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 Practical Biological Chemistry and MOB-20306 Gene Technology.

Contents:

Note: This course has a maximum number of participants. The deadline for registration is one week earlier than usual. See 2014/2015 Academic Year (www.wageningenur.nl/en/Education-Programmes/Current-Students/Agenda-Calendar-Academic-Year.htm) -> Registration for Courses 2014-2015.

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 successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- find and retrieve genomic information using web based genome browsers and databases;
- recall and use the tools used for the development of genetic, physical and sequence maps of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes;
- recall the relations between these different maps and the specific application of the different maps in genome mapping;
- use comparative mapping tools, and in particular be able to explain 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 apply the concept of gene ontology;
- recognize the incompleteness of the available genomic data in databases and that the data is being generated and updated almost on a daily basis;
- use genomic information to deduce information on the organization, functioning and evolution of microbes, plants and animals;
- assess the methods and the results for mapping monogenic and complex genetic traits in the fields of medicine, nutrition, animal breeding and plant breeding.

Examination:

The examination is based on a written test (examination) with open questions and the active participation during contact hours (exercises during the practical). Results from the exercises and the written test both count for the final mark (20:80).

Literature:

The contents of the computer exercises are available via Blackboard. 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).