SBIF10170U Mammalian Genomics

Volume 2013/2014
Education
MSc Programme in Natural Sciences and IT
MSc Programme in Animal Science
Content

The course is an advanced course in theoretical and practical genomics with focus on mammals. The course will provide information that will allow the student to gain knowledge on methods and technologies currently used to dissect, describe and characterise complex genomes. Aspects of both research and application within the field of genomics will be addressed.

The following topics will be covered in the theoretical part of the course:
1) Genome projects, Model organisms & Comparative genomics
2) Organization and content of the mammalian genome
3) Human genetic variability
4) Genetic mapping of mendelian characters
5) Mapping genes conferring susceptibility to complex diseases
6) Gene expression
7) Stydying gene function in the Post-genome Era / Next generation sequencing
8) Molecular pathology/Cancer/Pharmacogenetics
9) Genetic testing
10) Genetic manipulation of cells and animals. Gene therapy
11) MicroRNAs

The case work will focus on the gene that forms the basis for the practical part of the course.

The practical part of the course will contain:
1) DNA sequence analysis (PC-lab)
2) DNA forensics /paternity testing (lecture/lab work)
3) RNA isolation /qPCR (lab work)

More information will be given at the beginning of the course.
Learning Outcome
After completion of the course the student is expected to have:

Knowledge
- describe the architecture and components of an average mammalian genome
- understand the possibilities of analysing and characterizing mammalian genomes, and to understand qualitative and quantitative genetics with focus on mammalian disease genetics
- describe the technologies and methods involved in genome projects and the objectives of the different genome projects
- understand how comparative genomics can be used in the characterisation of genomes and how comparative genomics can be used to transfer genomic information from one species to another
- understand the regulation of gene expression on different levels and how to study it
- understand how mutations can cause inherited defects and predisposition to disease such as cancer and the possibilities and relevance of genetic testing, and know how genomes are annotated.

Skills
- Use of basic and advanced methods in molecular genetics.
- Perform DNA sequence analysis, simple sequence assembly and annotation and detect sequence variation by using the UCSC browser.
- Perform PCR
- Perform quantitative PCR and analyse expression profiles of genes in different tissues

Competences
Evaluation of strategies to dissect the genetics underlying inherited traits in mammals. Evaluate the practical use of genetic testing.
Literature
Human Molecular Genetics. 4th Edition. Tom Strachan, Andrew P. Read. 2011. 781 pages.
Articles for the journal club (available at Absalon)
Articles for the common sessions (available at Absalon)
Other teaching material (available at Absalon)
Basic Genetics
Basic Cell Biology
Basic Molecular Biology
SBIF10184U Molekylær genetik
Lectures, case work, theoretical and practical exercices, group presentations and group discussions, computer exercises and virtual lab-case
Use of clickers in different lectures
20 % of the lectures are together with Plant Genomics.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 0,5
  • Lectures
  • 30
  • Practical exercises
  • 30
  • Preparation
  • 80,5
  • Project work
  • 50
  • Theory exercises
  • 15
  • Total
  • 206,0
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Oral examination, 20 minutes
The 20 min. oral examination, is based on the practical laboratory work and on
the textbook.
The oral exam is divided into 5 min. on a practical related subject and 15 min. on a text book related subject. Both subject are drawn at the beginning of the examination, and there is no time for preparation.
The student should show adequate knowledge and understanding of both practical and text book related subjects in order to pass the exam.

Weight: Oral examination 100 %.
Exam registration requirements
An approved written report is prerequisite for access to oral examination.
Aid
Only certain aids allowed

The students can bring their own notes.

Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
two internal examiner
Re-exam
20 minutes oral examination
Criteria for exam assesment
To achieve the maximum grade of 12, the shall be able to:

Knowledge
- describe the architecture and components of an average mammalian genome
- understand the possibilities of analysing and characterizing mammalian genomes, and to understand qualitative and quantitative genetics with focus on mammalian disease genetics
- describe the technologies and methods involved in genome projects and the objectives of the different genome projects
- understand how comparative genomics can be used in the characterisation of genomes and how comparative genomics can be used to transfer genomic information from one species to another
- understand the regulation of gene expression on different levels and how to study it
- understand how mutations can cause inherited defects and predisposition to disease such as cancer and the possibilities and relevance of genetic testing, and know how genomes are annotated. 

Skills
- Knowledge on how to perfom basic and advanced methods in molecular genetics.
- Knowledge on how to perfom DNA sequence analysis, simple sequence assembly and annotation and detect sequence variation by using the UCSC browser.
- Knowledge on how to perfom PCR
- Knowledge on how to perfom quantitative PCR and analyse expression profiles of genes in different tissues

Competences
Evaluation of strategies to dissect the genetics underlying inherited traits in mammals. Evaluate the practical use of genetic testing.

In order to complete the course with the grade 12, the student should give an excellent performance during the exam displaying a high level of command of all aspects of the drawn practical and theoretical subjects. The student should show a exhaustive comprehension of all the matters/principles asked during the exam with no or only few minor mistakes/weaknesses, and he/she should be able to integrate knowledge from different subjects and areas when relevant.