Bioinformatics is fast becoming an integral component of all biological projects. The deluge of genomic information has also opened up the possibility of asking new questions using only publicly available data and a personal computer. This course will go beyond bioinformatic tools that run on web interfaces. Instead, you will learn to program using R, one of the most popular languages for performing bioinformatic and statistical analyses. 

The course will begin by introducing basic R commands and scripts, and move onto the use of R in genomics. Bioconductor will be covered in the second half of the course, with the final day focussing on genome annotation and downloading data using biomaRt. 

Who is this course for?

The course is suitable for graduate students and young researchers with a background in biology who are keen to become proficient bioinformaticians within the fields of genomics and/or transcriptomics. We will start with the basics, so students with no prior programming knowledge are welcome. We have a number of Linux computers that you can use, and you can bring your own laptops*. 

Please note this course will be taught in English, however the trainers are fluent in either Spanish or Portuguese, and can offer language support where feasible.

A number of travel fellowships are available for this course - early-stage researchers and researchers from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply for CABANA travel fellowships. You can apply for travel fellowships via the course application form.

*If you bring your own laptop (any operating system is fine), you must have installed the following programs: R (at least version 3.5), the latest Rstudio and Bioconductor. 

To download R please visit: https://www.r-project.org/

To download RStudio please visit: https://www.rstudio.com/products/rstudio/download/

Bioconductor must be downloaded and installed via R, instructions on how to do this can be found here: https://www.bioconductor.org/install/

What will I learn?

Learning outcomes

After this course you should be able to:

• Use R for numerical calculations and exploring data
• Write your own programs in R
• Use Bioconductor packages to help with your own bioinformatic problems
• Access genome information stored in Ensembl and other databases
• Explore genome annotation of your favourite species

Trainers

In order to be considered for a place on this course applicants must complete the online application form.

Incomplete applications will NOT be considered. 

If you have any queries about the registration process please email Guilherme Oliveira and Piv Gopalasingam.

The registration fee includes:

• Tea/coffee and lunches for the duration of the course
• Course dinner
• Use of the course training room
• Course materials provided
• Course certificate