Guiding readers from the elucidation and analysis of a genomic sequence to the prediction of a protein structure and the identification of the molecular function, Introduction to Bioinformatics describes the rationale and limitations of the bioinformatics methods and tools that can help solve biological problems. Requiring only a limited mathematical and statistical background, the book shows how to efficiently apply these approaches to biological data and evaluate the resulting information.

The author, an expert bioinformatics researcher, first addresses the ways of storing and retrieving the enormous amount of biological data produced every day and the methods of decrypting the information encoded by a genome. She then covers the tools that can detect and exploit the evolutionary and functional relationships among biological elements. Subsequent chapters illustrate how to predict the three-dimensional structure of a protein. The book concludes with a discussion of the future of bioinformatics.

Even though the future will undoubtedly offer new tools for tackling problems, most of the fundamental aspects of bioinformatics will not change. This resource provides the essential information to understand bioinformatics methods, ultimately facilitating in the solution of biological problems.

 Intuitive and easy-to-follow format makes it simple to study a whole topic, or to find answers to specific problems
 Regular consolidation such as in-text questions and exam preparation checks understanding and reinforces learning
 Practical activities and experiments help to build and refine students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills while strengthening teamwork and organisation abilities

 Did You Know? boxes scatted throughout the course to encourage further research beyond the classroom
 A Dedicated School-Based Assessment section gives step-by-step tips to maximise success in coursework

 New information that better reflects recent discoveries and developments in science