Introduction to Bioinformatics by Arthur Lesk is a timely and much-needed textbook which provides an accessible and thorough introduction to a subject which is becoming a fundamental part of biological science today. As a pioneer of the use of bioinformatics techniques in research, Dr Lesk brings unrivalled experience and expertise to the study of this field. The aim of the book is to generate an understanding of the biological background of bioinformatics, and to integrate this with an introduction to the use of computational skills. Without describing computer science or sophisticated programming skills in detail, the book supports and encourages the application of the many powerful computational tools of bioinformatics in a way that is both relevant to and stimulating for the reader. The book contains numerous problems and innovative Weblems (for Web-based Problems) to encourage students to engage with the subject and with the accompanying web site and to develop a working understanding and appreciation of the power of bioinformatics as a research tool. Web site (http://www.oup.co.uk/best.textbooks/biochemistry/bioinf/) www.oup.co.uk/best.textbooks/biochemi... Fully revised and updated, the fourth edition of Introduction to Bioinformatics shows how bioinformatics can be used as a powerful set of tools for retrieving and analyzing this biological data, and how bioinformatics can be applied to a wide range of disciplines such as molecular biology, medicine, biotechnology, forensic science, and anthropology. This new edition contains two new chapters, with significantly increased coverage of metabolic pathways, and gene expression and regulation. Written for students without a detailed prior knowledge of programming, this book is the perfect introduction to the field of bioinformatics, providing friendly guidance and advice on how to use various methods and techniques. Additionally, frequent examples, self-test questions, problems, and exercises are incorporated throughout the text to encourage self-directed learning. Lesk provides an accessible and thorough introduction to a subject which is becomming a fundamental part of biological science today. The text generates an understanding of the biological background of bioinformatics
