Data Analysis & Visualization
Much data is quantitative, and there is a wide range of methods available for the analysis of such data. After a brief introduction to data types and normalisation, a number of visualisation methods will be discussed. Next, methods will be introduced to find groups (clustering), dependencies (regression), significant differences between conditions (hypothesis testing) and to
Advanced Bioinformatics (WUR)
This course covers the process of bioinformatics data analysis and the interpretation of the results in a biological context. The following topics will be addressed in the course: command line usage, programming/scripting, current bioinformatics data analysis tools, and automated analysis pipelines. The first part of the course will cover command line usage (linux), bioinformatics script
Programming in Python
Programming plays an important role in many domains. In business and science writing or adapting computer programs to process, analyse and visualize data in a suitable format has become common practice. This course aims to help students to understand the underlying principles of programming and equip them with basic skills to create computer programs. The
Algorithms for sequence-based Bioinformatics
After having followed this course, the student has a good understanding of algorithms and data structures in genomics used for DNA sequence analysis. The student is able to implement algorithms in python, and can translate methods described in scientific literature into a working implementation. Bioinformatics analyses in genomics aim to compare large sets of genomes
The Power of Microbes
Theory Microbes play an essential role in sustaining higher life forms on Earth, including marine sponges, plants, fish, and animals. Their significance lies in their vast diversity of physiological traits, allowing them to thrive in various environments by extracting energy from organic resources, minerals, and light. In fact, many microbes depend on other microbes for
Modeling Life
Have you ever wondered how cells “know” which genes to express at a given time and place, or how a plant seed “decides” when is the best time to germinate? Or would you like to know what the stripes of a zebra, the fingers on your hand, and the patterning of vegetation in dry ecosystems
Structural Bioinformatics & Modelling
Computational structural biology is a mature field of research whose contribution to life sciences is becoming increasingly more appreciated. The aim of this course is to provide a solid basis of computational structural biology methods, with an emphasis on practical protein modelling and simulation. Further, this course is designed to have a smooth learning curve
Advanced Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a broad term for all technologies that utilize biological systems, living organisms, or their parts to develop or create different products. This course covers topics ranging from the development of climate-resilient and herbicide-resistant crops using CRISPR/Cas to the development of mRNA therapies and the usage of fungi for removing contaminants from the environment.
Science, Technology and Society
Do you think science and technology are neutral tools in gaining economic and social prosperity? Do you think innovation is always a good thing? In this course, we will question such assumptions by studying the relation between science, technology, and society. This relationship is both complex and ambiguous. For example from a societal perspective, self-driving
Molecular Plant Microbe Interactions
The aim of this course is to understand how the immune system of plants functions, how plants and beneficial or pathogenic microbes interact with each other, and what the determinants are for their success in these different interactions. In the course several integration levels of plant-microbe (and -insect) interactions are discussed: from genes, signal molecules,