Analysis of Biological Data

Aim

The aim of the course is to give basic skills in the use of modern computational tools for analyzing and visualizing biological data. After completing the course, the student will be able to:

• Independently handle large biological datasets in a syntax-based programming language.
• Understand the structure of various file formats commonly used for storing data, and read such data into the computer’s memory in a form that is amenable to further analysis.
• Manipulate and analyze data using methods such as statistical models, to answer biological questions.
• Visualize data in accordance with good scientific practice.

Content

The course is built around the workflow that runs from raw data to presentation-ready analysis results. The course deals with principles for and applications of syntax for analysis of biological data, including statistical tools. The course also goes through visualization methods suitable for different tasks, such as histograms, density plots, scatter plots, etc. The course further presents the importance of the analysis of large biological datasets and the role they play within modern biological research.