SAS Programming in Bioinformatics, FHNW School of Life Sciences

You will learn how to apply essential programming skills in bioinformatics using Python, Git, Unix-based systems and Google Colab notebooks. You will gain hands-on experience in coding, scripting and computational problem solving to support bioinformatics workflows and data analysis.

After completing the SAS, you will be able to:

• Apply Python programming skills to solve bioinformatics and data analysis tasks.
• Use Git for version control and collaborative workflow management in computational projects.
• Work confidently in Unix-based environments for coding, scripting and data processing.
• Develop and execute interactive scripts and analyses using Colab notebooks.

This SAS is for you if you work in life sciences, healthcare or research and want to build practical skills in bioinformatics. It is particularly relevant if you:

• Work with or plan to work with next-generation and nanopore sequencing data
• Work in biotech, pharma or a related industry where sequencing analysis is becoming essential

You should have a basic understanding of molecular biology, some hands-on experience with a programming language such as Python, and strong motivation to strengthen your computational skills.

This SAS is the first of three modules within the CAS Applied Bioinformatics: Next- and 3rd Generation Sequencing Data Analysis. It is offered online over four days. You will acquire fundamental programming skills essential for modern bioinformatics. The focus is on Python programming, version control using Git and working in Unix-based operating systems. You will also gain experience in using tools such as Jupyter or Google Colab for interactive coding and scripting.

• Essential programming skills for bioinformatics
• Python programming in Colab
• Version control with Git

This module builds the solid foundation required for the bioinformatics approaches covered later in the programme. At the end of the module, a multiple-choice questionnaire (pass/fail) is available, if you would like to receive ECTS credits. The module can be allocated to the CAS Applied Bioinformatics: Next- and 3rd Generation Sequencing Data Analysis within three years. If you have successfully completed all SAS of this CAS programme and wish to receive the Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS), please contact us for the final written assignment.

• Prof. Dr. Abdullah Kahraman, Programme Manager
• Jakob Steuer

The following programme admission requirements apply:

• Tertiary A: Higher education qualification (at least a Bachelor’s degree) and at least 2 years’ practical experience relevant to the programme,
• Tertiary B: Colleges of Higher Education Diploma (HF), Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education (HFP) or Federal Diploma Higher Education (BP), and at least 5 years’ practical experience relevant to the programme,
• Individuals without a Tertiary A or B qualification may be admitted if they cumulatively meet the following admission criteria:
• at least 10 years’ professional experience in a field relevant to the programme, of which at least 5 years in a managerial or senior specialist role
• additional qualifications (various non-formal, extensive further training courses or partial completion (>50%) of a tertiary qualification)
• evidence of knowledge of academic work or a willingness to acquire this in advance.

As the instruction and educational materials are in English, proficiency in English (minimum level C1) is a prerequisite.

A personal notebook/laptop is required for the programme.