Eukaryotic Genomes and Genomics
The multinational Earth BioGenome Project (EBP) aims to genome sequence all known eukaryotic species in a 10-year timeframe. This effort is generating enormous amount of data and knowledge, that are currently being processed and interpretated. The course Eukaryotic Genomes and Genomics aims to communicate how genomes are organized, how genomes function, how genomes evolve, how genomes are studied, and how genomic data are retrieved. Lecture topics include genome mapping and annotation, eukaryotic nuclear genomes in model and non-model species, human genome, human cancer genomes, genomes of eukaryotic organelles, virus genomes and mobile elements, epigenomes, and genome evolution.
This course is organized in three parts.
Part 1 consists of lectures and discussions (approximately 40 hours including self-study).
Part 2 consists of a hands-on bioinformatic approached in retrieving genomic data. The analysis will be compiled and presented in a written assignment (approximately 50 hours).
Part 3 consist of oral presentations in plenum based on selected review and research papers (approximately 40 hours). Total workload estimated to 150 hours, including exam preparations.
Knowledge
The candidate should:
· Be at the forefront of knowledge within the academic field of eukaryotic genomes and genomics;
· Have theoretical knowledge of major aspects of genome biology, which include genome anatomies, genome function, genome evolution, and genomic data analyses;
· Be able to understand and communicate molecular aspects of genome biology;
· Be able of judging the implications of genomics-based methods and processes, and to understand why and how genome biology could be applied in research.
Skills
The candidate should:
· Read and understand up-front reviews and research literature of eukaryote genomes and genomics;
· Develop new research questions and topics in the field of genome biology;
· Discuss complex academic questions and challenge the established knowledge;
· Document and communicate new scientific results in the field;
· Gain practical hands-on skills in retrieving genomic data from available databases.
General competence
The candidate should:
· Be able to disseminate and communicate the research field of genome biology through appropriate national and international channels to ensure knowledge-sharing with the community at large;
· Be able to communicate what eukaryotic genomes are, how they are studied (genomics), and why it is important to further investigate genome biology;
· Be able to engage in debates on genome-related topics in relevant forums;
· Share knowledge and protect it where necessary following internationally accepted guidelines and regulations.
Written assignment and oral presentations in plenum, which must be approved prior to submission for oral exam. Grading scale: Approved / Not Approved.
Oral exam. The oral exam will cover all course topics and the written assignment. External evaluator. Grading scale: Passed / Not Passed.