SubjectsSubjects(version: 982)
Course, academic year 2026/2027
  
   
Databases and computer tools in biochemical research - M320015
Title: Databáze a počítačové nástroje v biochemickém výzkumu
Guaranteed by: Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology (320)
Faculty: Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology
Actual: from 2026
Semester: summer
Points: summer s.:2
E-Credits: summer s.:2
Examination process: summer s.:
Hours per week, examination: summer s.:0/2, MC [HT]
Capacity: unknown / unknown (unknown)Schedule is not published yet, this information might be misleading.
Min. number of students: unlimited
State of the course: taught
Language: Czech
Teaching methods: full-time
Level:  
Guarantor: Šantrůček Jiří Ing. Ph.D.
Leonhardt Tereza Ing. Ph.D.
Classification: Informatics > Database Systems
Interchangeability : N320040
Examination dates   Schedule   
This subject contains the following additional online materials
Annotation -
The course objectives include: introduction to fundamental bioinformatic approaches and tools allowing analyzing nucleotide and protein sequences, including critical interpretation of analysis outputs; survey of potential uses of bioinformatic analyses to address experimental tasks; and detailed insight into practical aspects of related molecular biology and proteomic methods and approaches.
Last update: Leonhardt Tereza (28.04.2025)
Course completion requirements -

During the course, students individually complete assignments in the e-learning system that complement the material covered in each lesson. These assignments can only be completed during the week when the corresponding lesson takes place; late submissions will not be accepted. Students receive feedback on these assignments and earn points toward their final grade. Passing the course is conditional on completing a final project in pairs. The final project can earn a maximum of 70 points, while the supplementary assignments can earn up to 50 points. To achieve a final grade of A, a total of 90 points is required. Attendance at classes is not mandatory; the exercises can be completed through online instruction. However, all submission deadlines must be strictly followed.

Last update: Leonhardt Tereza (28.04.2025)
Literature -

Recommended:

  • Cvrčková, Fatima. Úvod do praktické bioinformatiky. Praha: Academia, 2006, 148 s. s. ISBN 80-200-1360-1.

Last update: Leonhardt Tereza (28.04.2025)
Teaching methods -

The course is taught in a workshop format in a computer lab. Students are first introduced to the basics of the material, after which they independently practice using the programs or tools. At the end of each lesson, students are assigned one or more tasks, which they complete individually. After submitting their assignments, students receive feedback, and some tasks may be revised and resubmitted. Continuous assessment encourages active student participation in the course.

The final project is completed in groups (consisting of 1 or 2 students) and submitted to the instructors responsible for the specific assignment. Instructors provide students with feedback during or after the submission of the final project, allowing students to further develop their knowledge during the evaluation process.

Last update: Leonhardt Tereza (28.04.2025)
Requirements to the exam -

Graded Credit.

To obtain credit, students must complete a final project. To achieve a grade higher than C, it is also necessary to complete several individual assignments during the semester.

Last update: Leonhardt Tereza (28.04.2025)
Syllabus -

1. Bioinformatics, platforms for information retrieval, and interconnection of databases.

2. Databases and programs for nucleic acid sequence analysis.

3. Gene function prediction, promoter and regulatory element analysis.

4. Design and practical aspects of PCR.

5. Central dogma reversed – strategies for isolating coding sequences.

6. Proteomics servers and databases. Tools for protein sequence comparison.

7. In silico prediction of protein modifications and experimental validation of predictions.

8. Secondary structure and hydrophobic profile of proteins. Prediction and experimental validation.

9. Quaternary protein structure and oligomerization state. Prediction and experimental validation.

10. Membrane proteins. Determination of protein topology in biological membranes, surface properties of proteins and detergents.

11. Native protein state. Localization and interaction of proteins within the cell.

12. Gene ontology. Data processing from proteomics experiments.

Last update: Leonhardt Tereza (28.04.2025)
Learning resources -

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

https://www.ebi.ac.uk/services

https://www.expasy.org/

https://www.uniprot.org/

https://bio.tools/

Lectures are available (in czech language) at e-learning.vscht.cz

Last update: Leonhardt Tereza (28.04.2025)
Learning outcomes -

Students will be able to:

Use publicly accessible bioinformatics tools and nucleotide and protein databases.

Independently design a strategy to analyze the sequence data, critically interpret the outcome of analyses and propose an experimental approach to prove the in silico predictions correct.

Taking advantage from bioinformatic analyses of nucleotide and protein sequences, propose complex, feasible solution for a successful molecular biology experiment.

Last update: Leonhardt Tereza (28.04.2025)
Entry requirements -

Knowledge of selected chapters from the specialized courses Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering — PCR, the central dogma of genetics, cloning, and transgenesis.

Last update: Leonhardt Tereza (28.04.2025)
Teaching methods
Activity Credits Hours
Konzultace s vyučujícími 0.2 6
Obhajoba individuálního projektu 0.1 2
Práce na individuálním projektu 0.7 20
Účast na seminářích 1 28
2 / 2 56 / 56
Coursework assessment
Form Significance
Defense of an individual project 60
Continuous assessment of study performance and course -credit tests 40

 
VŠCHT Praha