Prospectus

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Genomic Architecture

Course
2013-2014

Admission requirements

BSc degree

Contact

Coordinator: Dr. T.J. de Jong
Email: t.j.de.jong@biology.leidenuniv.nl

Description

How are we genetically different from Neanderthalers? How many genes do organisms have? What fraction of our genome consists of genes? Do prokaryotes shop for genes? 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? How well can one make predictions on health and personalized medicine from your DNA? With the advance of genome sequencing all these questions about DNA and evolution can, in principle, be answered. Starting from the basics (introns, extrons, gene families, recombination, QTLs) we address these questions and ask what these new insights mean for ideas about health and evolution of species.

Learning goals:

Course objectives:

  • update knowledge on basic genetic mechanisms

  • overview of field of genomics

  • learn to extract DNA information from databanks

  • learn to apply DNA information for answering scientific questions

  • learn to evaluate differences between individuals or species using DNA info

  • read and evaluate scientific articles on DNA

Final qualifications:

  • Student is familiar with technical terms used in genomics

  • Student knows how genomes of major groups or organisms are organized

  • Student can use DNA information for answering questions about health and evolution.

Timetable

From 16 September to 11 October 2014. In general lecture during the morning, afternoon self study or practicals (bioinformatics). Week 3 constancy of the human genome and human evolution. Last day: evaluation, drinks and pub quiz.

Total number of contact hours

70 contact hours

Mode of instruction

Lectures, reading chapters from Fontdevila and Alberts, reading scientific articles, individual project (1 week), write short (1 A4) paper.

Assessment method

Three multiple choice tests. On Thursday of the last week hand in a short paper (1 A4) about an individual project.

Blackboard

Blackboard will be used for communication.

Reading list

  • Fontdevila A (2011) The dynamic genome. Oxford UP

  • Alberts B et al. (2008) Molecular biology of the cell. 5th ed. Garland Science.
    Both facultative.

Registration

Exchange and Study Abroad students, please see the Prospective students website for more information on how to apply.