The omics era of biological research requires more systemic approaches to data analysis and a move away from the single gene/protein perspective. Network and pathway analysis tools use the information available in protein-protein interaction and pathway databases to enrich biological data and allow us to understand biological entities, not only as individual components, but also as complex, interacting systems.

This course will provide life scientists with training on biological network and pathway analysis and protein interaction bioinformatics resources. The principles of biological network and pathway analysis will be introduced and explained using relevant case studies. The course also explores the data repositories, resources and tools available to explore and analyse large datasets from a network perspective.Participants will also have the opportunity to either learn how to access public repositories via programmatic methods or spend time analysing data using the approaches covered in the course.

Who is this course for?

This introductory course is aimed at bench-based biologists, who are involved in, or embarking on projects that will use network and pathway analysis or protein interaction data. For example, you may be using these tools in the interpretation of biological datasets or as part of a systems biology approach. The course requires no prior knowledge of pathway analysis or computer programming skills. Preference will be given to those actively involved in or commencing interaction/pathway-based projects.

What will I learn?

Learning outcomes

After this course you should be able to:

• Use network and pathway analysis tools to enrich biological data
• Overlay expression data using appropriate identifiers to visualise biological networks and pathways
• Discuss some properties and features of biological networks, protein interaction data, and relevant data standards

Browse, search and access protein interaction and network data stored in publicly available repositories

Course content

During this course you will learn about:

• Molecular interaction and pathway databases: IntAct, Complex Portal, Reactome, SignaLink 2
• Network analysis tools: Cystoscape and selected apps: BINGO, MCODE, ClueGO
• Ontologies, identifiers and data standards: GO, PSICQUIC, IMEx, HUPO

Trainers

Please read our page on application advice before starting your application. In order to be considered for a place on this course, you must do the following:

1. Complete the online application form
2. Submit a Microsoft Word (.docx) document containing three short paragraphs with a biography, work history and description of your current research interests; each paragraph should be no more than 100 words
3. Provide a letter of support from a supervisor or a senior co-worker explaining why you should be selected for this course

Please submit all documents to Johanna Langrish (johanna@ebi.ac.uk) by 12:00 GMT on Friday 22 February, 2019.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

PLEASE NOTE:  All participants will be expected to produce an A2 poster for the Poster Session - Posters are to include current research interests relevant to your current work.