Once we have sequenced genomes in the previous course, we would like to compare them to determine how species have evolved and what makes them different.In the first half of the course, we will compare two short biological sequences, such as genes (i.e., short sequences of DNA) or proteins. We will encounter a powerful algorithmic tool called dynamic programming that will help us determine the number of mutations that have separated the two genes/proteins.
In the second half of the course, we will “zoom out” to compare entire genomes, where we see large scale mutations called genome rearrangements, seismic events that have heaved around large blocks of DNA over millions of years of evolution. Looking at the human and mouse genomes, we will ask ourselves: just as earthquakes are much more likely to occur along fault lines, are there locations in our genome that are “fragile” and more susceptible to be broken as part of genome rearrangements? We will see how combinatorial algorithms will help us answer this question.
Finally, you will learn how to apply popular bioinformatics software tools to solve problems in sequence alignment, including BLAST.
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Syllabus
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 1
Week 1: Introduction to Sequence Alignment
Week 2
Week 2: From Finding a Longest Path to Aligning DNA Strings
Week 3
Week 3: Advanced Topics in Sequence Alignment
Week 4
Week 4: Genome Rearrangements and Fragility
Week 5
Week 5: Applying Genome Rearrangement Analysis to Find Genome Fragility
Week 6
Week 6: Bioinformatics Application Challenge
FAQ
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
Reviews
Overall it is a nice course. I especially like the way pairwise alignment is explained.
Take your time, this course is harder than the others. Very worth it though, learned a lot and it was a lot of fun!
I have taken courses I, II and III. They were consistently excellent. I plan to go for the next one.
Interesting course but I wish that it took less time to give me my certificate.
