Bioinformatics analysis of biological sequences 2025/2026

Objectives

Acquire knowledge regarding bioinformatic tools available to perform analysis of DNA and protein sequences, as well as autonomy and critical thinking in the use of those tools. Develop skills in the use of bioinformatics software freely available on the Internet and interpret the biological meaning of the results.

Overview

Nucleic acids are the molecular base of life through their unique ability to store and proliferate genetic information from DNA to proteins, through RNA. Besides storing genetic information, nucleic acids are also involved in other biological functions such as enzymatic catalysis and transcriptional regulation. There are thousands of totally sequenced genomes freely available. The number keeps on growing as at least one genome sequence is released every day. Large-scale sequencing requires bioinformatics analysis, whose algorithms will be the aim of this course, and that underlie the generation of reliable databases.  Among the widely used tools for data mining is software designed for analysing and comparing amino acids and nucleotide sequences, allowing for identification and exploration of similarities. Additionally, algorithms form the basis for generating trustworthy sequence databases. Intelligent analysis of these databases facilitates the extraction of valuable information and scientific insights.

At the end of this course, participants, including researchers, molecular biology students, and health professionals, will be equipped to engage in data mining of nucleic acids and protein sequences. This skill set empowers them to uncover biological knowledge and implement innovative laboratory techniques in molecular biology, research, or diagnostics.

Participants must be present at 85% of the contact hours (meaning they can miss one half-day) and actively participate in all activities.

This course can give credits to PhD programmes at CIÊNCIAS or programmes with partnership from CIÊNCIAS and other institutions with 6h-7h of contact hours per ECT, as a function of specific requirements. For these students, in addition to the exercises done during the week, delivering a written report after the course is mandatory. For programmes with fewer hours of contact per ECT (6h/ECT, getting 6 ECTs from the course), students must do an additional assignment (summary report). If needed, 1 or 2 additional hours of contact may be added. Such report(s) are also advised for other students requesting accreditation of the course in their institutions.

Minimum requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or related areas.

Directed to: PhD or MSc students, postdocs, clinical analysts, and other professionals working in Biology, Biochemistry, and related topics.