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Bioinformatics

Graduate Diploma

The Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and the School of Computing Science co-operate to offer this program which provides advanced education in bioinformatics for students with a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, computer science, mathematics, or related disciplines. ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV is highly competitive.

This program supports students sponsored by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Bioinformatics in Health Science Training Grant in which Simon Fraser University is a full partner with the University of BC and the BC Genome Sciences Centre. Students who are not part of the program are strongly encouraged to choose their courses from those offered at Simon Fraser University.

Minimum Grade Requirement

Students must obtain a B or better in each course or practicum.

Program Requirements

Core Courses

All four core courses should be completed in the first term, dependent upon term course offerings.

Students complete a total of 12 units, including one of

CMPT 771 - Internet Architecture and Protocols (3)

Investigates the design and operation of the global network of networks: the Internet. This course studies the structure of the Internet and the TCP/IP protocol suit that enables it to scale to millions of hosts. The focus is on design principles, performance modelling, and services offered by the Internet.

and one of

MBB 441 - Bioinformatics (3)

Lectures and hands-on instruction at the computer in the use of, and theory behind, bioinformatic software and algorithms for the analysis of macromolecular data. Prerequisite: MBB 331 and an introductory computer science course (e.g. CMPT 110 or 120), or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C.

MBB 741 - Bioinformatics (3)

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).

and one of

CMPT 505 - Problem Based Learning in Bioinformatics (3) *

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 all aspects of bioinformatics research. Prerequisite: Enrolled in Graduate Diploma in Bioinformatics. Students with credit for MBB 505 may not take this course for further credit.

MBB 505 - Problem Based Learning in Bioinformatics (3) *

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: MBB 741 or equivalent bioinformatics course (undergraduate or graduate). This course is identical to CMPT 505 and students cannot take both courses for credit.

and

CMPT 506 - Critical Research Analysis (3)

Advanced seminar series for bioinformatics. Prerequisite: Enrolment in Graduate Diploma in Bioinformatics. Students with credit for MBB 506 may not take this course for further credit.

* course is completed at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV, BC Cancer Agency, and the Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics

Elective Courses

In each of the first, second and third terms, students must also complete at least three elective courses in each term from the following, to total nine units.

CMPT 354 - Database Systems I (3) 4

Logical representations of data records. Data models. Studies of some popular file and database systems. Document retrieval. Other related issues such as database administration, data dictionary and security. Prerequisite: CMPT 225, MACM 101.

CMPT 740 - Database Systems (3) 5

Introduction to advanced database system concepts, including query processing, transaction processing, distributed and heterogeneous databases, object-oriented and object-relational databases, data mining and data warehousing, spatial and multimedia systems and Internet information systems.

CMPT 761 - Image Synthesis (3)

Advanced topics and techniques in computer graphics with a focus on image synthesis are covered. Topics include photorealistic rendering, advanced ray tracing, Monte Carlo methods, photon maps, radiosity, light fields, participating media, as well as tone reproduction. Students with credit for CMPT 461, CMPT 770, or equivalent may not take CMPT 761 for further credit. Equivalent Courses: CMPT770.

CMPT 764 - Geometric Modelling in Computer Graphics (3)

Advanced topics in geometric modelling and processing for computer graphics, such as Bezier and B-spline techniques, subdivision curves and surfaces, solid modelling, implicit representation, surface reconstruction, multi-resolution modelling, digital geometry processing (e.g., mesh smoothing, compression, and parameterization), point-based representation, and procedural modelling. Prerequisite: CMPT 361, MACM 316. Students with credit for CMPT 464 or equivalent may not take this course for further credit.

MBB 331 - Molecular Biology (3) 4

The study of DNA and RNA in relation to gene structure and expression: DNA replication and the regulation of gene expression in bacteria and higher organisms. Introduction to recombinant DNA and cloning theory; natural vector structures and recombinant vector construction. Prerequisite: MBB 231, and BISC 202, with a minimum grade of C.

MBB 435 - Genome Biology (3) 1

The analysis of entire genomes of organisms has only been possible since 1995. This new area of study will be examined in detail with emphasis on current research. Prerequisite: MBB 331 with a minimum grade of C.

or MBB 835 - Genome Analysis (3) 1

Consideration of topics related to the structure and function of the genome with emphasis on genome mapping and sequencing projects, and computational methods for genomic sequence analysis.

MBB 442 - Proteomics (3)

Proteomics concerns the analysis of the entire complement of proteins expressed by an organism. This course will consider protein sequence alignment, sequence database scanning, classification of protein structures, prediction of protein structure and function, and evolution of protein function. Prerequisite: MBB 321 and MBB 322; one introductory computer course (e.g. CMPT 110 or 120), or equivalent, with a minimum grade of C.

or MBB 742 - Proteomics (3)

Since the completion of the human genome, the next step is to understand the function of these genes. Proteomics cover the integration of a number of topics with the aim of analyzing the complete complement of proteins expressed by a biological system. This course will give a general understanding of the proteome, describe many of the different aspects of proteomics that have been developed recently, identify the technologic limitations related to proteomics, and will also include likely future directions for the field. Prerequisite: One introductory computer programming course (e.g. CMPT 102, 103, 110, 120 or equivalent).

MBB 659 - Special Topics in Bioinformatics (3) 2

Consideration of recent research literature on contemporary topics in bioinformatics. Prerequisite: MBB 441 or 741; or CMPT 341 or 881.

MBB 669 - Special Topics in Genomics (3) 2

Consideration of recent research literature on contemporary topics in genomics. Prerequisite: MBB 435 or 835.

MBB 679 - Special Topics in Proteomics (3) 2

Consideration of recent research literature on contemporary topics in proteomics. Prerequisite: MBB 442 or 742.

1 credit will be given for only one of MBB 435 or MEDG 505

2 special topics courses are given upon student demand and instructor availability

3 STAT 890 is a Special Topics course and course content will vary by course offering

4 CPSC 304, CMPT 354 and MBB 331 will not count toward elective requirements; they will be recommended if the student is deficient in either computational or life sciences background

5 credit will be given for only one of CMPT 740 and CPSC 504

Practicum Courses

In addition to elective courses as outlined above, students complete the first practicum course in the second term, and the second practicum course in the third term, dependent upon course offerings. Students complete the practicums by choosing at least two (a total of six units) of

CMPT 611 - Research Rotation I (6) x

One term of original bioinformatics research conducted in the lab of a designated mentor. Students are required to write their results in a scientific journal format and defend these results before a panel consisting of the project mentor plus two other qualified faculty members. Prerequisite: Enrolment in Graduate Diploma in Bioinformatics. Students with credit for MBB 611 may not take this course for further credit.

CMPT 612 - Research Rotation II (6) x

One term of original bioinformatics research conducted in the lab of a designated mentor. Students are required to write their results in a scientific journal format and defend these results before a panel consisting of the project mentor plus two other qualified faculty members. Prerequisite: Enrolment in Graduate Diploma in Bioinformatics. Students with credit for MBB 612 may not take this course for further credit.

CMPT 613 - Research Rotation III (6) x

One term of original bioinformatics research conducted in the lab of a designated mentor. Students are required to write their results in a scientific journal format and defend these results before a panel consisting of the project mentor plus two other qualified faculty members. Prerequisite: Enrolment in Graduate Diploma in Bioinformatics. Students with credit for MBB 613 may not take this course for further credit.

In consultation with mentors, students will be assigned practicums based on needs, interest, and background. The result of the practicum is written in journal form for an oral presentation. The advisory committee will grade both the oral presentation and written report.

x course is completed at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV, University of BC, and BC Cancer Agency

Advisory Committee

The student’s advisory committee consists of a senior mentor and two other participating faculty members from the faculty at ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV, UBC and the BC Genome Sciences Centre.

Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations

All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the  (residence, course work, academic progress, supervision, research competence requirement, completion time, and degree completion), as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled, as shown above.