COMP 242 - DNA

An amazing blend of biology, chemistry, computing and mathematics emerges when considering the molecule “deoxyribonucleic acid” (DNA). DNA is the blueprint of life for all organisms on Earth and throughout evolutionary time. This course explores DNA from the following four points of view: molecular biology, applied mathematics, evolutionary biology and computer science. Students will analyze DNA sequences by learning to write computer programs (software) in the language Python. Learning to write programs is a pure, distilled form of problem solving, a vital skill for many careers and graduate studies. Historical and ethical aspects of DNA are discussed.

Prerequisites
One course in Biology or one course in Computer Science or one course in Mathematics or Permission of Instructor

Credits 4

Notes
Cross-listed with BIO 242

Area
Math and Computer Science

Connection
20015

Foundation
Quantitative Analysis

Compass Attributes
Quantitative Analysis