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GENE30040

Academic Year 2024/2025

Introduction to Programming for Biologists (GENE30040)

Subject:
Genetics
College:
Science
School:
Biomolecular & Biomed Science
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Peadar Ó Gaora
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module will introduce fundamental topics in computer programming to students with no prior programming experience. It is designed for biology students with an interest in computational data analysis/bioinformatics. The course will introduce the concept of variables, types and basic data structures. Program structure including flow control, conditional execution and file input/output will be covered. Example problems based on biological data will be used. The course will consist of lectures, tutorials and practical programming sessions. There will be a strong emphasis on the practical elements of writing code.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

How to write programs to solve some basic biological questions including interrogating and manipulating biological data. How to interact with the operating system and run code. Gain an understanding of why computer programming is important in biology.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12
Tutorial

12
Computer Aided Lab

24
Autonomous Student Learning

70
Total

118

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures; hands-on coding practice in task-based practicals; tutorials

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Students must be enrolled in a biology programme.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Additional Information:
Must be enrolled in a biology programme


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Programming task Week 4, Week 5, Week 6 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
15
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Programming task Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Programming task Week 11, Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
15
 No
Exam (In-person): In-class test taken in the final week of the teaching term. Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
40
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Notes on assignments will be provided. Students can map relevant issues to their submissions.

Name Role
Manuel Bruch Tutor
Pauric Donnelly Tutor
Mr Donagh Egan Tutor
Marina Villacampa Fernandez Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Mon 17:00 - 17:50
Spring Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32 Tues 16:00 - 17:50
Spring Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 33 Tues 16:00 - 18:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 12:00 - 12:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 13:00 - 13:50
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