About the Book Fundamental Concepts of Bioinformatics is the first textbook co-authored by a biologist and computer scientist that is specifically designed to make bioinformatics accessible to undergraduates and prepare them for more advanced work. Students learn what programs are available for analyzing data, how to understand the basic algorithms that underlie these programs, what bioinformatic research is like, and other basic concepts. Information flows easily from one topic to the next, with enough detail to support the major concepts without overwhelming students. Problems at the end of each chapter use real data to help students apply what they have learned so they know how to critically evaluate results from both a statistical and biological point of view. Features First bioinformatics primer for undergraduates. Personable writing style and numerous analogies make this text accessible to undergraduates. Focus on fundamentally important algorithms at the core of bioinformatics. Easy-to-do ????????????????paper and pencil??????????????? calculations make fundamental algorithms unintimidating for biology students and accessible to students with limited experience in computer programming. Combined expertise (biology and computer science) of author team ensures an integrated approach and an appreciation for the biology and computer science tools and perspectives. End-of-Chapter summaries tie together key concepts and provide real-world examples of the algorithms presented. Detailed solutions to selected text questions are provided in the back of the text so students can check their answers. Annotated Reading Material sections at the end of each chapter direct students to additional resources for further explanation. Questions and problems at the end of each chapter help students apply their understanding of the material. Contents MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY. DATA SEARCHES AND PAIRWISE ALIGNMENTS. SUBSTITUTION PATTERNS. DISTANCE-BASED METHODS OF PHYLOGENETICS. CHARACTER-BASED APPROACHES TO PHYLOGENETICS. GENOMICS AND GENE RECOGNITION. PROTEIN FOLDING. PROTEOMICS.