This special topics course introduces participants to the fundamentals of bioinformatics and the computational analysis of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data. Bioinformatics integrates computational methods, statistical techniques, and biological sciences to analyze and interpret large-scale biological datasets. Advances in NGS technologies have transformed modern genomics and biomedical research by enabling rapid, high-throughput sequencing of genetic material.
The course provides both theoretical foundations and practical experience in bioinformatics workflows commonly used in genomics research. Through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on laboratory exercises, participants will learn the principles of NGS data processing, analysis, and interpretation using contemporary bioinformatics tools and computational methods.
Topics covered include sequencing technologies, biological data formats, quality control (QC) and preprocessing of sequencing data, sequence alignment and read mapping, variant discovery and variant calling workflows, functional annotation, and interpretation of genomic variants. Participants will also gain exposure to commonly used bioinformatics software, command-line tools, and computational workflows used in modern genomics pipelines.
Emphasis is placed on practical data analysis skills and reproducible computational workflows that can be applied to real-world biological and biomedical research projects. Participants will work with example datasets and develop the ability to perform foundational NGS analyses independently.
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the foundational principles of bioinformatics and genomics data analysis
- Explain the workflow of next-generation sequencing data processing
- Perform quality assessment and preprocessing of sequencing datasets
- Conduct sequence alignment and read mapping analyses
- Execute basic variant calling and annotation workflows
- Interpret genomic analysis results in biological research contexts
- Utilize bioinformatics software and command-line tools for NGS analysis
This course is intended for students, researchers, and professionals interested in genomics, computational biology, biomedical research, and data-driven life sciences applications.
Prerequisites: Participants should have a basic understanding of biology or genetics. Previous experience with programming or the UNIX/Linux command-line environment is beneficial but not required.
Date: 27th Jan 2026 – 3rd Mar 2026
Time: Tue Thur 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Instructor: Pavel Dobrynin, Ph.D
Teaching Assistant: Temitayo Okeowo (tkokeowo@cougarnet.uh.edu)
Location: Join Microsoft Teams
Attendance Requirement:
Good standing on Attendance grade (>50%) would be required to see new course materials and participate in research projects as the course proceeds. Also, for students interested in getting a badge or certificate for completing this course, an attendance grade of at least 12 hours of the class meeting sessions is required, to be qualified for passing the course and getting the badge.
Textbook: None Required
Lecture notes would be provided through the course website.
Evaluation (tentative): Attendance: 20%, Workshop performance: 30%, Research project: 50%
Fees: The course is FREE to the UH System community ( students, staff, and faculty)
UH Alumni and Non-UH Affiliates
Attendees who are not current UHS students, staff, or faculty will need to make a payment for the course prior to its commencement.
UH Alumni Registration Fee: $250.00. See refund policy
Non-UH Affiliate Registration Fee: $250.00. See refund policy
- Attendees who are not current UH students, staff, or faculty, will need to make a payment for the course prior to its commencement. https://store.mynsm.uh.edu/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=1365
For more information contact us at: contact@hpedsi.uh.edu
Non-UH affiliates and alumni registering for the HPE DSI classes MUST:
(1) complete the payment of the course fees ($250.00 per course) at least three(3) weeks before course commencement.
(2) inform HPE DSI of their interest in taking the course at least three(3) weeks before the course start date. This will allow adequate time for processing of your course access credentials before the first-class meeting.
If you need to cancel a course for any reason, e-mail us at contact@hpedsi.uh.edu
The following refund schedule applies:
More than three weeks before the start date: A cancellation fee of 10% of the total workshop cost applies.
Less than three weeks before the start date: 15% cancellation fee applies.
Less than one week before the start date: 25% cancellation fee applies.
48 hours or less before class start: No refund is available.
All deposits and payments made are non-transferable. The HPE DSI cannot provide refunds, transfer payments, or offer makeup sessions for classes a student might miss, for any reason. If the HPE DSI has to cancel a workshop, you will receive a full refund.
Copyright protection: The course materials and online lecture videos posted on Teams/Moodle are only meant to be used within this course and should not be distributed.
Students in need of counseling: Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) can help students who are having difficulties managing stress, adjusting to the demands of a professional program, or feeling sad and hopeless. You can reach CAPS (www.uh.edu/caps) by calling 713-743-5454 during and after business hours for routine appointments or if you or someone you know is in crisis. No appointment is necessary for the “Let's Talk” program, a drop-in consultation service at convenient locations and hours around campus. http://www.uh.edu/caps/outreach/lets_talk.htm