Introduction to Research

Credits
6
Types
Elective
Requirements
This subject has not requirements , but it has got previous capacities
Department
ETSETB;FIB
The objective of this subject is to introduce students to research topics in Bioinformatics. The aim is for the student to become familiar with research by collaborating with bioinformatics research groups of the four Universities that contribute to the degree. The student will be tutored by lecturers of the Bachelor's Degree in Bioinformatics. In this process, the student will be able to adopt the guidelines specific to the research task, which may include studying and understanding the state of the art, the testing of hypotheses, data processing, the study of methodology, the writing of a scientific report and, in general, those activities that the tutor considers appropriate for to contribute to an initial training in research.

Teachers

Person in charge

Weekly hours

Theory
1
Problems
0
Laboratory
3
Guided learning
0
Autonomous learning
6

Competences

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

  • K7 - Analyze the sources of scientific information, valid and reliable, to justify the state of the art of a bioinformatics problem and to be able to address its resolution.

    • Skills

  • S5 - Disseminate information, ideas, problems and solutions from bioinformatics and computational biology to a general audience.
  • S6 - Identify and interpret relevant data, within the area of study, to make judgments that include social, scientific or ethical reflections.
  • S8 - Make decisions, and defend them with arguments, in the resolution of problems in the areas of biology, as well as, within the appropriate fields, health sciences, computer sciences and experimental sciences.
  • S10 - Use acquired knowledge and the skills of bioinformatics problem solving in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to bioinformatics and computational biology.

    • Competences

  • C1 - Apply knowledge in an integrated way in work or vocation in a professional manner and adopt behaviors in accordance with an ethical and responsible professional practice, taking into account the human and fundamental rights of people and respecting the principles of universal accessibility.
  • C2 - Identify the complexity of the economic and social phenomena typical of the welfare society and relate welfare to globalization, sustainability and climate change in order to use technique, technology, economy and sustainability in a balanced and compatible way.
  • C3 - Communicate orally and in writing with others in the English language about learning, thinking and decision making outcomes.
  • C4 - Work as a member of an interdisciplinary team, either as an additional member or performing managerial tasks, in order to contribute to the development of projects (including business or research) with pragmatism and a sense of responsibility and ethical principles, assuming commitments taking into account the available resources.
  • C5 - Unify the acquisition, structuring, analysis and visualization of data and information in the field of specialty, critically assessing the results of such management.
  • C6 - Detect deficiencies in the own knowledge and overcome them through critical reflection and the choice of the best action to expand this knowledge.
  • C8 - Work in the formulation, design and management of projects in the field of bioinformatics.

    • Objectives

    1. Knowledge and practice of the scientific method
      Related competences: K7, C1, C2, C4, C6,
    2. Knowledge and practice of research in bioinformatics
      Related competences: S6, S8, S10, C8, C5,
    3. Learn to reason and argue to discuss and validate research methods and results.
      Related competences: S5, C3,

    Contents

    1. Research Plan
      The research plan: objectives, state-of-the-art study, data selection, methodology selection, experimental design, validation criteria
    2. Research in bioinformatics
      Experimentation, data analysis, algorithm design, implementation of pipelines and algorithms, methodology design, validation, discussion with the tutor and review of hypotheses and methodology
    3. Research Report
      Research report describing the state of the art, data, methodology and results

    Activities

    Activity Evaluation act


    Elaboration of the research plan


    Objectives: 1 2
    Theory
    5h
    Problems
    0h
    Laboratory
    5h
    Guided learning
    0h
    Autonomous learning
    10h

    Research


    Objectives: 1 2
    Theory
    5h
    Problems
    0h
    Laboratory
    35h
    Guided learning
    0h
    Autonomous learning
    50h

    Preparation of documentation


    Objectives: 3
    Theory
    4h
    Problems
    0h
    Laboratory
    5h
    Guided learning
    0h
    Autonomous learning
    20h

    Presentation and defense of the research


    Objectives: 3
    Theory
    1h
    Problems
    0h
    Laboratory
    0h
    Guided learning
    0h
    Autonomous learning
    10h

    Teaching methodology

    The teaching methodology is eminently practical. It will be necessary to develop practical activities specific to research, organized in collaboration with the tutor. The tutor will guide the student in a process of understanding the research objectives, planning research tasks, preparation and evaluation of the state of the art, original research proposal, development of research tasks and validation of results.

    The list of project proposals for the subject can be found in the Racó. Students can also contact a professor or researcher directly to submit a project proposal.

    Evaluation methodology

    The student evaluation is organized by the tutor.

    The evaluation seeks to assess the quality of the work carried out by the student from the point of view of consistency and agreement with the research methods and the objectives and methodological particularities of the specific research carried out.

    For this reason, the student must (a) prepare a short report in the style of a scientific article or presentation at a scientific conference and (b) make a presentation/discussion to the tutor who will evaluate it.

    The report must have the following sections: summary ("abstract"), introduction, methodology, results, conclusion and discussion, in addition to a bibliography section. It is recommended to make the data and/or algorithms used in the development of the research available to the scientific community (using an accessible repository such as Gitlhub) and follow the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable).

    The head of studies will consider proposals for a "with honors" qualification and these will be given by taking into account the quality and impact of the work and in accordance with the maximum permitted by academic regulations.

    Bibliography

    Basic

    Previous capacities

    The student must have passed the compulsory subjects of 1st and 2nd year and have taken most of the subjects of 3rd year.