Introduction to Genomics and Next-Generation Sequencing

Genomics is transforming medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology, but understanding the massive datasets it generates requires a solid grasp of both biology and technology. This text-based course bridges that gap by introducing you to the core concepts of molecular biology and the cutting-edge tools used to sequence genomes. You will transition from having a basic curiosity about DNA to understanding how next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies read genetic code, measure RNA expression, and map epigenetic marks. You will also learn how data science and computational workflows turn raw biological data into meaningful scientific insights. What you'll learn: - Understand the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology, including how DNA, RNA, and proteins interact. - Explore the mechanics of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and how genomic data is generated. - Learn how sequencing technologies measure gene expression (RNA-seq) and epigenetic patterns. - Discover the fundamental computing and data science concepts used to store and process genomic files. - Understand modern workflow standards and cloud-based platforms used to scale genomic analysis today. The course begins with essential biological definitions and molecular concepts before exploring sequencing technologies, data formats, and modern computational pipelines. Through clear text explanations and conceptual exercises, you will build a strong foundation in genomic data science. This course is designed for absolute beginners with no prior background in molecular biology or programming, making it the perfect starting point for aspiring bioinformaticians, data scientists, and healthcare professionals. Start reading today and take your first step into the revolutionary world of genomic science.