Capstone Project: Advanced AI for Drug Discovery (Coursera)

Offered by LearnQuest,
Capstone Project: Advanced AI for Drug Discovery (Coursera)

In this capstone project course, we'll compare genome sequences of COVID-19 mutations to identify potential areas a drug therapy can look to target. The first step in drug discovery involves identifying target subsequences of theirs genome to target. We'll start by comparing the genomes of virus mutations to look for similarities. Then, we'll perform PCA to cut down our number of dimensions and identify the most common features.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

Next, we'll use K-means clustering in Python to find the optimal number of groups and trace the lineage of the virus. Finally, we'll predict similarity between the sequences and use this to pick a target subsequence. Throughout the course, each section will consist of a programming assignment coupled with a guide video and helpful hints. By the end, you'll be well on your way to discovering ways to combat disease with genome sequencing.

What You Will Learn

  • Analyzing genome sequences to find similarities and identify target subsequences using predctive models.

Course 4 of 4 in the AI for Scientific Research Specialization

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Comparing Genome Sequences
In this module, we'll start to get familiar with our dataset by performing some basic EDA and comparing genome sequences. By analyzing the mutations of the COVID-19 virus, we'll be able to identify some common properties of the genome that our drug should look to target.
Principal Component Analysis on Genome Sequences
In this module, we'll continue to work with out genome sequence data - using PCA to identify groups and delicate the most important features. After reducing the number of dimensions in the dataset, we'll be able to use K-means to form clusters and visualize the different areas in 2-D space.

WEEK 2
Feature Analysis using K-Means Clustering
In this module, we'll cluster the genome sequences using the K-means algorithm. We'll optimize the number of clusters by comparing silhouette scores across a wide variety of inputs to identify the greatest drop-off. Finally, we'll set ourselves up to using prediction pipelines to predict bit scores and drug therapies in the last module.

WEEK 3
Predicting Bit Score to Find Sequence Matches
In this module, we'll test a variety of regressors to see which one performs best in predicting bit scores for each genome sequence. Then, we'll use our chosen model to find the genome equines that are most closely related and trace out a possible subsequence to target with a combative drug.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Machine Learning Rapid Prototyping with IBM Watson Studio (Coursera) Coursera
IBM

Machine Learning Rapid Prototyping with IBM Watson Studio (Coursera)

An emerging trend in AI is the availability of technologies in which automation is used to select a best-fit model, perform feature engineering and improve model performance via hyperparameter optimization. This automation will provide rapid-prototyping of models and allow the Data Scientist to focus their efforts on applying domain knowledge to fine-tune models. This course will take the learner through the creation of an end-to-end automated pipeline built by Watson Studio’s AutoAI experiment tool, explaining the underlying technology at work as developed by IBM Research.

Oct 12th 2026
4 Weeks
Gen AI for Code Generation for Python (Coursera) Coursera
Edureka

Gen AI for Code Generation for Python (Coursera)

Welcome to the 'Gen AI for Code Generation for Python' course, where you'll embark on a journey to explore and develop your skills in the art of code generation with Generative AI. Throughout this short course, you will delve into various techniques for generating Python code effortlessly, ranging from simple scripts to complete end-to-end projects.

Oct 12th 2026
1 Week
Statistical Learning (Coursera) Coursera
Illinois Tech

Statistical Learning (Coursera)

This course offers a deep dive into the world of statistical analysis, equipping learners with cutting-edge techniques to understand and interpret data effectively. We explore a range of methodologies, from regression and classification to advanced approaches like kernel methods and support vector machines, all designed to enhance your data analysis skills.

Oct 12th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Prompt Engineering for Web Developers (Coursera) Coursera
Scrimba

Prompt Engineering for Web Developers (Coursera)

Not quite getting the results you want from ChatGPT? Wondering how you can use AI language models to your advantage? Then this course is for you! If you’ve spent any amount of time with AI language models like ChatGPT and Google Bard, you may have noticed the results can sometimes be, well, frustrating. When it comes to leveraging AI language models, your output is often only as good as your input. In other words, it’s all about learning how best to communicate your desired results. Effective prompt engineering is the secret sauce for getting the most out of AI.

Oct 12th 2026
3 Weeks
Deep Learning Applications for Computer Vision (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado Boulder

Deep Learning Applications for Computer Vision (Coursera)

This course can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Data Science (MS-DS) degree offered on the Coursera platform. The MS-DS is an interdisciplinary degree that brings together faculty from CU Boulder’s departments of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Science, and others. With performance-based admissions and no application process, the MS-DS is ideal for individuals with a broad range of undergraduate education and/or professional experience in computer science, information science, mathematics, and statistics.

Oct 12th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Automated Report Generation with Generative AI (Coursera) Coursera
Coursera Instructor Network

Automated Report Generation with Generative AI (Coursera)

In today's data-driven world, generating reports efficiently is a valuable skill for professionals across various industries. This course introduces beginners to the world of automated report generation using AI-powered tools and techniques. You will learn how to leverage the capabilities of artificial intelligence to streamline the reporting process, save time, and improve data accuracy.

Oct 12th 2026
1 Week
Matrix Methods (Coursera) Coursera
University of Minnesota

Matrix Methods (Coursera)

Mathematical Matrix Methods lie at the root of most methods of machine learning and data analysis of tabular data. Learn the basics of Matrix Methods, including matrix-matrix multiplication, solving linear equations, orthogonality, and best least squares approximation. Discover the Singular Value Decomposition that plays a fundamental role in dimensionality reduction, Principal Component Analysis, and noise reduction.

Oct 12th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Introduction to Image Generation (Coursera) Coursera
Google Cloud

Introduction to Image Generation (Coursera)

This course introduces diffusion models, a family of machine learning models that recently showed promise in the image generation space. Diffusion models draw inspiration from physics, specifically thermodynamics. Within the last few years, diffusion models became popular in both research and industry. Diffusion models underpin many state-of-the-art image generation models and tools on Google Cloud. This course introduces you to the theory behind diffusion models and how to train and deploy them on Vertex AI.

Oct 12th 2026
3 Weeks
Fundamentals of Machine Learning in Finance (Coursera) Coursera
New York University Tandon School of Engineering

Fundamentals of Machine Learning in Finance (Coursera)

The course aims at helping students to be able to solve practical ML-amenable problems that they may encounter in real life that include: (1) understanding where the problem one faces lands on a general landscape of available ML methods, (2) understanding which particular ML approach(es) would be most appropriate for resolving the problem, and (3) ability to successfully implement a solution, and assess its performance.

Oct 12th 2026
4 Weeks
Probabilistic Graphical Models 2: Inference (Coursera) Coursera
Stanford University

Probabilistic Graphical Models 2: Inference (Coursera)

Probabilistic graphical models (PGMs) are a rich framework for encoding probability distributions over complex domains: joint (multivariate) distributions over large numbers of random variables that interact with each other. These representations sit at the intersection of statistics and computer science, relying on concepts from probability theory, graph algorithms, machine learning, and more.

Oct 12th 2026
5-12 Weeks