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Updated in [June 30th, 2023]

Comparing Genes Proteins and Genomes (Bioinformatics III) is a course that explores the comparison of two short biological sequences, such as genes or proteins, and entire genomes. In the first half of the course, students will learn about a powerful algorithmic tool called dynamic programming that will help them determine the number of mutations that have separated the two genes/proteins. In the second half of the course, students will learn about large scale mutations called genome rearrangements and how combinatorial algorithms can help answer questions about the locations in our genome that are more susceptible to be broken as part of genome rearrangements. Finally, students will learn how to apply popular bioinformatics software tools to solve problems in sequence alignment, including BLAST.

[Applications]
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to apply the concepts and techniques learned to compare genes, proteins, and genomes. They will be able to use dynamic programming to determine the number of mutations that have separated two genes or proteins, and use combinatorial algorithms to identify locations in the genome that are more susceptible to genome rearrangements. Additionally, students will be able to use popular bioinformatics software tools, such as BLAST, to solve problems in sequence alignment.

[Career Path]
A career path recommended to learners of this course is a Bioinformatics Scientist. Bioinformatics Scientists use computational methods to analyze and interpret biological data, such as DNA sequences, protein structures, and gene expression patterns. They develop algorithms and software tools to analyze and interpret data, and use their findings to inform research and development in the life sciences. Bioinformatics Scientists are employed in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and healthcare.

The development trend of this job position is towards the use of more sophisticated algorithms and software tools to analyze and interpret increasingly complex biological data. As the field of bioinformatics continues to grow, Bioinformatics Scientists will be expected to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and techniques in order to remain competitive. Additionally, as the amount of biological data continues to grow, Bioinformatics Scientists will need to develop more efficient ways to process and interpret this data.

[Education Path]
The recommended educational path for learners interested in this course is a Bachelor's degree in Bioinformatics. This degree typically includes courses in biology, computer science, mathematics, and statistics. Students will learn how to use computers to analyze and interpret biological data, as well as how to develop and apply algorithms to solve biological problems. They will also gain an understanding of the principles of genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry.

The development trend of this degree is to focus on the application of bioinformatics to solve real-world problems. This includes the development of new algorithms and software tools to analyze and interpret biological data, as well as the application of existing tools to solve specific problems. Additionally, the degree is increasingly focusing on the ethical implications of bioinformatics, such as the use of data for medical research and the potential for misuse of data.