Bioinformatics course timetable
June 2018
Tue 12 |
Open Targets: Integrating genetics and genomics for disease biology and translational medicine
Finished
Open Targets is a public-private partnership to use human genetics, genomic data and drug information for systematic identification and prioritisation of therapeutic targets. The consortium was founded in 2014 by GSK, EMBL-EBI and the Wellcome Sanger Institute, and later welcomed three new partners, Biogen, Takeda, and Celgene. Underpinning this partnership is the Open Targets Platform, an open source, user-friendly web interface to investigate causal links between genes, pathways and diseases. These links are computed, scored and ranked using biological evidence integrated from many public data sources, including the NHGRI-EBI GWAS Catalog, Genomics England, PheWAS, ClinVar, Expression Atlas, UniProt, and ChEMBL to name a few. In addition to data integration, Open Targets also generates new data using human cellular models (e.g. organoids, iPSCs) and genome editing (CRISPR/Cas9) to identify drug targets in oncology, immunology and neurodegenerative diseases. This will be publicly available in the public domain and integrated into the Open Targets Platform. 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. |
Wed 13 |
This course provides a practical guide to producing figures for use in reports and publications. It is a wide ranging course which looks at how to design figures to clearly and fairly represent your data, the practical aspects of graph creation, the allowable manipulation of bitmap images and compositing and editing of final figures. The course will use a number of different open source software packages and is illustrated with a number of example figures adapted from common analysis tools. Further information and access to the course materials is here. 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. |
Thu 14 |
R is a highly-regarded, free, software environment for statistical analysis, with many useful features that promote and facilitate reproducible research. In this course, we give an introduction to the R environment and explain how it can be used to import, manipulate and analyse tabular data. After the course you should feel confident to start exploring your own dataset using the materials and references provided. The course website providing links to the course materials is here. Please note that although we will demonstrate how to perform statistical analysis in R, we will not cover the theory of statistical analysis in this course. Those seeking an in-depth explanation of how to perform and interpret statistical tests are advised to see the list of Related courses. Moreover, those with some programming experience in other languages (e.g. Python, Perl) might wish to attend the follow-on Data Analysis and Visualisation in R course. This event is supported by the BBSRC Strategic Training Awards for Research Skills (STARS) grant (BB/P022766/1). 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. |
Fri 15 |
R is a highly-regarded, free, software environment for statistical analysis, with many useful features that promote and facilitate reproducible research. In this course, we give an introduction to the R environment and explain how it can be used to import, manipulate and analyse tabular data. After the course you should feel confident to start exploring your own dataset using the materials and references provided. The course website providing links to the course materials is here. Please note that although we will demonstrate how to perform statistical analysis in R, we will not cover the theory of statistical analysis in this course. Those seeking an in-depth explanation of how to perform and interpret statistical tests are advised to see the list of Related courses. Moreover, those with some programming experience in other languages (e.g. Python, Perl) might wish to attend the follow-on Data Analysis and Visualisation in R course. This event is supported by the BBSRC Strategic Training Awards for Research Skills (STARS) grant (BB/P022766/1). 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. |
Mon 18 |
The aim of this course is to familiarize the participants with the primary analysis of RNA-seq data. This course starts with a brief introduction to RNA-seq and discusses quality control issues. Next, we will present the alignment step, quantification of expression and differential expression analysis. For downstream analysis we will focus on tools available through the Bioconductor project for manipulating and analysing bulk RNA-seq. 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. |
Tue 19 |
The aim of this course is to familiarize the participants with the primary analysis of RNA-seq data. This course starts with a brief introduction to RNA-seq and discusses quality control issues. Next, we will present the alignment step, quantification of expression and differential expression analysis. For downstream analysis we will focus on tools available through the Bioconductor project for manipulating and analysing bulk RNA-seq. 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. |
Wed 20 |
The aim of this course is to familiarize the participants with the primary analysis of RNA-seq data. This course starts with a brief introduction to RNA-seq and discusses quality control issues. Next, we will present the alignment step, quantification of expression and differential expression analysis. For downstream analysis we will focus on tools available through the Bioconductor project for manipulating and analysing bulk RNA-seq. 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. |
Thu 21 |
Statistics for Biologists in R
Finished
This course is intended to provide a strong foundation in practical statistics and data analysis using the R software environment. The underlying philosophy of the course is to treat statistics as a practical skill rather than as a theoretical subject and as such the course focuses on methods for addressing real-life issues in the biological sciences using the R software package. In this course we explore classical statistical analysis techniques starting with simple hypothesis testing and building up to generalised linear model analysis. The focus of the course is on practical implementation of these techniques and developing robust statistical analysis skills rather than on the underlying statistical theory. After the course you should feel confident to be able to select and implement common statistical techniques using R and moreover know when, and when not, to apply these techniques. This event is supported by the BBSRC Strategic Training Awards for Research Skills (STARS) grant (BB/P022766/1). 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. |
Fri 22 |
Statistics for Biologists in R
Finished
This course is intended to provide a strong foundation in practical statistics and data analysis using the R software environment. The underlying philosophy of the course is to treat statistics as a practical skill rather than as a theoretical subject and as such the course focuses on methods for addressing real-life issues in the biological sciences using the R software package. In this course we explore classical statistical analysis techniques starting with simple hypothesis testing and building up to generalised linear model analysis. The focus of the course is on practical implementation of these techniques and developing robust statistical analysis skills rather than on the underlying statistical theory. After the course you should feel confident to be able to select and implement common statistical techniques using R and moreover know when, and when not, to apply these techniques. This event is supported by the BBSRC Strategic Training Awards for Research Skills (STARS) grant (BB/P022766/1). 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. |
Mon 25 |
This course aims to give you an introduction to the basics of Matlab. During the two day course we will use a practical based approach to give you the confidence to start using Matlab in your own work. In particular we will show you how to write your own scripts and functions and how to use pre-written functions. We will also explore the many ways in which help is available to Matlab users. In addition we will cover basic computer programming in Matlab to enable you to write more efficient scripts. Please note that if you are not eligible for a University of Cambridge Raven account you will need to Book or register Interest by linking here. |
Tue 26 |
This course aims to give you an introduction to the basics of Matlab. During the two day course we will use a practical based approach to give you the confidence to start using Matlab in your own work. In particular we will show you how to write your own scripts and functions and how to use pre-written functions. We will also explore the many ways in which help is available to Matlab users. In addition we will cover basic computer programming in Matlab to enable you to write more efficient scripts. Please note that if you are not eligible for a University of Cambridge Raven account you will need to Book or register Interest by linking here. |
Wed 27 |
This course will cover all aspects of the analysis of DNA methylation using sequencing, including primary analysis, mapping and quality control of BS-Seq data, common pitfalls and complications. It will also include exploratory analysis of methylation, looking at different methods of quantitation, and a variety of ways of looking more widely at the distribution of methylation over the genome. Finally the course will look at statistical methods to predict differential methylation. The course will be comprised of a mixture of theoretical lectures and practicals covering a range of different software packages. Please note that if you are not eligible for a University of Cambridge Raven account you will need to book by linking here. |
Thu 28 |
Data Carpentry in R
Finished
In many domains of research the rapid generation of large amounts of data is fundamentally changing how research is done. The deluge of data presents great opportunities, but also many challenges in managing, analyzing and sharing data. Data Carpentry workshops are designed to teach basic concepts, skills and tools for working more effectively with data, using a combination of tools with a main focus in R. The workshop is aimed at researchers in the life sciences at all career stages and is designed for learners with little to no prior knowledge of programming, shell scripting, or command line tools. This course is organized in collaboration with ElixirUK and the Software Sustainability Institute. Please note that if you are not eligible for a University of Cambridge Raven account you will need to book by linking here. |
Fri 29 |
Data Carpentry in R
Finished
In many domains of research the rapid generation of large amounts of data is fundamentally changing how research is done. The deluge of data presents great opportunities, but also many challenges in managing, analyzing and sharing data. Data Carpentry workshops are designed to teach basic concepts, skills and tools for working more effectively with data, using a combination of tools with a main focus in R. The workshop is aimed at researchers in the life sciences at all career stages and is designed for learners with little to no prior knowledge of programming, shell scripting, or command line tools. This course is organized in collaboration with ElixirUK and the Software Sustainability Institute. Please note that if you are not eligible for a University of Cambridge Raven account you will need to book by linking here. |
July 2018
Mon 2 |
The goal of metabolomics is to identify and quantify the complete biochemical composition of a biological sample. With the increase in genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic information there is a growing need to understand the metabolic phenotype that these genes and proteins ultimately control. The aim of this course is to provide an overview of metabolomics and its applications in life sciences, clinical and environmental settings. Over 2 days we will introduce different techniques used to extract metabolites and analyse samples to collect metabolomic data (such as HPLC or GC-based MS and NMR), present how to analyse such data, how to identify metabolites using online databases and how to map the metabolomic data to metabolic pathways. The course content will predominantly be based on analysing samples from model plant species such as Arabidopsis thaliana but the procedures are transferable to all other organisms, including clinical and environmental settings. Please note that if you are not eligible for a University of Cambridge Raven account you will need to book by linking here. |
CellProfiler is a free, open-source image analysis software designed to enable biologists without training in computer vision or programming to quantitatively measure phenotypes from thousands of images automatically. This course will introduce you the basic usage, and several application examples to help you understand and build up image processing and analysis workflows within CellProfiler. It will also cover a brief introduction to the usage of its companion package CellProfiler Analyst, which allows interactive exploration and analysis of image data. Some related theoretical topics in image processing will also be covered. This course is run by the CRUK CI Light microscopy core facility. Please note that if you are not eligible for a University of Cambridge Raven account you will need to Book or register Interest by linking here. |
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Tue 3 |
The goal of metabolomics is to identify and quantify the complete biochemical composition of a biological sample. With the increase in genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic information there is a growing need to understand the metabolic phenotype that these genes and proteins ultimately control. The aim of this course is to provide an overview of metabolomics and its applications in life sciences, clinical and environmental settings. Over 2 days we will introduce different techniques used to extract metabolites and analyse samples to collect metabolomic data (such as HPLC or GC-based MS and NMR), present how to analyse such data, how to identify metabolites using online databases and how to map the metabolomic data to metabolic pathways. The course content will predominantly be based on analysing samples from model plant species such as Arabidopsis thaliana but the procedures are transferable to all other organisms, including clinical and environmental settings. Please note that if you are not eligible for a University of Cambridge Raven account you will need to book by linking here. |
Wed 4 |
This course will cover concepts and strategies for working more effectively with Python with the aim of writing reusable code. In the morning session, we will briefly go over the basic syntax, data structures and control statements. This will be followed by an introduction to writing user-defined functions. We will finish the course by looking into how to incorporate existing python modules and packages into your programs as well as writing you own modules. Course materials can be found here. Note: this one-day course is the continuation of the Introduction to Solving Biological Problems with Python; participants are expected to have attended the introductory Python course and/or have acquired some working knowledge of Python. This course is also open to Python beginners who are already fluent in other programming languages as this will help them to quickly get started in Python. Please note that if you are not eligible for a University of Cambridge Raven account you will need to book by linking here. |
Fri 6 |
The course will teach intermediate R object-oriented programming and how to build a fully functional R package. Relevant teaching materials are available here and the sequences example package used as template in the course can be found here. 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. |
Mon 9 |
Image Analysis for Biologists
Finished
This course will focus on computational methods for analysing cellular images and extracting quantitative data from them. The aim of this course is to familiarise the participants with computational image analysis methodologies, and to provide hands-on training in running quantitative analysis pipelines. On day 1 we will introduce principles of image processing and analysis, giving an overview of commonly used algorithms through a series of talks and practicals based on Fiji, an extensible open source software package. On day 2, we will cover time series processing and cell tracking using TrackMate and advanced image segmentation using Ilastik. Additionally, in the afternoon we will run a study design and data clinic (sign up will be required) for participants that wish to discuss their experiments. On day 3, we will describe the open Icy platform developed at the Institut Pasteur. Icy is a next-generation, user-friendly software offering powerful acquisition, visualisation, annotation and analysis algorithms for 5D bioimaging data, together with unique automation/scripting capabilities (notably via its graphical programming interface) and tight integration with existing software (e.g. ImageJ, Matlab, Micro-Manager). 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. |
Tue 10 |
Image Analysis for Biologists
Finished
This course will focus on computational methods for analysing cellular images and extracting quantitative data from them. The aim of this course is to familiarise the participants with computational image analysis methodologies, and to provide hands-on training in running quantitative analysis pipelines. On day 1 we will introduce principles of image processing and analysis, giving an overview of commonly used algorithms through a series of talks and practicals based on Fiji, an extensible open source software package. On day 2, we will cover time series processing and cell tracking using TrackMate and advanced image segmentation using Ilastik. Additionally, in the afternoon we will run a study design and data clinic (sign up will be required) for participants that wish to discuss their experiments. On day 3, we will describe the open Icy platform developed at the Institut Pasteur. Icy is a next-generation, user-friendly software offering powerful acquisition, visualisation, annotation and analysis algorithms for 5D bioimaging data, together with unique automation/scripting capabilities (notably via its graphical programming interface) and tight integration with existing software (e.g. ImageJ, Matlab, Micro-Manager). 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. |
Wed 11 |
Image Analysis for Biologists
Finished
This course will focus on computational methods for analysing cellular images and extracting quantitative data from them. The aim of this course is to familiarise the participants with computational image analysis methodologies, and to provide hands-on training in running quantitative analysis pipelines. On day 1 we will introduce principles of image processing and analysis, giving an overview of commonly used algorithms through a series of talks and practicals based on Fiji, an extensible open source software package. On day 2, we will cover time series processing and cell tracking using TrackMate and advanced image segmentation using Ilastik. Additionally, in the afternoon we will run a study design and data clinic (sign up will be required) for participants that wish to discuss their experiments. On day 3, we will describe the open Icy platform developed at the Institut Pasteur. Icy is a next-generation, user-friendly software offering powerful acquisition, visualisation, annotation and analysis algorithms for 5D bioimaging data, together with unique automation/scripting capabilities (notably via its graphical programming interface) and tight integration with existing software (e.g. ImageJ, Matlab, Micro-Manager). 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. |
Thu 12 |
This course provides a practical introduction to the writing of Python programs for the complete novice. Participants are lead through the core aspects of Python illustrated by a series of example programs. Upon completion of the course, attentive participants will be able to write simple Python programs and customize more complex code to fit their needs. Course materials are available here. Please note that the content of this course has recently been updated. This course now mostly focuses on core concepts including Python syntax, data structures and reading/writing files. Functions and modules are now the focus of a new 1-day course, Working with Python: functions and modules. Please note that if you are not eligible for a University of Cambridge Raven account you will need to book by linking here. |
Fri 13 |
This course provides a practical introduction to the writing of Python programs for the complete novice. Participants are lead through the core aspects of Python illustrated by a series of example programs. Upon completion of the course, attentive participants will be able to write simple Python programs and customize more complex code to fit their needs. Course materials are available here. Please note that the content of this course has recently been updated. This course now mostly focuses on core concepts including Python syntax, data structures and reading/writing files. Functions and modules are now the focus of a new 1-day course, Working with Python: functions and modules. Please note that if you are not eligible for a University of Cambridge Raven account you will need to book by linking here. |
Mon 16 |
Variant Discovery with GATK4
Finished
This workshop will focus on the core steps involved in calling variants with the Broad’s Genome Analysis Toolkit, using the “Best Practices” developed by the GATK team. You will learn why each step is essential to the variant discovery process, what are the operations performed on the data at each step, and how to use the GATK tools to get the most accurate and reliable results out of your dataset. In the course of this workshop, we highlight key functionalities such as the germline GVCF workflow for joint variant discovery in cohorts, somatic variant discovery using MuTect2, and copy number variation discovery using GATK-CNV. All analyses are demonstrated using GATK version 4. Finally, we demonstrate the use of pipelining tools to assemble and execute GATK workflows. The workshop covers basic genomics, all currently supported Best Practices pipelines as well as pipelining with WDL/Cromwell/FireCloud. This includes the logic of the major pipelines, file formats and data transformations involved, and hands-on operation of the tools using goal-oriented exercises.
Please note that this workshop is focused on human data analysis. The majority of the materials presented does apply equally to non-human data, and we will address some questions regarding adaptations that are needed for analysis of non-human data, but we will not go into much detail on those points. Please note that if you are not eligible for a University of Cambridge Raven account you will need to Book or register Interest by linking here. |