Frequently Asked Questions

• How much programming experience do I need to take this course?
  
  All programming assignments will be done in Python and R, which are high-level scripting languages. These languages do not require memory management skills (such as required in C) and come with large libraries of available functions for programming use. If you know how to program in Java, C or C++, the technical side of the programming assignments should not be difficult for you. If you have not had much formal training in programming, but have a knack for it, you will be able to get help in the weekly programming lab and from the TA during office hours. However, you will probably have to make a considerable effort to complete the programming assignments satisfactorily. The assignments will be graded with respect to correctness (correct output), efficiency, comprehensibility and style. Quantitative importance of these elements will be presented on the first day of class.
  
  
• How much biology do I need to take this course?
  
  You should know the fundamentals of biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics. Undergraduate coursework in these topics is sufficient.
  
  
• How will the course be graded?
  
  Each student will accumulate points during the semester, based on grading of the problem sets, programming assignments, a written final project report and oral final project presentation. A total of 500 points is possible. On the first day of class, the cutoff thresholds for a letter grade of 'A', 'B', and 'C' will be presented. Thresholds will be set at higher cutoffs for graduate students than for undergraduates. Students who do not have sufficient points to receive a 'C' will fail the course. Grading will not be done on a curve, but will be entirely on the basis of each student's point total at the end of the semester.
  
  
• How much time outside of class per week is required to succeed in this course?
  
  The answer depends on how much background experience you have and how fast you work. We estimate that you will have to spend 3 hours outside of class for each hour of class time. This is a 4-credit course.
  
  
• What do I do if I have a disability and need special accommodations?
  
  Contact the Student Disability Services Office (385 Garland (410) 516-4720, studentdisabilityservices@jhu.edu) to obtain an accommodation letter. Meet with Dr. Karchin as early as possible in the semester to make arrangements for your approved accommodations as specified in the letter.
  
  
• How do I subscribe the class mailing list?
  
  Send an email to sympa@lists.johnshopkins.edu with the following in the body:
  
  subscribe fcbb2 youremailaddress
  
  A subject line is unnecessary.