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).

     
Training Programming: Python scripting for biologists 2EC, term 3
Training Computational Biology 2EC, term 3
Training NGS data analysis 1EC, term 3
Training 3D modeling 2EC, term 3
Training Data management 1EC, term 4
Training Transcriptomic analysis 2EC, term 4
CAA Individual  2 x 1EC, term 3-4
  Total 1 2EC

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%
     
Professional task  (Sub)group/individual   Criteria to pass  Time schedule for     assessments
 Project plan (in English)   Subgroup   Mark  5.5   Week 5 - 7 (p3.3)  
 Work discussion   Individual   Sufficient   Continuous 
 Attendency
 Excursions 
 Individual  Attendance and participation  4 x
 Labjournal   Individual   Sufficient   Continuous 
 Presentation   Subgroup  Mark  5.5   Week 2 (p3.4.) 
 Execution & Attitude   Individual  Mark  5.5   Week 10  – Mid term (p3.3)   and Term/Final (p3.4) 
 Article (in English)  Subgroup   Mark  5.5   Week 8 (p3.4) 
 Oral assessment   Individual   Mark  5.5   Week 9 (p3.4) 
 Resits  Individual/subgroup   Mark  5.5   Week 10