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Course
Description
A computing and information oriented treatment of the core concepts of
human biology, addressing structure (anatomy) and function (physiology)
at three levels of organization: organism (macroscopic), cell (microscopic)
and gene (molecular). The course will be organized into six modules, each
of which will include a conceptual overview and in-depth illustration
using examples from the normal adult human brain. Course content will be
presented from a computational perspective with the extensive use of electronic
resources.
Goals of the course:
- To present modern biological concepts in a way that illuminates those
aspects of biomedical research and health applications that involve
computers and information science
- To provide a way to understand how biologists view the world, and
how they investigate and generate new knowledge
- To become conversant with biomedical researchers and practitioners
regarding the generation and utilization of biological information
Specific objectives:
- Students will learn the core concepts and basic vocabulary used to
describe biological entities and processes at different levels of organization
(macroscopic, microscopic, and molecular).
- Students will become familiar with the various laboratory technologies,
measurable attributes, and types of information associated with biological
phenomena.
- Students will become familiar with systems for organizing, analyzing,
accessing, displaying, representing, and integrating biological information.
- Students will be able to recognize the types of questions and problems
addressed by biomedical researchers, and the appropriate informatics
tools.
- Students will be able to identify the functions of and critically
evaluate different biological information resources.
Course format:
One 1.5 hr lecture/discussion, one 1.5 hr lecture/discussion/computer
lab each week; approximately four weeks at each level of organization
or two weeks for each module. Students will be assigned tutorials
and exercises to be performed outside of classroom hours.
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Grading
Policy
Grades will be based
on three take-home exams
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