Entry requirements

At least 180 credits (e.g. three years of full-time studies) in biology, (bio-)medicine, biotechnology, pharmaceutical bioscience, medical science or similar international education giving relevant knowledge in cell biology, genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology. English proficiency, normally attested by means of an internationally recognised test such as TOEFL or IELTS.

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide an in-depth knowledge of genomics, epigenomics and comparative genomics, the current research and methods as well as its importance in human disease.

After completing the course, the student should be able to

- describe the structure and function of the human genome, epigenome and transcriptome

- describe genetic, epigenetic and associated biochemical defects in important human diseases

- theoretically formulate and process scientific questions and laboratory techniques

- account for and evaluate current theories, methods and techniques within the research field and also practically apply some of them

- compile, critically analyse and evaluate research results and present these both orally and in writing

Content

The course will provide an insight into the applications, strategies and implications of genomic and epigenomic analysis of the human genome, its impact on human diseases and translation into clinical tools. Current opinions and research findings, as well as methods and technologies, will be conveyed and discussed throughout the course. Applications of bioinformatics and computational data analysis will be illustrated.

Genomic structure and variation will be covered as well as population genetics, discussing the HapMap and 1000 genomes projects. The identification of genetic causes and their associations to human diseases will be treated together with genetic epidemiology. The human transcriptome, its regulation, biogenesis and function will be treated. Comparative genomics will illustrate the genetic evolution of man and the use of animal or other model organisms in understanding human diseases.

Epigenomics comprise an in-depth account of the epigenetic mechanisms affecting chromatin structures such as modification of histones and DNA, non-coding RNAs and nuclear structure and their importance in different fundamental biological processes, as shown e.g. in the ENCODE project. Translational genomics will be illustrated by pharmacogenomics/epigenomics, its application in drug therapies of different disease and its impact on public health and personalised medicine.

Instruction

The teaching is given in the form of lectures, seminars, literature assignments, problem-orientated and web-based exercises, presentations related to current research fields as well as theoretical, computational and practical laboratory sessions. Participation in all the above-mentioned activities is compulsory

Assessment

Modules: Theory 6 credits; Laboratory sessions 3 credits; Literature assignments 3 credits; Seminars 3 credits

The module laboratory sessions require completed laboratory practicals. The module literature assignments are presented in written form. The theoretical module and seminars require active participation. One written examination is given at the end of the course. To pass the requirements of the curriculum, all assigned tasks must be completed.