Bioinformatics for Principal Investigators

Updated

The aim of this workshop is to provide principal investigators with an introduction to the challenges of working with biological data and to the best practices, and tools, needed to perform bioinformatics research effectively and reproducibly.

On day 1, we will cover the importance of experimental design, discuss the challenges associated with (i) the analysis of high-throughput sequencing data (utilising RNA-seq as a working example) and (ii) the application of machine learning algorithms, as well as issues relating to reusability and reproducibility.

On day 2, we will put into practice concepts from day 1, running a RNA-seq data analysis pipeline, going from raw reads through differential expression analysis and the interpretation of downstream analysis results. Challenges encountered at each step of the analytical pipeline will be discussed. Please note that day 2 is optional.

The training room is located on the first floor and there is currently no wheelchair or level access available to this level.

Please note that if you are not eligible for a University of Cambridge Raven account you will need to book or register your interest by linking here.

• Principal Investigators from the University of Cambridge, Affiliated Institutions and other external Institutions, who are using or planning to use bioinformatics in their research
• Please be aware that these courses are only free for registered University of Cambridge students. All other participants will be charged a registration fee in some form. Registration fees and further details regarding the charging policy are available here.
• Further details regarding eligibility criteria are available here

Number of sessions: 2

Bioinformatics

After this course you should be able to:

• Define the opportunities and challenges of bioinformatics use in research
• Identify your team needs in terms of bioinformatics skills needed to process biological data effectively
• Implement reproducible and reusable methods in biomedical research
• Evaluate RNA-seq analysis pipelines (day 2)

During this course you will learn about:

• How experimental design and quality assessment affect downstream analysis
• Challenges associated with the analysis of high-throughput data and the usage of popular machine learning algorithms
• Best practices for working with data reproducibly
• How to analyse RNA-seq data (day 2)

Presentations, demonstrations

• Free for registered University of Cambridge students
• £ 50/day for all University of Cambridge staff, including postdocs, temporary visitors (students and researchers) and participants from Affiliated Institutions. Please note that these charges are recovered by us at the Institutional level
• It remains the participant's responsibility to acquire prior approval from the relevant group leader, line manager or budget holder to attend the course. It is requested that people booking only do so with the agreement of the relevant party as costs will be charged back to your Lab Head or Group Supervisor.
• £ 50/day for all other academic participants from external Institutions and charitable organizations. These charges must be paid at registration
• £ 100/day for all Industry participants. These charges must be paid at registration
• Further details regarding the charging policy are available here

2

Twice a year