Computing for Biologists Python Programming and Principles [Paperback]

This book teaches life science students how to use Python programming and computational problem-solving in the context of compelling biological applications.Specifically designed for life science students with no prior computing experience, this textbook teaches computational problem-solving along with Python programming skills. The chapters cover three key tools  gene finding, sequence alignment and phylogenetic methods. An accompanying website features numerous integrated exercises, equipping students with the skills to write programs independently.Specifically designed for life science students with no prior computing experience, this textbook teaches computational problem-solving along with Python programming skills. The chapters cover three key tools  gene finding, sequence alignment and phylogenetic methods. An accompanying website features numerous integrated exercises, equipping students with the skills to write programs independently.Computing is revolutionizing the practice of biology. This book, which assumes no prior computing experience, provides students with the tools to write their own Python programs and to understand fundamental concepts in computational biology and bioinformatics. Each major part of the book begins with a compelling biological question, followed by the algorithmic ideas and programming tools necessary to explore it: the origins of pathogenicity are examined using gene finding, the evolutionary history of sex determination systems is studied using sequence alignment, and the origin of modern humans is addressed using phylogenetic methods. In addition to providing general programming skills, this book explores the design of efficient algorithms, simulation, NP-hardness, and the maximum likelihood method, among other key concepts and methods. Easy-to-read and designed to equip students with the skills to write programs for solving a range of biological problems, the book is accompanied by numerous programming exercises, available alÃØ