Course Syllabus

BINF 3121: Statistics for Bioinformatics

SYLLABUS

Instructors

Dr. Ann Loraine (instructor and course designer)

Robbie Bennet (TA and course reviewer)

Textbook

Art of R Programming by Norman Matloff

http://freecomputerbooks.com/The-Art-of-R-Programming-Matloff-Norman.html#downloadLinks

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This 3-credit course introduces data analysis methods using the R programming language for statistics and focusing on a scientific topic important in bioinformatics. The scientific topic may vary  from semester to semester depending on the instructor and new developments in the field.

For Fall 2020, the topic is: "Single-cell RNA-Seq".

PRE/CO-REQUISITES

Please see UNC Charlotte Course Catalog for details. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Learn about a scientific area where bioinformatics plays a role.
  • Learn to use the R programming language for statistics to analyze a data set. 
  • Become fluent in literate programming using R Markdown.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS

  • Students hand in weekly assignments due the same day each week by 11:59 pm EST.
  • Course personnel grade and give feedback on weekly assignments within three days of receipt.
  • There will be regular virtual office hours where you can log in and get real-time help. See Announcements for details. Please note: only registered students can view Announcements.

GRADING

Grades depend on total percentage of points earned. A: 90 to 100% B: 80 – 89% C: 70 – 79% D: 60-69% F: <60%

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE (WEEKLY, OR TOPICS)

  • Watch and comment on foundational video introducing the scientific topic
  • Learn R and R Markdown 
  • Analyze data sets related to the scientific topic using R 

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

  • Students communicate with course personnel using Canvas, not email. (Due to volume of email received, messages sent via email may not be read.)
  • All work must be turned in using Canvas.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

All students are required to read and abide by the Code of Student Academic Integrity.  Violations of the Code of Student Academic Integrity, including plagiarism, will result in disciplinary action as provided in the Code. Definitions and examples of plagiarism are set forth in the Code. The Code is available from the Dean of Students Office or online at: http://www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/ps-105.html. A set of links to various resources on plagiarism and how to avoid it is available at the UNCC Library website. 

ATTENDANCE

  • Students should attend virtual office hours to get help. 
  • Attendance at virtual office hours is encouraged but not required.