生物信息学是计算机科学、遗传学、基因组学、蛋白质组学和统计学的综合领域，在过去几十年里，它无疑给生物学和医学研究带来了革命性的变化。它主要通过利用先进的计算方法来协助建模、预测和解释大型多维生物数据。尽管生物信息学具有巨大的潜力，但它并没有被广泛地纳入学术课程，因为大多数生命科学的学生和研究人员仍然没有掌握利用这一强大工具的必要知识。因此，我们这本书的主要目的是通过为开始从事生命科学的学生和研究人员提供一个容易获得的平台来补充这一未满足的需求。本书旨在避免复杂的计算算法和编程。相反，它主要侧重于用个人电脑对生物数据进行简单的DIY分析和解释。我们相信，一旦初学者掌握了这些基本技能，他们将能够处理大多数生物信息学工具的研究工作，并更好地理解他们的实验结果。

与其他大多是理论性的生物信息学书籍不同，本书为读者提供了关于解决生物问题的最先进的开源工具的实际例子。实验流程图、图形说明和模拟数据都包括在内，以便快速参考。因此，第一卷是希望掌握这一蓬勃发展领域的学生和早期专业人士的理想伴侣。

Bioinformatics is an integrative field of computer science, genetics, genomics, proteomics, and statistics, which has undoubtedly revolutionized the study of biology and medicine in past decades. It mainly assists in modeling, predicting and interpreting large multidimensional biological data by utilizing advanced computational methods. Despite its enormous potential, bioinformatics is not widely integrated into the academic curriculum as most life science students and researchers are still not equipped with the necessary knowledge to take advantage of this powerful tool. Hence, the primary purpose of our book is to supplement this unmet need by providing an easily accessible platform for students and researchers starting their career in life sciences. This book aims to avoid sophisticated computational algorithms and programming. Instead, it mostly focuses on simple DIY analysis and interpretation of biological data with personal computers. Our belief is that once the beginners acquire these basic skillsets, they will be able to handle most of the bioinformatics tools for their research work and to better understand their experimental outcomes.

Unlike other bioinformatics books which are mostly theoretical, this book provides practical examples for the readers on state-of-the-art open source tools to solve biological problems. Flow charts of experiments, graphical illustrations, and mock data are included for quick reference. Volume I is therefore an ideal companion for students and early stage professionals wishing to master this blooming field.