Entry requirements

120 credits inclusive Genomics – experimental methods and Methods in bioinformatics, or equivalent.

Learning outcomes

The course intends to give the students a deeper understanding of the contents and architecture of genome in different organism groups and how factors such as environment and reproduction can influence the evolution of the genome.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to

• describe the basic mechanisms that contribute to the variation in the genome and how these influence the architecture of the genome, contents and basis composition
• explain differences in architecture, contents and size between genome
• account for how comparative genomics can be used to study and draw conclusions about organisms' biology and evolution
• discuss social, ethical and scientific aspects of synthetic genomics
• discuss, summarise and present scientific theories in questions that lie within the scope of the course

Content

Basic mechanisms that produce variation in the genome and patterns that these generate in the genome; recombination, mutations, duplication, horizontal gene transfer and mutation skewness. Factors that influence the size of the genome, content and function such as environment, reproductive systems and population size. Basic concepts within comparing genomics. Synthetic genome. Current research fields within genomics, for example evolution of sex and gonadal hormones, origins and emergence of eukaryotic cells and its organelles, metagenomics and single-cell genomics.

Instruction

The teaching is given in the form of lectures, seminars, computer exercises and group assignments.

Assessment

Written examination (3 credits), computer exercises (2 credits).