An Introduction to Bioinformatics Algorithms

by Neil C. Jones, Pavel A. Pevzner

An introductory text that emphasizes the underlying algorithmic ideas that are driving advances in bioinformatics. This introductory text offers a clear exposition of the algorithmic principles driving advances in bioinformatics. Accessible to students in both biology and computer science, it strikes a unique balance between rigorous mathematics and practical techniques, emphasizing the ideas underlying algorithms rather than offering a collection of apparently unrelated problems. The book introduces biological and algorithmic ideas together, linking issues in computer science to biology and thus capturing the interest of students in both subjects. It demonstrates that relatively few design techniques can be used to solve a large number of practical problems in biology, and presents this material intuitively. An Introduction to Bioinformatics Algorithms is one of the first books on bioinformatics that can be used by students at an undergraduate level. It includes a dual table of contents, organized by algorithmic idea and biological idea; discussions of biologically relevant problems, including a detailed problem formulation and one or more solutions for each; and brief biographical sketches of leading figures in the field. These interesting vignettes offer students a glimpse of the inspirations and motivations for real work in bioinformatics, making the concepts presented in the text more concrete and the techniques more approachable. PowerPoint presentations, practical bioinformatics problems, sample code, diagrams, demonstrations, and other materials can be found at the Author's website.

Genres: Science, Computer Science, Textbooks, Biology, Programming, Academic, Reference

456 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2004

Reviews

[Lautaro Lobo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Pseudocode was easy to translate to "real" code, the explanations were clear and concise, the images, graphics, and narrative made it easy to read and follow along. More examples could have been helpful. The biographies at the end of the chapters were really inspiring, giving a broader look into the field, and the human touch.

The only thing is that the latter, more complex chapters were explained just like the first chapters, with brief explanations, so they went over my head. And the pseudocode of these more complex algorithms was harder to translate to "real" code.

I'll probably re-read it after I study more graph algorithms. It's a great book that serves as an introduction to the field.

[Dgg32 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not completely understand everything. But this book still is my very first entry into the field.

[Shalini Raakendra · Rating 2 out of 5]

It probably is a good book for basics, but didn’t help me much because it doesn’t really introduce concepts to someone that doesn’t already know them. Maybe it would be a good reference for someone with a previous background in the field. There’s a lot of assumption in the way the algorithms are presented. The authors assume that whoever is reading knows what they are talking about. It sounded like Greek and Latin to me in the beginning. I had to use a few other books to understand these. Not something I’d recommend for a beginner.

[Eidam289 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely the most user friendly approach to bioinformatics that I have ever seen. Nice explanations, nice images and clear concept of book.
The book is really is only introduction, but I think that this is the best book for everyone, who crossed paths with bioinformatics and does not entirely know, what he get himself into.

[Kenny Daily]

A pretty good introduction to bioinformatics and algorithms in general, if you're scared of math.

[amir · Rating 5 out of 5]

very intresting and conceptual

[Cara · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting read but not enough math