BOL: Related items

Courses to Get You Started with Bioinformatics

LEGE — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 13:07:19 -0500

Bioinformatics is now at the heart of modern biology and medicine. From decoding genomes and predicting antimicrobial resistance, to developing personalized medicine and advancing evolutionary research, computational skills are no longer optional — they are essential.

Yet, for many students, biologists, and even computer scientists, the question is: “Where do I begin?” With so many platforms, books, and tutorials available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

To make it easier, I’ve compiled 10 excellent resources — ranging from beginner-friendly introductions to advanced computational genomics courses. Many of these are freely available, created by pioneers in the field, and widely used in classrooms and research labs worldwide.

Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to strengthen your foundations, these courses will help you build the skills needed to analyze biological data, design workflows, and think computationally about complex biological systems.

1. HarvardX Data Analysis for Genomics by Rafael Irizarry

From the almighty Rafa, this set of online courses (via edX/HarvardX) is a classic starting point for genomic data science and bioinformatics.

2. Applied Computational Genomics – Aaron Quinlan

Aaron Quinlan (creator of bedtools and many other tools) has made his course materials open. A practical, tool-driven genomics introduction.

3. Bioinformatics Algorithms (Coursera + Companion Book)

Find the highly visual video classes on Coursera, backed by the popular Bioinformatics Algorithms book.

4. The Biostar Handbook

Not a course per se, but a hands-on manual by Istvan (founder of Biostars.org) that’s even used in classes at Penn State.

5. Introduction to Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (by Shirley Liu)

A comprehensive introduction from Shirley Liu’s lab (Harvard DFCI). Covers both theory and computational practice.

6. Data Carpentry: Genomics Workshops

Community-driven training workshops that focus on practical, reproducible research. I was honored to serve as curriculum committee chair here.

7. Computational Genomics: Applied Comparative Genomics

From the Schatz Lab — applied comparative genomics with real-world data.

8. Introduction to Computational Biology (Mike Love, creator of DESeq2)

This course bridges statistics, biology, and computation — a solid primer for anyone entering computational biology.

9. MIT Computational Biology (6.047 / 6.878 / HST.507) by Manolis Kellis

Covers genomes, networks, evolution, and health. A deep-dive from MIT’s OpenCourseWare archive.

10. An Introduction to Applied Bioinformatics

An interactive textbook with Python code, designed for practical applied bioinformatics learning.

Hidden Markov Models, Viterbi Algorithm, Markov Chain Exploration with script

Manisha Mishra — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 13:36:56 -0600

Hidden Markov Models, the Viterbi Algorithm, and CpG Islands (in VB6)

Problem :

The CG island is a stretch of DNA (usually longer than 200 bases) in which the frequency of the CG sequence is higher than other regions. It is also called the CpG island, where "p" simply indicates that "C" and "G" are connected by a phosphodiester bond.

CpG islands are often located around the promoters of housekeeping genes (which are essential for general cell functions) or other genes frequently expressed in a cell. At these locations, the CG sequence is not methylated. By contrast, the CG sequences in inactive genes are usually methylated to suppress their expression. The methylated cytosine may be converted to thymine by accidental deamination. Unlike the cytosine to uracil mutation which is efficiently repaired, the cytosine to thymine mutation can be corrected only by the mismatch repair which is very inefficient. Hence, over evolutionary time scales, the methylated CG sequence will be converted to the TG sequence.

Find step wise explanationand implementation steps at http://dna.cs.byu.edu/bio465/Labs/hmm.shtml

Source code with explanation http://www.tannerhelland.com/1187/hidden-markov-models-viterbi-algorithm-cpg-islands-in-vb6/

Fore detail understanding of HMM read this excellent tutorial http://www.cs.ubc.ca/~murphyk/Software/HMM/labman2.pdf

Viterbi Algo at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viterbi_path

For firther reading Wiki page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hidden_Markov_model

On CpG island paper and for indepth understanding http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2164/12/S2/S10

If you are more interested in exploring Markov Chain Exploration and understand it with graphical version please visit http://www.planet-source-code.com/vb/scripts/ShowCode.asp?txtCodeId=75049&lngWId=1

Reference:

1.http://www.planet-source-code.com

2. http://www.tannerhelland.com

Molecular Bioinformatics Lab (MBL)

Tue, 19 Nov 2013 18:23:27 -0600

The main subject of interest in our laboratory is the study of the relationship among sequence, structure, and function in proteins and nucleic acids. Our research can be divided in two major topics:

the study of the sequence-structure relationship
(application -> structure prediction)
the study of the structure-function relationship
(application -> function prediction)

Therefore, anything related to the configuration (sequence) and conformation (structure) in atomic systems of proteins and nucleic acids, and the interaction of these with other elements (function) is of our major interest.

Lab page @ http://melolab.org/mbl/

Scientist Positions @ Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission

Mon, 25 Nov 2013 10:26:39 -0600

Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission invite applications [Online Only] under various projects* namely Gujarat Biodiversity Gene Bank (BioGene), Gujarat Institute of Genomics (GIG), Gujarat Institute of Bioinformatics [GIBS] and Gujarat Institute of Marine Biotechnology. Eligible candidates can Apply through online application portal.

1 Scientist E 3

50,000/-

M.Sc. in Life sciences or Plant Sciences or Biotechnology or Microbiology or Bioinformatics or Ph.D. from a recognized university in any of above subject.

Minimum 8 Yrs. of experience after M.Sc. or 5 Yrs. of experience after Ph.D. in responsible position of work in R & D in the area of genomics/ conservation biotechnology/bioinformatics/Planning/Scientific Administration in Science and technology organization. Highly qualified in the area of modern biology, as evidenced through research experience and proven ability to carry out work in the area of conservation biotechnology. Age limit not exceeding 40yrs.

2 Scientist B 6

30,000/-

M.Sc. in Life sciences or Plant Sciences or Biotechnology or Microbiology or Bioinformatics or Ph.D. from a recognized university in any of above subject shall be preferred.

Minimum 3 Yrs. of experience after M.Sc. in responsible position of work in R & D in the area of genomics/ conservation biotechnology/ bioinformatics /Planning/Scientific Administration in Science and technology organization. Highly qualified in the area of modern biology, as evidenced through research experience and proven ability to carry out work in the area of conservation biotechnology. Age limit not exceeding 35yrs.

The positions are purely on contractual basis for 11 months. Interested candidates can apply online in specified format available at "http://leogen.in/recruit/" The last date of applying is 24th December, 2013. Applications must be submitted online only. Applications submitted in any other format except online prescribed performa will be rejected. Candidates in service must apply through proper channel. Candidates will be required to provide original documents along with duly filled and signed application Performa, as and when called for interview.

For more details please visit the website URL : http://leogen.in/recruit

When NGS gives you more data than you ever asked for!

BioStar — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 10:16:43 -0500

Great Place to Study Bioinformatics in Europe

Rahul Agarwal — Sun, 18 Aug 2013 18:41:34 -0500

Study bioinformatics is like being jack of all trade so it is important you choose where it will be good backup of computer science, and natural science infrastructure and faculty. Especially having a good teachers in computer science is indispensible.

Few places in Europe where good (and @some places no tution fees) master bioinformatics courses and recommended are:

KU Leuven, Belgium

http://onderwijsaanbod.kuleuven.be/opleidingen/e/CQ_50269018.htm

ETH, Zurich

http://www.cbb.ethz.ch/

University of Copenhagen, Denmark

http://studies.ku.dk/masters/bioinformatics/

University of Helsinki, Finland

http://www.cs.helsinki.fi/en/mbi/

Stockholm University, Sweden

http://www.sbc.su.se/masters/

Universities in Netherlands

http://www.nbic.nl/education/msc-programmes/

TUM , Munich Germany

http://www.mastersportal.eu/studies/865/bioinformatics.html

University of Bergen, Norway

http://www.uib.no/en/studieprogram/MAMN-INF/BI/plan

Goethe-University in Frankfurt am Main

http://www.uni-frankfurt.de/58444439/mabi

Other links:

http://www.masterstudies.com/Masters-Degree/Bioinformatics/Europe/

https://studyinsweden.se/programmes/?query=bioinformatics&period=ht-2016&level=ma&subject=natural-science&university=#search

Junior Research Fellow (JRF) / Project Fellow @ Kalasalingam University

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 13:23:39 -0600

Applications are invited from interested candidates for the post of one Junior Research Fellow / Project Fellow on a purely temporary basis in a time bound research project (3 years) sponsored by Science and Engineering Research Board, Government of India, New Delhi.

Name of the fellowship: Junior Research Fellow (JRF) / Project Fellow

Title of the project: Genome-wide Mapping of Murine Specific Dengue T-cell Epitopes: Computational Prediction, Identification and use as Candidate Vaccines

Duration: 3 years

Fellowship: Rs. 18,000 for first 2 years and Rs. 20,000 for 3rdyear (for M.Tech. candidates)

Rs. 16,000 for first 2 years and Rs. 18,000 for 3rdyear (for M.Sc. candidates with NET qualification)

Rs. 8,000 for first 2 years and Rs. 10,000 for 3rdyear (for M.Sc. candidates without NET qualification)

Qualifications: M.Tech. in Biotechnology / M.Sc. in any branch of Life Sciences

Desirable Experience: Minimum of two years research experience in any of the following areas: Immunology / Microbiology / Gene Manipulation / Bioinformatics

Interested and eligible candidates may apply with their resume along with relevant documents and a passport size photograph to the Principal Investigator by post (or e-mail) on or before December 31, 2013. Only short listed candidates will be called for written test and/or interview. Selected candidate may register for PhD in Kalasalingam University. No TA/DA will be paid for attending interview.

Dr. K. Sundar
Principal Investigator (SERB Project)
Department of Biotechnology
Kalasalingam University
Krishnankoil – 626126, Tamil Nadu
sundarkr@klu.ac.in

Asst. Professor @ JAIPUR NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Fri, 27 Dec 2013 19:54:40 -0600

JAIPUR NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Established by Government of Rajasthan

Approved by UGC under Sec 2(f) of UGC Act 1956

ADVERTISEMENT FOR FACULTY POSITION AT JAIPUR NATIONAL UNIVERSITY,JAIPUR

Jaipur National University, Jaipur is a premier centre of learning, providing various integrated and interdisciplinary programmes of study and research in the country. With the opening of the School of Distance Education & Learning, JNU has taken education to the doorsteps of those aspirants who, for some reason, could not be a part of regular stream of education. In this era of competition & ambition for excellence, it has become imperative to have quality education & an alert mind coupled with the right attitude to carry onself, and for this, JNU happens to be the most sought after destination.

School Of Life Sciences: Bioinformatics, Chemistry

Total no of Post: 04

Education:

PG – M.Sc /M.Tech Bioinformatics

PG – M.Sc /M.Tech Chemistry

Experience:

Candidate with 1-2 years of teaching experience in college/ University will be preffered. Freshers may also apply.

Compensation: Compensation will not be a problem for the right candidate

HOW TO APPLY:

SEND THE UPDATED RESUME THROUGH MAIL OR POST AT

dsbhatia5@yahoo.com

contact no: 7568246839

Website: http://www.jnujaipur.ac.in

Please mail your resume to Prof.D.S.Bhatia

Email Address: dsbhatia5@yahoo.com

Ph:, +917568246839

SENIOR PROGRAMMER @ Biotech Park

Mon, 20 Jan 2014 04:50:36 -0600

Advt. No. (1)/BP/2014
A walk-in-interview will be held in the Biotech Park Office at Sector G, Jankipuram, Kursi Road, Lucknow (U.P.) January 31, 2014 at 11.00 A.M. for the following posts of DBT sponsored project tenable at Biotech Park. Interested candidates fulfilling the requisite qualifications, experience and age as given below, on the date of interview, may appear before the Selection Committee. The candidate will have to join immediately. Appointment will be made initially for six months extendable on satisfactory performance till the duration of the project.
INTERVIEW ON January 31, 2014 at 11.00 A.M.

SENIOR PROGRAMMER (ONE POST)
Educational Qualification
M.Sc./B. Tech Bioinformatics with minimum 60% marks with two years of relevant experience
Job Requirement
Development of databases in multi user environment and application softwares, updating and maintenance of website, Drug designing and QSAR study etc.
Desirable
Knowledge of Bioinformatics tools, Windows, Linux, C++, JAVA / JAVA Script, Visual Basic, CGI, DBMS/RDBMS and HTML. Experience in various domains of bioinformatics such as structure based drug designing, Newtonian dynamics and QSAR studies.
Age
Below 35 years (as on the date of interview)
Emoluments
Rs. 12,000/- per month fixed.
Note: All the candidates should report for interview on or before 10.30 A.M
General Conditions
The aforesaid positions are purely temporary and do not give the incumbent any right whatsoever for appointment on regular basis.
The applicant will have to submit typed and duly signed application on plain paper on the day of interview stating:
(a) Advertisement No.
(b) Position applied for
(c) Name of Applicant (in Block letters)
(d) Father’s Name
(e) Date of Birth
(f) Sex
(g) Age as on the date of interview (dd / mm / yy )
(h) Address (Permanent & correspondence)
(i) Educational Qualifications (High School onwards) with examination passed, year, % marks, subjects
(j) Employment experience, if any i.e. Name of employer, nature of employment, date of joining and leaving.
Applications must be accompanied by a latest passport size photograph and attested copies of certificates
Original certificates/degree and testimonials should be produced by the candidate for verification at the time of interview.

Tenure: Initially upto six months and extendable based on performance.
The upper age limit can be relaxed up to 5 years in the case of applicant belonging to SC/ST/Woman/Physically handicapped and 3 years for OBCs.
No TA/DA will be paid for attending the interview.
More at http://www.biotechpark.org.in/index1.htm