Bioinformatics relies on the development of methods and software tools to understand particularly large and complex biological data. It bridges multiple fields including Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics to treat and interpret biological data.
- Sequence alignment: DNA sequences of similar or distinct species can be compared to shed light on their biological significance ie why and where these sequences are present. If they are conserved amongst different species there is high chance that it is an evolutionary important feature which may be indispensable to the species’ survival. For example, BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) is a computer program enables the researcher to compare a query sequence against a large database containing sequences from different organisms.
- Genomics: the study of our genomes useful for example to understand how so many diverging species have emerged. Bioinformaticians look for patterns (DNA or amino acid proteins sequences) in the genomes to unveil what their function is. If a researcher discovers a novel gene in mice for example, it may also exist in humans or not. If it does and performs the same function in the humans, it is called a homolog and will be useful when conducting researchers – modelling diseases or advancing biological knowledge on gene function.
- Drug design: in the past, drugs were developed based on a “trial and error” approach which have been substituted to more rational drug designs thanks to bioinformatics. Indeed, drug candidates can now be modelled (using computer algorithms), selected and discarded at a large scale which means that pharmaceutical companies focus now only on lead candidates. This reduces the time scale of drug development and financial expenses. Moreover, personalised medicine has also benefitted from this approach. A patient may now receive a medication or therapy based on their genomic fingerprint.
Featured Courses
The CPD accredited courses are carefully crafted to help you gain in-depth knowledge on a topic of your interest.
Stem Cell Technology
The field of stem cell technology is a cornerstone of regenerative medicine, offering transformative pathways to repair or replace damaged tissues. This course provides a comprehensive exploration of stem cell biology, from the fundamental differences in cell potency to advanced techniques such as induced pluripotency and direct reprogramming. Participants will gain insight into differentiation protocols, the development of 3D organoid systems, and the application of CRISPR gene editing to correct disease-associated mutations. Beyond the laboratory, the course addresses essential quality control standards, global regulatory frameworks, and the complex ethical landscape of modern biotechnology.
Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
This intermediate-level course provides a thorough overview of the field of next-generation sequencing, from its properties and strength and its major applications, to an overview of a typical sequencing workflow.
Molecular Ageing
The study of molecular ageing is a cutting-edge discipline, providing a novel lens through which to understand and treat age-related decline. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the biological drivers of ageing, from evolutionary theories to the molecular hallmarks that define the biological clock. Participants will explore the mechanisms of DNA repair, the impact of oxidative stress, and emerging therapeutic frontiers, including senolytics and rejuvenation technologies moving from the laboratory into clinical consideration.
Cancer Biology: Exploring the Molecular and Genetic Aspects
This is an intermediate-level course that explores the molecular and genetic basis of cancer, its evolution, and cancer immunology.
Neuroscience
Neuroscience is one of the most advanced and fastest growing sciences. The beginning of the 21st century has seen huge developments in techniques to study and understand how the brain works.
CRISPR: Revolutionising Genome Editing
This advanced-level course is designed to develop an understanding of complex concepts related to genomics, particularly CRISPR/Cas technology and its applications...
Protein structure visualisation and prediction: The recognition of shared domains can allow to predict how an unknown protein may look like structurally and what roles it may undertake in the organism. As such, 3D models can be developed to mimic and predict how the protein looks like prior to any structural analysis such as X-ray crystallography. Indeed, this method relies on a bank of existing structures and assuming that sequences with many regions of identity (exact sequences) or similarity (similar sequences) will have a similar fold in space. Structures are harder to predict for very dynamical areas.
