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Bioinformatics for Beginners: RNA-Seq

Course Description

This training series introduces bioinformatics concepts through a practical bulk RNA-Seq analysis workflow. Across three modules, participants build core skills in Unix and Biowulf navigation, file transfer and job submission, bulk RNA-Seq quality control and alignment, and differential expression and pathway analysis using iDEP. The course is designed for beginners and emphasizes hands-on analysis skills that can be applied to a wide range of bioinformatics projects.

Module 1: Unix and Biowulf

Learn the basic skills to work on the NIH HPC Biowulf, including login, basic Unix commands, working with files, and running various types of jobs.

Module 2: Bulk RNA-Seq Analysis

Learn bulk RNA-Seq experimental methods and data analysis, including quality metrics, genome alignment, and gene expression estimation.

Module 3: Differential Expression and Pathway Analysis

Learn the foundational concepts underlying differential expression and functional enrichment analysis while gaining hands-on experience using iDEP to perform these analyses.

Course requirements:

Who can take this course?

There are no prerequisites to take this course. This course is open to NIH researchers interested in learning bioinformatics skills, especially those relevant to analyzing bulk RNA sequencing data.

How will we work through lesson content?

For the hands-on sessions, participants will use NIH HPC Student Accounts. This requires access to the NIH VPN. Student accounts are only available to course registrants.