Data Science

General objectives. The general objectives of the course are: i) to provide students with a hands-on experience with basic biological concepts and common bioinformatics tools and databases; ii) to introduce students to the on-the-field application of networks in biology and medicine. Specific objectives. Students are expected to acquire basic biology knowledge and skills, to understand the role of networks in the study of physiological mechanisms and diseases; to understand how to use network medicine algorithms and procedures. Knowledge and understanding. The course will include theory and hands-on projects. Students will be trained in the basic theory and application of programs used for database searching, biological network inference and analysis. Apply knowledge and understanding. At the end of the course students will have become familiar with basic biological concepts and bioinformatics databases and tools. Furthermore, on successful completion of this course, students will understand the use of networks as a paradigm for disease expression and course. Critical and judgment skills. At the end of the course, students will be able to critically analyse the results of their analysis. Communication skills. The students will be required to produce reports describing the hands-on projects with specific sections for the description of the obtained results and their discussion. Learning ability. The projects will be developed in small groups encouraging team building. All the acquired abilities will be checked in a final oral exam during which a good division of teamwork will be rewarded.