GENE30040
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Academic Year 2025/2026
Introduction to Programming for Biologists (GENE30040)
Subject: : Genetics
College: : Science
School: : Biomolecular & Biomed Science
Level: : 3 (Degree)
Credits: : 5
Module Coordinator: : Assoc Professor Peadar Ó Gaora
Trimester: : Spring
Mode of Delivery: : On Campus
Internship Module: : No
How will I be graded? : Letter grades
Curricular information is subject to change.
This module will introduce fundamental topics in computer programming to students with no prior programming experience. It is designed for biology students with an interest in computational data analysis/bioinformatics. The course will introduce the concept of variables, types and basic data structures. Program structure including flow control, conditional execution and file input/output will be covered. Example problems based on biological data will be used. The course will consist of lectures, tutorials and practical programming sessions. There will be a strong emphasis on the practical elements of writing code.
About this Module
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What will I learn?
Learning Outcomes:
How to write programs to solve some basic biological questions including interrogating and manipulating biological data. How to interact with the operating system and run code. Gain an understanding of why computer programming is important in biology.
How will I learn?
Student Effort Hours:
| Student Effort Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 12 |
| Tutorial | 12 |
| Computer Aided Lab | 24 |
| Autonomous Student Learning | 70 |
| --- | --- |
| Total | 118 |
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Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures; hands-on coding practice in task-based practicals; tutorials
Am I eligible to take this module?
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:\
Students must be enrolled in a biology programme.
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Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Additional Information:\ Must be enrolled in a biology programme\ \ \ \
How will I be assessed?
Assessment Strategy
| Description | Timing | Component Scale | Must Pass Component | % of Final Grade | In Module Component Repeat Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment(Including Essay): Programming task | Week 4, Week 5, Week 6 | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 15 | No |
| Assignment(Including Essay): Programming task | Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10 | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 30 | No |
| Assignment(Including Essay): Programming task | Week 11, Week 12 | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 15 | No |
| Exam (In-person): In-class test taken in the final week of the teaching term. | Week 12 | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 40 | No |
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Carry forward of passed components
Yes
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What happens if I fail?
| Resit In | Terminal Exam |
|---|---|
| Summer | No |
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. \
Assessment feedback
Feedback Strategy/Strategies
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment\
How will my Feedback be Delivered?
Notes on assignments will be provided. Students can map relevant issues to their submissions.
Associated Staff
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Dr Manuel Bruch | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
| Pauric Donnelly | Tutor |
| Ms Billie Pang | Tutor |
When is this module offered?
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
| Spring | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 | Mon 17:00 - 17:50 |
| Spring | Practical | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32 | Tues 16:00 - 17:50 |
| Spring | Practical | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 33 | Tues 16:00 - 18:50 |
| Spring | Tutorial | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 | Wed 12:00 - 12:50 |
| Spring | Tutorial | Offering 2 | Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 33 | Wed 13:00 - 13:50 |
| Spring | Tutorial | Offering 2 | Week(s) - 30, 31, 32 | Wed 13:00 - 13:50 |