Unit Overview
- Description
This unit introduces applied bioinformatics and the analysis of biological data across biomedical, environmental, and agricultural contexts. Students explore bioinformatic approaches to managing and interpreting large-scale datasets, including genomic and phenotypic data, using contemporary computational tools and software.
Through practical learning with real-world datasets, students develop skills in working within computational environments, including data management, analysis, and interpretation. They apply bioinformatics methods to investigate biological questions and evaluate published research, developing an understanding of the role of bioinformatics in advancing research and innovation across the life sciences.
The unit prepares students to apply foundational bioinformatics knowledge and practical analytical skills in further study, research, and a range of biological and biomedical settings.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode First year of offer Not available in 2026 Online Online only - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) apply bioinformatics methods and computational tools to process and analyse diverse biological datasets.; (2) design and implement bioinformatics workflows to address research questions; (3) interpret and critically evaluate bioinformatics results.; (4) appraise bioinformatics literature, methodologies, and analytical approaches; and (5) communicate bioinformatics analyses and findings using appropriate scientific conventions.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) online quizzes and (2) practical assessment. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Professor Dave Edwards
- Contact hours
- Lectures: 1.5 hours per week
Practical sessions: 2.0 hours per week - Note
- Students may also complete this unit by undertaking the micro-credentials SCIEM401 Introduction to Applied Bioinformatics I and SCIEM402 Introduction to Applied Bioinformatics II, which together provide direct credit for SCIE4000 An Introduction to Applied Bioinformatics.
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.