> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://helyx.gitbook.io/geneexpression/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://helyx.gitbook.io/geneexpression/master.md).

# COVID-19 Bioinformatics: Introduction

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Updates

1. **2,500 users and counting.**
2. **Certificate now available on the Next Steps Page**
3. **Spanish and Mandarin translations coming**
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Ever wondered how exactly scientists "do science"?

Interested in COVID-19 and its effects on your body?

**If you said yes to any of the above, this course is for you!**

**In this course, you'll learn how to do bioinformatics analysis and do research on COVID-19 transcriptomics (gene expression) data. We'll be studying differences in gene expression between COVID-19 patients and healthy people to learn how COVID-19 affects the body.**

This course will prepare you to do your own original research. 

## About the instructor

Hi! I'm Andrew, a high school student passionate about science education. I saw the misinformation crisis stemming from COVID-19 and wanted to use my bioinformatics know-how to educate people for free. I created this course to accomplish that mission.

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Email me anytime: <andrew@helyxscience.org>
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## What will I learn?

You will learn how to find public gene expression datasets online and analyze them using the GEO2R software and numerous web-based bioinformatics tools and databases.

* Finding gene expression datasets
* Performing differential expression analysis
* Analyzing and interpreting results
* Using protein protein interaction network analyzer tools
* Drawing biologically relevant conclusions

## How long will this course take?

Depending on your skill with computers, it could take anywhere from one to three hours.

## Do I need to know how to code?

Nope! This course is designed so that zero programming is needed.

## What technical requirements are there?

You need a laptop or computer with access to the Internet. Additionally, you need either Excel, Google Sheets, or another table editing software. You can get Google Sheets for free with a Google Account.&#x20;

## What if I don't know any biology?

That's totally fine! The next page has a list of resources that you can use to learn everything you need to know for this course.

## Is there a certificate available?

Yes. On the Next Steps page, you can complete a end-of-course survey after which you will receive a certificate of completion.

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[Next Steps](/geneexpression/gene-expression-omnibus/next-steps.md)
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## Other

You can download these lessons in PDF form if you have limited Internet access.