Omics

Code:

Q/BIOQ3002

Acronym:

Q/BIOQ3002

Instance: 2025/2026 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Applied Chemistry Laboratory
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Bioinformatics

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:BIOINF	24	Official Study Plan	3	-	6	48	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

The main objectives of this curricular unit are to deepen knowledge and develop comprehensive skills in the use of advanced analytical techniques/technologies, especially those capable of generating comprehensive information, and in the use of chemometric tools to extract maximum relevant information from laboratory data. It also aims to explore questions within the field of omics, encompassing genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. Emphasis will be placed on instrumental multiparametric analysis techniques, which provide laboratory support in various fields.

Learning outcomes and competences

Main Learning Outcomes: Students will develop the ability to:

1) connect omics knowledge with other areas of knowledge covered in the Bachelor's Degree in Bioinformatics.

2) apply bioinformatics and biochemical concepts to determine the composition of the genome, proteome, and metabolome and to solve practical problems.

3) present reasoning and solutions in a scientifically accurate manner.

 

Within the scope of transversal skills, this course aims to contribute to the development of the following:

Cognitive Skills: analytical, critical, reflective, and creative thinking;

Methodological Skills: time management, problem-solving skills, and planning skills;

Social Skills: interpersonal communication and collaborative work.

Working method

Presencial

Program

1. Introduction to analytical methods. Basic concepts and algorithms for experimental planning in comprehensive analysis. Sampling and sample preparation.


2. Structural and functional genomics: from gene to genome. Technologies for DNA sequencing and gene expression. Techniques for massively parallel sequencing. Microarray analysis and polymorphism detection. Genome editing and interference with expression. Optical DNA mapping.


3. Structural and functional proteomics: proteome, biomarker, and drug discovery. Separative techniques for peptide analysis and bioinformatics tools for predicting the primary, secondary, and 3-D structure of proteins, physicochemical properties, functional aspects, and antigenicity.


4. Analytical technologies for metabolomics. Data analysis in metabolomics: chemometric and bioinformatics tools for studying metabolomes.

Laboratory component:

- Experimental design.

- Sample preparation for metabolomic analysis.

- Targeted metabolite analysis by LC-MS/MS.

- Analysis of chromatograms and mass spectra obtained by non-targeted LC-HRMS.

- Case studies related to metabolomic analysis.

Mandatory literature

Joaquim Jaumot, Carmen Bedia, Romà Tauler; Comprehensive Analytical Chemistry Handbook Volume 82: Data Analysis for Omic Sciences: Methods and Applications, Elsevier B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2018. ISBN: 978-0-444-64044-4 / 0166-526X
Daniel C. Harris, Charles A. Lucy; Quantitative Chemical Analysis, Macmillan Learning, Austin, TX, USA, 2020. ISBN: 9781319274016

Complementary Bibliography

James N. Miller, Jane C. Miller and Robert D. Miller; Statistics and Chemometrics for Analytical Chemistry, Editora Pearson Education, London, UK, 2018. ISBN: 9781292186740

Comments from the literature

Scientific articles provided to support theoretical and theoretical-practical subjects will also be relevant bibliographic elements, in addition to the materials indicated by teachers present on the ChromAcademy platform (https://www.chromacademy.com/).

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical/theoretical-practical classes: 2 hours/week taught with the support of available audiovisual aids and using active learning dynamics (brainstorming, learning games).

Practical/laboratory classes: 2 hours/week dedicated to problem-solving and experimental work related to the material taught in the theoretical/practical classes. The work will be carried out in groups, and the experimental results obtained will be recorded in each class.

keywords

Physical sciences > Chemistry > Instrumental analysis
Physical sciences > Chemistry

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	70,00
Trabalho laboratorial	10,00
Trabalho prático ou de projeto	20,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	110,00
Frequência das aulas	52,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Do not exceed the maximum number of absences from classes (1/4 of the number of scheduled classes).

Calculation formula of final grade

Final grade = 0.70 x exam grade + 0.10 x laboratory work + 0.20 x practical class work

Examinations or Special Assignments

At the exam appeal period, the student will take a global exam.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Working students or those with special status are assessed by a written comprehensive exam.