ABG-30306 Genomics

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Basic knowledge molecular biology and genetics, such as given in the courses BIC-10306 and MOB-20306

Contents:

The course discusses the structure and function of genomes of living organisms from all kingdoms. The topics that are treated cover: - molecular markers;
- linkage maps;
- fluorescent in situ hybridization;
- chromosome structure and topology;
- whole genome sequence analysis;
- whole genome comparison;
- genome synteny and evolution;
- expression analysis by micro-array techniques;
- proteomics;
- functional genome analysis by random and targeted mutagenesis.

Learning outcomes:

After this course the students will have the knowledge, understanding and skills to:
- find and retrieve genomic information using web based genome browsers and databases;
- understand the tools used for the development of genetic, physical and sequence maps of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes, the relations between these different maps and the specific application of the different maps in genome mapping;
- use comparative mapping tools, and in particular understand the concept of genome synteny and orthologous and parologous relationships between genes;
- use methods to identify genes and ascribe potential functions to their products and understand the concept of gene ontology;
After this course the students will also:
- realize the incompleteness of the available genomic data in databases and that the data is being generated and updated almost on a daily basis;
- have a broad view on how genomic information provides a wealth of information on the organization, functioning and evolution of microbes, plants and animals;
- understand the methods to map monogenic and complex genetic traits in the fields of medicine, optimisation of nutrition, animal breeding and plant breeding.

Examination:

Students must hand in the output from exercises performed during the practical. The course is completed with a written examination. Results from the exercises and the written exam both count for the final mark (20:80).

Literature:

"A primer of Genome Science" (2nd edition) by Greg Gibson and Spencer Muse Sinauer Associates, inc. Publishers ISBN: 0-87893-232-1 will be used as the basic reference text book in the course. The contents of the computer exercises are available via Blackboard and as an accompanying printed manual. Additional material on Blackboard consists of links to relevant websites, to the Powerpoint presentations of the lectures and to further background information in review papers (PDF files). Copied prints of the supplementary information will be handed out. A printed study manual is available that summarises the aims and objectives of the course and the characteristics of each chapter.