Admission requirements
BSc degree containing molecular biology, molecular genetics and biochemistry
Description
How is genetic information organized in genomes ? How are genes organized in various organisms ? What fraction of their genomes consists of genes ? What entity do we call 'a gene' to begin with ? How does horizontal gene transfer work ? Why do salamanders have much more DNA per cell than we have ? How does the genome of related species differ ? How is the DNA of different individuals different ? Can we make predictions on behaviour, health and personalized medicine on the basis of DNA ?
With the advance of innovative genome sequencing and analysis technologies, those questions and more about DNA, molecular genetics and evolution can, in principle, be answered. Starting from the 'basics' (introns, exons, gene families, recombination, QTLs, sequencing, bioinformatics) we address those types of questions, discuss various examples and ask what all those new insights mean in terms of variation, evolution, development, maintainance and health of species.
In individual desk assignments you will get acquainted with modern bioinformatics and genomics analysis while solving several conceptual genomic questions and puzzles, both at a basic and at a more advanced level.
In a small-group project you will analyze, compare and apply genomic information in the context of the biology, behaviour and ecology of various different organisms. This analysis will result in a short written report and will be presented by the group via a poster during a mini-symposium with which we finalize the course.
Course objectives
After completion of this course, students are able to:
Explain and apply knowledge (theory of genetics, gene transfer, inheritance) and insight (examples of gene function, speciation) in the field of genomics
Explain and apply the basics of genetic regulatory mechanisms
Explain, value and discuss state of the art methodology (next generation sequencing, metagenomics analysis) used in genomics
Apply basic bioinformatics to analyze, compare and organize genomic information for groups of organisms
Analyze and evaluate genomic information for answering scientific questions about evolution, development, variation and health of different species.
Timetable
In MyTimetable, you can find all course and programme schedules, allowing you to create your personal timetable. Activities for which you have enrolled via MyStudyMap will automatically appear in your timetable.
Additionally, you can easily link MyTimetable to a calendar app on your phone, and schedule changes will be automatically updated in your calendar. You can also choose to receive email notifications about schedule changes. You can enable notifications in Settings after logging in.
Questions? Watch the video, read the instructions, or contact the ISSC helpdesk.
Note: Joint Degree students from Leiden/Delft need to combine information from both the Leiden and Delft MyTimetables to see a complete schedule. This video explains how to do it.
Mode of instruction
The course will start with an introductory lecture where all enrolled students can evaluate themselves whether they have previously acquired all basic knowledge required at the start of this course. If not, students are encouraged to strengthen their basic knowledge via selfstudy of several specified chapters of ‘Biology; a Global Approach” (Campbell).
The full course will consist of interactive lectures, with reference to specified chapters of “Introduction to Genomics” (Lesk, 2017, 3rd Edition), individual bioinformatics desk assignments and genome analysis and a hands-on Genomic Architecture analysis and evaluation project performed in small groups (last course week), finalized with a concise written report and a group presentation during a minisymposium.
Assessment method
Formative assessment of individual assignments, digital final exam consisting of multiple choice and open questions (graded), and assessment of written group report and poster presentation (peer-review and graded).
Reading list
Advised to buy as specific support literature for studentsthis course:
- Lesk AM (2017) Introduction to genomics. Oxford UP, third3rd edition
Registration
As a student, you are responsible for enrolling on time through MyStudyMap.
In this short video, you can see step-by-step how to enrol for courses in MyStudyMap.
Extensive information about the operation of MyStudyMap can be found here.
There are two enrolment periods per year:
Enrolment for the fall opens in July
Enrolment for the spring opens in December
See this page for more information about deadlines and enrolling for courses and exams.
Note:
It is mandatory to enrol for all activities of a course that you are going to follow.
Your enrolment is only complete when you submit your course planning in the ‘Ready for enrolment’ tab by clicking ‘Send’.
Not being enrolled for an exam/resit means that you are not allowed to participate in the exam/resit.
Exchange and Study Abroad students, please see the Prospective students website for more information on how to apply.
Contact
Coordinator: Prof. dr. J.H. de Winde
Email: j.h.de.winde@science.leidenuniv.nl
Remarks
Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.