---
title: "Introduction"
linkTitle: "Introduction"
type: docs
description: >
weight: 1
---
## Overview
This course introduces algorithms, statistical methods and data analysis programming
routines relevant for genome biology. It consists of three main components:
lectures, hands-on practicals and student course projects. The lecture topics cover databases, sequence
(NGS) analysis, phylogenetics, comparative genomics, genome-wide profiling methods,
network biology and more. The hands-on practicals include homework assignments and
course projects focusing on data analysis programming of next generation genome data
using command-line tools on a computer cluster and the programming environment R.
Depending on student interests, one or more specialty topics may be included, such
as the analysis of single cell (_e.g._ scRNA-Seq) experiments, multi-omics data, or
the development of web-based analysis tools (_e.g._ Shiny Apps).
## Who should take this class?
Students with a strong interest and motivation in acquiring the skills required for mastering
the computational aspects of modern genome research. The class is mainly
targeting graduate students but senior undergraduate students are welcome to
enroll as well. The main audience of this class usually includes students from
bioscience, biomedical and bioengineering programs as well as CS and statistics
students with interest in computational biology.
## Can I audit this class?
It is possible to audit this class. However, due to the emphasis on active participation
in practicals and course projects, students usually learn much more if they enroll into the
class rather than auditing it in a passive manner.
## Inclusive Classroom Code of Conduct
The instructors, organizers and participants of this class are committed to
create and maintain an environment in which everyone can learn and thrive in
ways inclusive of their diverse backgrounds and identities. All teaching
material, activities, virtual or face-to-face interactions related to this
course are intended to provide a harassment-free experience for everyone,
regardless of age, body size, visible or invisible disability, ethnicity, sex
characteristics, gender identity and expression, level of experience,
education, socio-economic status, nationality, Veteran status, citizenship
status, personal appearance, race, caste, color, religion, or sexual identity
and orientation. Violations of this code of conduct should be reported to the
main instructor (Thomas Girke, [thomas.girke@ucr.edu](mailto:thomas.girke@ucr.edu)).
For additional information about this important topic please visit the website of [UCR's
Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)](https://diversity.ucr.edu/).
## Accessibility
UC Riverside is committed to creating a learning environment that meets the
needs of its diverse student body. If students anticipate or experience any
barriers to learning in this course, they are welcome to discuss their concerns
with the instructor(s). If students have a disability, they may want to contact
the [Student Disability Resource Center](https://sdrc.ucr.edu/) to accommodate
their specific needs. As faculty we are responsible for collaborating with SDRC
to ensure that the students enrolled in our classes have access to the SDRC
approved classroom accommodations and services outlined in each student's
Letter of Accommodation. A Letter of Accommodation may be issued at any time
during the quarter. In addition, Disability Services are free, voluntary,
private, and not part of your transcript.