Enquiry for Science Major/Minor/Programme Requirements
BIOC3605 Sequence bioinformatics (6 credits) Academic Year 2026
Offering Department Biomedical Sciences Quota 80
Course Co-ordinator Prof Y H Huang, Biomedical Sciences < yuanhua@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Dr GYP Poon,Biomedical Sciences)
(Dr R Hsu,Biomedical Sciences)
(Prof H Lu,Dept of Obstet & Gynaecol, SClinMed)
(Prof T Rito,Biomedical Sciences)
(Prof Y H Huang,Biomedical Sciences)
Course Objectives This course will examine existing bioinformatics tools for genomic sequence analysis and sequence design. Python programming skills will be introduced, as a basis for learning and performing analyses of next-generation sequencing data, transcriptomics, genomic variants, phylogenetic inference, and sequence design. Students will learn these analytical skills with both computational theory and hands-on practice.
Course Contents & Topics This course will introduce and discuss the following five topics:

1) Sequence processing with Python programming;
2) Sequence as counting in next-generation sequencing for RNA-seq analysis;
3) Sequence as marker for genomic variant detection and interpretation in sequence context;
4) Sequence as marker for phylogenetic inference;
5) Sequence design with generative AI modelling.
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 parse sequence data with Python programming
CLO 2 carry out basic analysis of next-generation sequencing data
CLO 3 apply the techniques of sequence analysis in genetic variants and related contexts
CLO 4 perform and interpret phylogenetic tree construction
CLO 5 understand the principles and be able to use existing tools for sequence design
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in BIOC2600 or BIOL2220 or BBMS2003 or BBMS2007 or MEDE2301 or BMED2301
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2026 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2026 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
Course to PLO Mapping 2026 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,5 >
2025 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,5 >
2024 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,5 >
2023 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,5 >
2022 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,5 >
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y        2nd sem    Examination May     
Offer in 2027 - 2028 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Demonstrates thorough and complete mastery at an advanced level of extensive knowledge and skills required for attaining all the course learning outcomes; strong critical thinking; excellent ability to apply bioinformatics skills in a range of context.
B Demonstrates substantial command of a broad range of knowledge and skills required for attaining at least most of the course learning outcomes; evidence of critical thinking; good ability to apply bioinformatics skills in a range of context.
C Demonstrates general but incomplete command of knowledge and skills required for attaining most of the course learning outcome; some critical thinking; adequate ability to apply bioinformatics skills in a range of context.
D Demonstrates partial but limited command of knowledge and skills required for attaining some of the course learning outcomes; limited critical thinking; limited ability to apply bioinformatics skills in a range of context.
Fail Demonstrates little or no evidence of command of knowledge and skills required for attaining the course learning outcomes; lack of critical thinking; little or no ability to apply bioinformatics skills in a range of context.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Lecture-based course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Lectures 36.0
Reading / Self study 108.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Assignments 40.0 1,2,5
Examination 50.0 1,3,4,5
Test Quiz 10.0 1,2,3,4,5
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 Higgs, P.G. & Attwood, T.K., 2005. Bioinformatics and molecular evolution, Malden, MA ; Oxford: Blackwell.
Mount, D.W., 2004. Bioinformatics : sequence and genome analysis 2nd ed., Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.
Course Website NIL
Additional Course Information NIL


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