Advanced Comparative Bioinformatics -- CBMG688G/Q Course Information

Spring, 2009: M/W 4-6 PM PLS 1184

CBMG688G (2 credits), CBMG688Q (3 credits)

Prerequisites: Graduate standing, Biol 105 and Math 221, or consent of instructor.

Recommended courses: BSCI 370 Introduction to Evolution, and BSCI 230 Cell Biology and Physiology

Text (recommended): Pevsner, J. 2009. Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics (2nd Edition). Wiley-Blackwell, Boston, MA.

Web Site: http://www.life.umd.edu/labs/delwiche/bioinform/AdvCompBio.html

Grading:

Grading will use the letter grade +/- system, and will be based on the cumulative point total. Default grades are as follows: A, >90%; B, >80%; C, >70%; D, >60%. Students who finish the semester with at least the indicated fraction of points will receive at least that letter grade. At the discretion of the instructor the minimum number of points required for any given grade may be adjusted downward. In some cases the actual number of points possible differs from that listed above. In that case grades will be issued based on the actual total. The grade of A+ will be given to exceptional students, A- to students at the lower end of the "A" range, B+ to students at the upper end of the "B" range, etc.

Students are expected to attend class and participate in class discussions. All assignments are mandatory, and must be completed at the scheduled time, subject to standard university guidelines. Makeup assignments as allowed by the University must be requested (in writing and signed by the student) within one week of the missed exercise. At the instructor's discretion, the format of any assignment, including makeup assigments, may be changed, although they will always be at the same level of difficulty. Note that makeup assignments may be in the form of an oral exam.