• The ideal text for anyone encountering bioinformatics for the first time.
• Strikes a careful balance between biology and computer science: introduces those aspects of computer science which underpin the subject without demanding detailed prior knowledge.
• Packed with learning features, including exercises, problems, and WebLems, to promote student engagement with the subject, and self-directed learning.
• Retains the eloquent style and clarity of explanation for which the author is renowned, making the subject truly accessible to a wide range of students.
• Online Resource Centre includes figures from the book available to download, to facilitate lecture preparation, and a variety of interactive resources, including web links, 3D structures, and data sets, to support and encourage hands-on learning by the student.

New to this edition

• New chapter on biological organisation in space and time, mirroring recent advances in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics.
• New chapter on scientific publications and archives, providing a state of the art inventory of how to source scientific literature.
• Expanded coverage of structural bioinformatics, reflecting recent breakthroughs in the subject area.
• Enhanced Online Resource Centre, with new guided tours of key websites, and lab assignments to support the in-depth exploration of concepts and themes covered in the book.

Readership: Second and final year bioscience undergraduates, and those beginning an MSc in this field.

Arthur Lesk, The Pennsylvania State University, USA.

Review(s) from previous edition

"I have a very favourable opinion of this book. It covers the basics of all aspects of bioinformatics at a level that is very compatible with how I teach. The amount of material presented is appropriate for a one semester class. The problems are excellent: well thought out and plentiful. - Dr Mitrick A. Johns, Northern Illinois University, USA

"I like Lesk's conceptual style. It is close to how I teach...it provides a little bit of web sites, a little bit of algorithms, a little bit of theory, and much casual exposure to a range of bioinformatics topics. It is easy to use as a text. " - Dr Lorraine Marsh, Long Island University, USA

"This is a very good introductory textbook in bioinformatics. It is well-structured and nicely laid out. There are numerous examples and problems attached to each chapter, including the novel Weblems." - Dr Karen Page, University College London, UK

"Overall the book is well laid out. There is a good mixture between information text and case studies. There is a good selection of recommended reading and problems at the end of each chapter. I like the learning goals at the beginning of each chapter and the plan of the book before chapter 1." - Dr Dawn Louise Arnold, University of the West of England, UK

1: Introduction
2: Genome organization and evolution
3: Scientific publications and archives: media, content and access
4: Archives and information retrieval
5: Alignments and phylogenetic trees
6: Structural bioinformatics and drug discovery
7: Proteomics and systems biology