Algorithms are introduced for the alignment and comparison of macromolecular structures. Both PCs and workstations are used in this module and students become familiar with both Windows and Unix operating systems Databases in Molecular Sciences Students are introduced through a guided exploration of WWW resources to the practical use and design of databases. This module covers the physical basis of molecular interactions in biological molecules. Basic concepts are reviewed and applications are described. Time dependent processes are studied focussing on molecular dynamics and the associated algorithms.
Students gain practical experience of software packages.
This Module is designed to provide students with a knowledge of a variety of statistical tools which are of particular use in bioinformatics and biomolecular analyses. The aim of the module is to provide students with a broad introduction to database systems and their application to the management of biological data. With the large number of protein structures currently available it is now possible to categorize these structures and their building blocks from which binding sites and function may sometimes be deduced. The principles of protein structure and packing are reviewed and the structures of nucleic acids are discussed. Structures of current interest are reviewed by the students in a series of oral presentations.