This is a selection of bioinformatics-related graduate courses offered at SFU. Check the academic calendar for the most recent course outlines, or go to the course pages for Computing Science or Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Departments.
Mandatory core courses:
MBB 505 Problem Based Learning in Bioinformatics
The problem-based learning course will develop students' ability to exchange ideas in small groups focused on real but simplified problems in bioinformatics. Problems will be carefully selected to cover multiple areas of bioinformatics research. This is an advanced bioinformatics course that assumes the student has previous bioinformatics training. Prerequisite: Bioinformatics course. This course is identical to CMPT 505 and students can not take both courses for credit.
MBB 659 Special Topics in Bioinformatics
Consideration of recent research literature on contemporary topics in bioinformatics.
Electives:
CMPT 711 Bioinformatics Algorithms
Fundamental algorithmic techniques used to solve computational problems encountered in molecular biology. This area is usually referred to as Bioinformatics or Computational Biology.
CMPT 829 Seminar on Advanced Algorithms in Bioinformatics
This course will examine selected algorithmic approaches in current bioinformatics research. Topics will be selected from: de Bruijn graphs in genomics, biological data compression, probabilistic models (HMM, SCFG, and MRF), graphical models and Bayesian approaches, information-theoretic methods in bioinformatics, machine learning ideas and linear/integer/combinatorial optimization in bioinformatics. It assumes familiarity with basic bioinformatics, so CMPT 711 or equivalent is a prerequisite. Several guest lectures in the class will provide the opportunity to get exposed to cutting-edge research in bioinformatics.
MBB 741 Bioinformatics
An overview of the newly emerging field of bioinformatics, which is loosely defined as the intersection between the fields of molecular biology and computer science. A combination of lecture format and hands-on instruction is provided in the use of, and theory behind, bioinformatic software tools used in genomic and computational biology research. An introduction to the development of bioinformatic software is included, though only basic computer science knowledge is required for this particular course. Prerequisite: one introductory computer programming course (e.g. CMPT 102, 103, 110, 120 or equivalent).
MBB 761 Comparative Genomics
Examination of the fundamentals of comparative genomics, identification and activity of functional elements in genomes, inter- and intra-species comparisons, relationship of genomic to phenotypic variation, and personalized genomics are among the topics to be explored. Comparison of genome data has impacts on medicine and many other fields of the life sciences.
MBB 762 Human Genomics
The organization of the human genome and the role of genomic variation in health and disease. Genomics and personalized medicine; intellectual property and privacy issues. Prerequisite: Molecular Biology course.