Bioinformatics

The weight of this minor is 30 ECTS. Of which, 10 ECs is filled with courses and trainings, and 2 EC for CAA (extra curriculum activities).

You will work within the AVANS Bioinformatics Centrum (ABC) on one of the work field related projects (or your own initiative) in the field of bioinformatics. You work on an assignment in groups of 2 persons or otherwise individually. The projects are divided into several categories. The assignments will be clarified during the kickoff meeting of the minor and will be further elaborated on by the person responsible for the minor. A balanced division of projects for the three categories is strived for in the minor.

The students are expect to be independent during these studies. He/she must study the course material individually. Through work discussions and development meetings with the lecturer(s) and fellow students, the material already mastered and yet to be learned will be dealt with. 18 ECs is reserved for the research project, in which you will work in groups of 2, setting up and implementing a research plan.

Possible topics of projects:

• Genetics & (whole) genome sequence analysis
• Systems Biology
• Next Generation Sequencing / Data Pipe line construction (NGS)
• 3D protein structure analysis
• Cancer diagnosis marker gene selection
• Microbial drug-resistance analysis
• Integrative -omics studies

Lessons and activities

• Python for biologists
• Computational biology
• Data management
• NGS analysis
• 3D modelling
• Guest lectures
• Transcriptomics
• Workshop (on request/variable)
• Excursion (The Dutch Bioinformatics and systems biology conference Lunteren NL, costs € 35,00
• Project plan (English)
• Computer work
• Professional products - article and presentation (both in English)
• Final oral assessment (in Dutch or English)
• Term & midterm evaluation
• Resit oral assessment

Literature

This minor is given in the fashion of “blended learning”. Several online learning platforms will be used. All literature and learning materials will be made available during the minor via the Avans online learning system.

Examination

Courses and trainings should be completed successfully to gain 30 EC in this minor. The final mark for the professional task can be determined when all the parts have been assessed as sufficient or marks are ≥ 5.5 as indicated in the table below.

The final mark will be determined using the following measures:  

• Execution & Attitude of the project (individual): 40% 
• Project plan (in English): 10%
• Presentation (subgroup; Choice: Dutch or English): 10%
• Article (in English): 20%
• Oral assessment (individual): 20%