PBR-34303 Genomics and Bioinformatics (DL)

Course

Credits 3.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Basic knowledge of Molecular Biology and Genetics.

Contents:

Note: This course has a maximum number of participants. The deadline for registration is one week earlier than usual. See Academic Year.(http://www.wageningenur.nl/en/Education-Programmes/Current-Students/Agenda-Calendar-Academic-Year.htm) -> Registration for Courses.
Note: The period mentioned below is the period in which this course starts. For the exact academic weeks see the courseplanning on www.wur.eu/schedule.

Genomics is a new area of research that relates to holistic study of the genome a the gene, transcript, protein and metabolite levels. Due to the large amounts of data involved in this study computer tools are extensively used. During the course we will present basic concepts genomics and introduce students to the problems of dealing with and understanding these large datasets. We will discuss the basic architecture of the genome and the implications for genome evolution. We will also deal with the structural and functional aspects of genomics from gene through to metabolites. The course will help the students to analyse and understand the links and relationships between genes and their various products. The course will comprise information packages in the form of knowledge clips and these will be combined with a large number of exercises where the knowledge provided will be applied to practical bioinformatics problems.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- understand the organisation of plant genomes and how these evolved;
- be able to explain the connections between gene, transcript, protein and metabolite;
- have a basic understanding of the technologies that generate the various genomics data sets;
- be able to analyse genomics data and retrieve biologically significant information from it;
- gain an insight into the dependence and interactions between the different functional genomics levels;
- have the ability to integrate information from genes to pathways to networks at an organism level;
- understand and debate the potential role of genomics in a wider societal and cultural setting.

Activities:

- read and understand the set texts and literature provided in the course;
- watch and study the knowledge clips and other learning material;
- follow the computer tutorials;
- carry out the exercises and report the results;
- participate in on-line debates and discussions;
- carry out and submit assignments.

Examination:

Written assignment report and oral presentation (latter by peer-group evaluation).

Literature:

Information will be primarily provided in the DL course material. Other information sources will be actively retrieved from the providers of internet tools that will be used throughout the course.