datasets. They will also be capable of planning a genomic sequencing experiment and utilizing bioinformatics pipelines applicable in various scientific research contexts. Students will acquire the ability to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge from bioinformatics, genetics, and molecular biology to manage and solve multidimensional and complex problems. They will be able to tackle the complexity of biological data and information technologies, adapting and optimizing methodologies to address new and intricate challenges. Students will be able to communicate their chosen methodologies, results, and conclusions using technical and scientific language to both specialist and non-specialist audiences, through scientific documentation, academic articles, and oral presentations. The course will include theoretical lectures and practical exercises during which students will acquire the necessary skills for an autonomous learning in the field of bioinformatics. They will need to identify their own educational needs, address any gaps in their knowledge, and stay updated on emerging technologies and methodologies.

Basic skills in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics as well as computer science are warmly recommended to attend this Bioinformatics course.

This course is meant for master students, PhD students and researchers who want to acquire an adequate knowledge regarding programming languages, technologies and platforms for genome sequencing and computational tools used for data analysis and results interpretation. The students will be guided throught an historical excursus, from the first sequencing technologies to the latest advanced ones and they will be able to discern and decide the most appropriate for their experimental design. Furthermore, basic knowledge of programming languages and of the most used operating systems will be provided. Thus, at the end of the course the students will be able to:
- Plan and develop a genomic computational experiment from the beginning.
- Choose the appropriate sequencing technlogy.
- Browse the main data bases.
- Align nucleic and proteic sequences.
- Perform a genome assembly, evaluate the differential genomic expression and identify all the biodiversity in a environmental community.

All the necessary course material will be provided during the course and will be available on Moodle.

The course is organized in frontal theoretical lessons and practical lessons. There is the possibily to follow the course by remote only for the theorical part.

Attendance at classes is not compulsory but strongly recommended.

The exam is oral, with general question regarding the arguments in the program. The student will be evaluated for his/her critical thinking, knowledge acquisition and participation during the practical lectures.

    SILVIA TURCO