Bioinformatics Course
Our Bioinformatics course covers biological databases, pairwise and multiple sequence alignment, BLAST, scoring matrices, phylogenetic analysis, genome sequencing and assembly, gene prediction, protein structure prediction and an introduction to Python and R for biological data. Lessons are live and one-to-one with a verified subject expert, who explains each concept with worked examples, solves problems from your own module and helps you prepare for exams and coursework. Suitable for biology, biotechnology, biomedical science and computer science students, following university syllabi in the UK, US, Australia and India (including AKTU, VTU and Anna University style courses).
Reviewed by N. Kaur, PhD in Cell Biology / Molecular BiologyLast updated
$14 – $34
per hour
Free demo class · pay only if you continue
What you will learn
Learning outcomes
- Understand bioinformatics fundamentals
- Work with biological databases
- Analyze DNA and protein sequences
- Apply sequence alignment techniques
- Understand genome organization and analysis
- Perform basic gene prediction
- Understand phylogenetic analysis
- Explore protein structure and function
- Apply computational methods to biological data
- Use common bioinformatics tools for data analysis
Prerequisites
- Basic biology
- Genetics fundamentals
- Basic programming
- Basic statistics
- Computer fundamentals
Tags
Course structure
Syllabus(6 modules)
- Dynamic programming
- Global alignment
- Semi-global alignment
- Local alignment
- Gap models
- Database search tools
- Multiple sequence alignment
What is Bioinformatics?
In short: this course gives one-to-one online tutoring in bioinformatics. A verified tutor explains sequence alignment, phylogenetics, databases, genomics and structural bioinformatics, with worked algorithms and help with Python or R code.
Bioinformatics is the use of computer science, mathematics and statistics to analyse biological data, such as DNA, RNA and protein sequences. A computational bioinformatics course focuses on the algorithms behind common tools: dynamic programming for sequence alignment, suffix trees for string search, phylogenetic tree construction, gene network analysis and RNA structure prediction.
This online course teaches Bioinformatics one to one with a verified tutor who has studied or taught it at university level, at your pace and aligned with your own module.
Related subject: Biology help.
What does the Bioinformatics course cover?
| Topic | Key content |
|---|---|
| Sequence comparison and alignment | Dynamic programming, global (Needleman–Wunsch), semi-global and local (Smith–Waterman) alignment, gap models, BLAST-style database search, multiple sequence alignment |
| Suffix trees | Implicit and explicit suffix trees, suffix links, Ukkonen's algorithm, applications |
| Phylogenetic trees | Rooted and unrooted trees, Newick format, distance-based methods (UPGMA, neighbour joining), character-based methods, parsimony |
| Gene network analysis | Bayesian networks, clustering, classification, microarray data, network reconstruction |
| Sequencing by hybridisation | Microarrays, Hamiltonian and Euler paths, de Bruijn graphs |
| RNA structure prediction | Secondary structure, loops, pseudoknots, Nussinov and energy-based algorithms |
How does global sequence alignment work?
Needleman–Wunsch alignment uses dynamic programming to find the best alignment of two whole sequences.
- Build a matrix with one sequence along each axis.
- Initialise the first row and column with gap penalties.
- Fill each cell with the best of: diagonal plus match or mismatch score, up plus gap, left plus gap.
- The bottom-right cell holds the optimal score.
- Trace back to recover the alignment.
Smith–Waterman local alignment is similar but sets negative scores to zero and traces back from the highest cell.
How do you build a tree with UPGMA?
- Start with a distance matrix between sequences.
- Join the two closest clusters.
- Place the new node at half their distance.
- Update distances as the average to the merged cluster, weighted by size.
- Repeat until one cluster remains.
- Note that UPGMA assumes a constant rate of evolution.
What does a worked sequence comparison look like?
Here is a simple question: two aligned DNA sequences are ACGTAC and ACGTTC. Find their percent identity.
| Step | Working |
|---|---|
| Compare positions | A=A, C=C, G=G, T=T, A≠T, C=C |
| Matches | 5 of 6 |
| Percent identity | 5 ÷ 6 × 100 ≈ 83.3% |
Where do students lose marks in Bioinformatics?
Students most often lose marks in Bioinformatics through the habits below. Each is easy to fix with practice and feedback on your own work.
| Mark-loser | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Scoring matrices misapplied | Use the stated match, mismatch and gap scores |
| Traceback errors | Follow arrows from the final cell carefully |
| Steps skipped | Show each step of the method |
| Definitions vague | Use precise technical definitions |
| No worked check | Verify the result with a small example |
| Diagrams missing | Draw the structure or flow before solving |
How is it assessed, and how can a tutor help?
Bioinformatics modules are usually assessed by written exams with alignment and tree-building calculations, plus programming assignments in Python or R implementing algorithms on real sequence data.
Tutors explain concepts, work through practice problems with you and give feedback on your approach. Graded work you submit must be your own, as set out in our academic integrity policy. For deadline-driven guidance, see assignment help.
How the lessons work
Lessons are live and one to one on video with screen sharing and a shared whiteboard. You can follow a full course or book sessions on the topics you find hardest before exams. See also Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Python for Data Science and our Biotechnology subject page.
Bioinformatics for beginners: who this course is for, prerequisites and study plan
Bioinformatics for beginners starts with how DNA and protein sequences are compared, then builds to alignment scoring, BLAST and phylogenetic trees, and this course teaches each step with a 1-to-1 tutor.
This bioinformatics course suits biology, biotechnology and computer science students taking a bioinformatics or computational biology module, and researchers who need to understand the algorithms behind the tools they use.
Prerequisites: basic biology and genetics, basic programming and basic statistics.
Course length: 36 one-hour lessons across 6 modules.
| Stage | Modules | What you can do afterwards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sequence comparison and alignment | Score global and local alignments and read BLAST output |
| 2 | Suffix trees | Use suffix trees for fast pattern matching in sequences |
| 3 | Phylogenetic trees | Build trees with UPGMA and neighbour joining |
| 4 | Gene networks, sequencing by hybridisation, RNA structure prediction | Explain network analysis, sequence assembly and RNA folding |
Where it leads: many students strengthen their coding with our Python for Data Science course and their statistics with Master Statistics.
Bioinformatics Course: frequently asked questions
What is bioinformatics?
Using computing, maths and statistics to analyse biological data such as DNA and protein sequences.
Do I need biology or programming for bioinformatics?
Both help. Tutors fill gaps in either the biology or the algorithms.
What is the difference between global and local alignment?
Global aligns whole sequences; local finds the best-matching regions.
What is BLAST?
A fast heuristic tool for searching sequence databases for similar sequences.
What is a suffix tree?
A compressed tree of all suffixes of a string, enabling fast substring search.
What is UPGMA?
A distance-based clustering method for building phylogenetic trees.
Can you help with bioinformatics coding assignments?
Tutors explain algorithms and review your code; the work you submit must be your own.
Can you help me prepare for my bioinformatics exam?
Yes. Tutors practise alignment, tree and algorithm questions.
How much does a Bioinformatics tutor cost?
The price depends on the tutor and session length. You see the hourly rate before booking, with no subscription.
Can a tutor do my assignment for me?
No. Tutors explain, guide and give feedback so you can complete your own work, in line with our academic integrity policy.
What is sequence alignment?
Arranging sequences to identify regions of similarity.
What is percent identity?
The percentage of aligned positions with identical residues.
What is a substitution matrix?
A table of scores for replacing one residue with another, such as BLOSUM62.
What is FASTA format?
A text format for sequences, starting with a > header line.
Is bioinformatics hard?
Bioinformatics can feel hard because it combines biology, statistics and programming, and most students arrive strong in only one of them. Sequence alignment scoring, phylogenetic tree methods and coding in Python or R usually need the most practice. Your tutor fills the gap in your background first, then works through exam-style problems.
Which tools are used in bioinformatics courses?
Most courses use BLAST for sequence searching, alignment tools such as Clustal Omega, databases such as NCBI GenBank and UniProt, and programming in Python or R, often with Biopython or Bioconductor. Your tutor helps you understand what each tool does, read its output correctly and explain your results clearly in reports.
Do you offer lessons in my time zone?
Yes. Lessons are online, so you can book times that suit your time zone.
Is NEET necessary for bioinformatics?
No. NEET is the entrance test for medical courses such as MBBS, and most bioinformatics degrees in India do not require it. Admission usually depends on Class 12 marks in science and a university or national entrance test, such as CUET for many undergraduate programmes. Always check the admission rules of each university.
Is bioinformatics in high demand?
Bioinformatics skills are increasingly used in genomics, drug discovery, healthcare and agricultural research, because biological data keeps growing. Demand is strongest for people who combine biology with programming and statistics, especially Python or R. Your tutor helps you build the algorithm and coding foundations that employers and research groups look for.
Can my tutor set practice between lessons?
Yes. Tutors can set questions and go through them in the next session.
Can a beginner learn bioinformatics?
Yes. A beginner can learn bioinformatics by starting with basic molecular biology, then simple sequence comparison, and adding Python or R step by step. You do not need to be an expert in both biology and programming before you start. Your tutor fills whichever side of your background is weaker first.
Keep learning
Related courses
Student reviews
What students say about Bioinformatics Course
Used FLN Tutors? Be one of the first to share how it went, in writing or in a short video.
Money-Back Guarantee
Full refund if we miss the agreed deadline, can't find a suitable expert, or major errors can't be fixed by revision.
Learn more →100% Confidential
Your identity, order details and institution are never shared with any third party.
Learn more →Deadline-Backed Delivery
Every order has an agreed deadline. If we don't deliver by it, you can claim a full refund.
Learn more →Get started today
Ready to get expert help?
Tell us what you need and get matched with a tutor who teaches your subject. Delivered on time, every time.