N.B. This course will not be taught in 2009-10, but in 2010-2011. The description below is indicative for the course contents but may be updated by May/June 2010.
Objectives/ aim
The student will acquire:
an overall understanding into the processes that lead to genome stability
an overview of the current state of genome instability research and the consequences for disease and cancer
a profound knowledge of a specific genetic subject, to be selected by the students
the ability to convey this knowledge and discrepancies in views to the other students
Content
Period: March 30- Apr 24
Content of the course:
Our genome is under constant surveillance to guarantee its stability. Key players in these processes are protein complexes involved in DNA replication, DNA repair and chromosome segregation as well as regulators of the cell cycle and of cell death. Genetic defects in these systems may lead to disease, to an increase in mutations, to chromosomal instability and ultimately to cancer. In this course you experience the fascinating new discoveries in this broad field.
Programme:
Week 1 and 2: acquire essential basic knowledge through introductory lectures given by experts in the field and through self-study assignments and workgroups. You will study and discuss key reviews, read and present recent literature and get demonstrations of available techniques.
Week 3 and 4: study a specific defect in genetic stability or a particular syndrome. By critical reading students will review in a written report and oral presentation the present state of the art and discuss missing and conflicting data. Students write a short proposal for an experiment and defend this proposal for a panel of researchers.
This course will particularly work on:
Research competences:
Defining a research question, writing a research proposal, choosing appropriate techniques.
Professional competences:
Collaborating with peers, digesting of other people’s opinions, reflecting on personal actions
Form of tuition
Plenary sessions, self study assignments, work groups; active participation in symposium.
Mode of assesment
Written report of a literature study; research proposal; student behaviour (motivation, independency, oral reporting, participation in discussion); oral presentation).
Entry requirements/recommended prior knowledge
Successful completion of BM321 (How To Write A Research Proposal) is strongly recommended.
The course will be given at second year Master level. An introductory review on DNA repair and Mutagenesis describes basic starting-level knowledge of the field, and can be obtained from the coordinator.