Introduction to bioinformatics methods for the analysis of gene sequences, genome

Introduction to bioinformatics methods for the analysis of gene sequences, genome

Overview

This microcredential equips students to use bioinformatics databases and tools to analyze nucleic acid and protein sequences, identifying conserved and functionally relevant regions. It also enables them to interpret three-dimensional protein structures, evaluate the impact of modifications in different biological contexts, and model biomolecular networks to study complex cellular systems.

Goals

  • Use bioinformatics databases to analyze nucleic acid and protein sequences.
  • Apply tools to compare sequences and detect conserved or functionally relevant regions.
  • Interpreting three-dimensional protein structures and relating them to their biological function.
  • Analyze the impact of modifications in sequence or structure in different biological contexts.
  • Representing and modeling biomolecular networks for the study of complex cellular systems.

Access requirements

  • To hold an official Spanish university degree or another degree issued by a higher education institution belonging to another Member State of the European Higher Education Area, which qualifies for access to master's level studies in that State.  
  • Holding a degree issued by an educational system outside the European Higher Education Area without official recognition or a declaration of equivalence. In these cases, the academic director will submit a report to the Academic Committee, which will authorize or deny admission. Under no circumstances will authorization imply official recognition of the foreign degree, nor its recognition for any purpose other than pursuing postgraduate studies at the ULL.

Academic program

Contents

Bioinformatics and Sequence Analysis Module Theory (4 hours): Resources on genomes and proteins. Gene prediction and function. Sequence alignments and phylogenetic reconstruction. Areas of application. Classroom practice (6 hours): Practical cases in environmental microbiology and pathogens. 

Protein Structural Analysis and Structure-Function Relationships Module Theory (8 hours): Structural organization of proteins. Methods of structural determination (X-ray crystallography). Relevance and usefulness of structural biology. What is the ProteinDataBank? Sequence-structure and structure-function relationships. Protein folding. Receptors and ion channels. Pathologies associated with structural changes. Classroom practice (12 hours): Structural analysis and image generation with Pymol. Introduction to predictive domain and structure models. Practical cases: sequence and structural analysis of proteins from databases. Identification and discussion of sequence and structural changes.  

Biological Systems Module Theory (4 hours): Introduction to systems biology and the modeling of biological systems. Computational methods and models. 

Classroom practice (6 hours): Molecular and cellular systems simulation problem.

Methodology and activities

MD1. Lectures/expository method: presentation or explanation by the teaching staff. 

MD2. Practical classes: activities supervised by the teaching staff in the classroom, laboratories, clinics. 

MD7. Assessment: written, oral, practical tests, … 

MD8. Tutoring: instruction period in which teachers and students interact with the aim of reviewing and discussing materials and topics presented in class.

Evaluation criteria

SE7. Works, memoirs, internship memoirs, reports and written projects: document prepared on a topic or activity carried out, following the instructions established by the teaching staff.

SE8. Oral presentation and defense of topics, assignments, final degree projects, etc.: oral presentation on a topic related to the course content or on the results of an assignment, exercise, or project, followed by a discussion with the teaching staff. This can be done individually or in a group.

General information

Credits: 4 ECTS

Duration: 11/05/26-22/05/2026

Teaching modality: In person

Location: Faculty of Sciences, Biology Section

Registration

More information

Flexibility

Short courses available in various formats (in-person, online, or hybrid). Ideal for learning without interrupting your professional life.

Employability

Content created and delivered by professionals and experts in the field, designed for immediate application.

Certification

Endorsed by the University of La Laguna. You will receive an official ECTS certificate, valid in the European Higher Education Area.

Teaching staff

José Manuel González Hernández

Guido Santos Rosales

Profesor de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular en la Universidad de La Laguna. Doctor en Ciencias Biomédicas con Mención Internacional desde el año 2016. Trabaja en el campo de la biotecnología y la biofísica.

David Bartolomé Martín

Profesor ayudante Doctor del área de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular de la Universidad de La Laguna. Además de su trayectoria docente, cuenta con amplia experiencia en investigación en el ámbito de neurociencia.

Cristina Yunta

Tuition

Tasa de matriculación

200€
Price per credit €50

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