ClassInfo

CSC 531 Introduction to Bioinformatics

Iyad Kanj

Office: CDM 832
Spring 2013-2014
Class number: 35310
Section number: 901
W 5:45PM - 9:00PM
CDM 00224 Loop Campus
Course homepage: http://col.cdm.depaul.edu

Summary

This course covers the applications of algorithmic techniques to solve important problems in molecular biology. The problems examined include restriction mapping, motif finding, genome rearrangement, sequence alignment, and protein folding problems. Algorithmic techniques for solving such problems exactly and approximately will be examined with an eye on efficiency.



Texts

Neil Jones and Pavel Pevzner, Introduction to Bioinformatics Algorithms, MIT Press, 2004, ISBN 978-0-262-10106-6. Book Website: www.bioalgorithms.info.



Grading

Homework Assignments (include programming) -- 40%

Assignments are due at the beginning of the class on the specified due date.

Midterm --- 20%

The midterm will be given on Wednesday, May 7. Students who are unable to take the midterm on the scheduled date, and have sound reasons, should contact me in advance.

Final Exam --- 40%

The final exam is on Wednesday, June 11. Students who are unable to take the midterm on the scheduled date, and have sound reasons, should contact me in advance.

Grades will be assigned according to the standard A, B, C, D, F range scheme.



Prerequisites

CSC-421 and SE-450.



School policies:

Changes to Syllabus

This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.

Online Course Evaluations

Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.

All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.

Academic Policies

All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.

Students with Disabilities

Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296