Molecular Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Computer Science for Pharmaceutical Applications

General goals Introduction to basic algorithm design and analysis, iterative and recursive algorithms, and the computation of their computational efficiency, with particular reference to the algorithms used in the pharmaceutical applications and in life sciences. Specific goals 1. Knowledge and understanding At the end of the course, the student knows: - fundamental algorithm design techniques, - techniques to analyze the correctness and the efficiency of an algorithm. 2. Applying knowledge and understanding At the end of the course, the student is able to: - analyze the complexity of a problem using rigorous mathematical tools, - analyze existing algorithms and data structures, - design and analyze new algorithms and data structures for real-life-problems. 3. Making judgments The student, at the end of the course, should be able to autonomously choose which algorithmic technique is best suited for a given problem and to evaluate among several algorithmic solutions for a certain problem which one should prefer. 4. Communication skills The student will acquire the ability to express algorithmic ideas in a simple way, also through the use of pseudo-code. 5. Learning skills The student will acquire the ability to use algorithmic tools and to understand the impact of these tools when studying computer applications for pharmaceutical sciences.