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Bioinformatics
 

On–Line Undergraduate Certificate Course in Bioinformatics
(Introductory and Advance Level)

(Conducted by Department of Microbiology)

A. Introduction

B. Background

C. Educational Objectives

D. Course structure

F. Duration

E. Eligibility

G. Examination & Passing Standards

H. Fee Schedules

A. Introduction

The field of Bioinformatics is catalyzing spectacular changes in every field of Biology; from the way one thinks of biology to the way one performs experiments. By default this field is multidisciplinary in nature. One needs to draw on many areas of Biology (Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Enzymology, Genetics, Proteomics, Genomics, Ecology, Taxonomy, Evolution etc), Computer Sciences / Information Technology, Statistics, Mathematics as well as Physics. Sound understanding of basic principals, inquisitive and logical mind and lot of common sense are required to be cultivated for the success in this area.

Department of Microbiology has taken an initiative from the year 2000 to introduce this subject to undergraduates and help them integrate it with their mainstream studies of biology.

The pace of development in this field is breathtaking, making it difficult to formulate a permanent syllabus or very formal course structure. Emphasis therefore has to be on constant up-gradation and learning through self-exploration and experimentation.

Please note that these courses are NOT affiliated to University of Mumbai or any such body. Sole objective is to impart insight in the field of Bioinformatics and courses are conducted by Dept of Microbiology for the benefit of students.

B. Background

The Department of Microbiology is successfully conducting O / A / B level Certificate course in Bioinformatics (10 Modules Part-time Course) since several years. Department has also conducted several workshops for faculty of biology in Mumbai University area.

Students of Ruia College could mainly benefit from this course due to their proximity. Though students from other colleges participated in “O” level course, due to time and resource constraints, they couldn’t continue with A and B levels. With ease of internet accessibility and Ruia-Net-Campus shaping up in providing online access to staff, students and parents, it is felt that this medium will provide solution to this issue and must be very effectively exploited further for running various online courses and increase the reach of our college to students who are unable to benefit from the resources and expertise of Ruia College. Bioinformatics, being a computer-based activity, is most suited for online presentation. Subsequently other area of biology also will be brought in to the ambit of this technology.

C. Educational Objectives

The main aim of this course is to introduce participants to the new emerging field of Bioinformatics.

After completing this course (All Modules), the participant should be able to
• Understand that biology be treated as information science,
• Understand the language, scope, limitations and emerging trends of the field of Bioinformatics,
• Integrate the information and training gained into regular studies,
• Understand statistical and mathematical considerations underlying various search strategies
• Understand basic methodology and role of statistical and mathematical modeling
• Know about the structure, construction and navigation of various Biological databases and tools available on the / via Internet, formulate the search criteria, undertake the search and interpret the search results obtained,
• Be able to explore DNA /RNA databases, understand and manipulate data for genomic and proteomic applications
• Determine and explore protein structure and understand it's usage and limitations in proteomics,
• Explore and understand phylogenetic basis of biological data and relevant applications,
• Explore and apply informatics in various scenarios in Biology with reference to Ecology, Genetics, Pharmaceutical and biotechnological industry

D. Course structure

Concept of on-line courses is new to both students and teachers. The underlying technology is also in a state of flux and will take some time for stabilization (as far as our country is concerned - for example fast and reliable internet connection). So even though we are calling this course on-line all features are not going to be fully functional this year. As the infrastructure develops in future, this course will become fully on line.

E. Eligibility

• Undergraduate Certificate Course (Introductory Level)

XIIth H. Sc. or equivalent preferably with Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics

• Undergraduate Certificate Course (Advance Level)

Completing introductory level will be a prerequisite for advance level. Students who have completed earlier Add-on Certificate course are also eligible

F. Duration

• Introductory Level: maximum 1 Year from the date of registration
• Advance Level: maximum 1 Year from the date of registration

G. Examination and passing standards

• 45% Weightage for continuous internal assessment. Assessment of students will be carried out through out the course, based on their feedback assignments, periodic objective and subjective examinations results. These schedules will be predetermined and will be monitored by Teaching Assistant responsible for that batch.
• 30% for final theory examination
• 20% for final practical examination
• 5% weightage for regularity in submission and also during contact sessions for theory and practical
• Passing is at 50%. Each student should get overall minimum of 50% marks to qualify for certificate / diploma. Certificate /Diploma will mention actual % received by the student in each module.
• Re-examination is possible for class improvement after paying separate fee as fixed up from time to time.

H. Fee Schedules

 Note: * - assuming single attempt. For every additional attempt examination fee of Rs.100/- per attempt will be charged.
Course fee includes establishment charges. Fees are in accordance with university fee structures for equivalent courses. Please note that this is NOT a university course.

Students wishing to join student book bank, you will have to pay prevailing membership fee and deposit fee. These fee schedules are decided by student body that operates this book bank.

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Copyright © 2006 Ramnarain Ruia College

Last modified: December 18, 2006
 

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