The University of Toledo

BPG CORE COURSES

THE FOUR BPG CORE COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE CERTIFICATE ARE: (in the order usually taken). These courses are required to obtain a Certificate in Bioinformatics & Biomarkers:

1.  BIPG 5100/7100 - Fundamentals of Bioinformatics and Proteomics/Genomics   (Fall Course)
This course introduces the student to the powerful tools developed to access and analyze biological sequence and structural information. The topics include sequence databases, sequence comparisons, database searches, phylogenetic analysis, protein structure, proteomics, RNA structure prediction, gene prediction and identification, genetic analysis of disease, and microarray studies of gene expression.

2.  BIPG 5200/7200 - Statistical Methods in Bioinformatics     (Fall Course)
This course introduces students to statistical methods commonly used in bioinformatics. Students will learn to use statistical programs and related bioinformatics resources locally and on the Internet. Lectures and lab discussion will emphasize on the statistical models and methods underlying the computational tools.

3.  BIPG 6100/8100 - Introduction to Bioinformatic Computation    (Spring course)
This course is to provide basic programming skills to biological and medical students who may lack a background in computer sciences. Programming will be specifically taught using important biological examples, focusing in particular on the PERL language. Students will be made familiar with UNIX environments, including Linux and OSX.

4.  EITHER: BIPG 6400/8400 - Applications of Bioinformatics and Proteomics/Genomics   
Students will be familiarized with the most advanced computational techniques, programs and databases used at the frontiers of biomedical sciences. Several computer laboratory explorations have been developed so students can join the presenter in analyzing relevant experimental data.

     OR:  BRIM 6200/6800 - Biomarker Discovery, Validation and Implementation
The first half of this course will explore the clinical need and methodologic approaches to biomarker development and validation. The second half will consider biomarker use in individualized medicine. 

For additional information on Biomarker Research at The University of Toledo, click on the following links:

http://www.utoledo.edu/centers/brim/index.html

http://www.utoledo.edu/centers/brim/pdfs/COE_Report_v.8_for_DVD.pdf (pdf format)

BPG SUMMER COURSES (required only for the Master's degree, not the Certificate)

BIPG5110/7110 - Practical Bioinformatics
Format: Short lectures integrated with computer tasks in bioinformatics computer lab (HEB127). The bioinformatics resources will primarily be those freely available on the Internet. The course will meet twice a week for 2-hour sessions in the Bioinformatics Computer Lab. The course will last six weeks during the summer semester. The following topics will be presented in the eight sessions: searching biological databases, pair-wise sequence alignments, BLAST searches, multiple sequence alignment, phylogenetic analysis, gene prediction, and transcription factor binding sites and other DNA motifs.

BIPG5400/7400 - Introduction to Modern Biomedical Databases
Format: Lectures for this course will be posted online twice weekly. Labs will be held periodically in room 127HEB (dates to be advised).
The course will last 5 weeks during the Summer I session. Students will learn extensively about relational databases as an alternative to textual databases. Topics include design and implementation of custom databases, modification of pre-existing databases, and database management. Students will become well versed in SQL, including database construction, modification, and query design. Use of relational databases as an analytical tool will be emphasized.

BIPG5500/7500 - Microarray Data Analysis
This course aims at providing on-hand training on analysis of microarray data. Students will learn how to handle and analyze microarray data. Topics covered include preprocessing, identifying differentially expressed genes, classification and presentation of findings. Different platforms of microarray technologies will be covered in this course.

  
WHICH COURSE NUMBER DO I CHOOSE?

Each BPG course consists of two course numbers.  For example:  BIPG 5100/7100 Fundamentals in BPG

Master students should register for the first (lower) course number, in this example BIPG5100

PhD students should register for the second (higher) course number, in this example BIPG7100

CLICK HERE TO VIEW COMPLETE MSBS COLOR SCHEDULE (in pdf format)

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DUAL-DEGREE PROGRAM - BS in BIOLOGY/MS in BIOINFORMATICS

The BPG Program is proud to announce a new "Pipeline Program" between Biological Sciences and the Program in Bioinformatics & Proteomics/Genomics in <5.5 years.  For full description, please click here:  HTML version  OR  pdf fully-formatted version.

The BPG Program offers a variety of readings, journal club, independent study and scholarly project courses. However at present four core courses are required of all students in the Bioinformatics and Biomarkers Certificate and MSBS Program.  They are listed below by course name and number.

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OTHER BPG COURSES: (in HTML format)
BIPG 5300/6300 - Current Topics in BPG (Journal Club)
BIPG 5800 - Rotations in BPG (Intro to Biomedical Research)
BIPG 5900/6900 - Scholarly Research Project in BPG
BIPG 6890/8890 - Independent Study in BPG

SELECTIVE CLASSES:  In addition, to complete the requirements for the BPG Certificate or MSBS programs, students may choose classes from the following categories (see BPG Program for specific requirements):

Programming Selectives
Database Management Selectives

Questions??  Please contact Jo Anne Gray, Program secretary, 3rd Floor CCE Building (Center for Creative Education), Health Science Campus, 419-383-6883, or via email, joanne.gray@utoledo.edu.

EVALUATE OUR COURSES!
At the end of each course, the Instructor will ask students to complete an End-of-Course Student Survey.  The BPG Program is constantly seeking ways to improve our courses, and we rely on student feedback to do this. Please take time to point out strengths and weaknesses, and to make suggestions.  Your completed survey should be mailed anonymously to the Program secretary, Jo Anne Gray, Mail Stop 1034, on the Health Science Campus.  Please click here for the Student Evaluation Form (pdf document).