Epigenetics for developmental and metabolic regulation inplants and algae
Course topics include- an overview of epigenetic marks, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs- Enzymatic regulation of epigenetic marks- How epigenetic marks affect gene expression -Indications for transgenerational stability of epigenetic marks- Contribution of epigenetics to plasticity and evolution - Sequencing methods for epigenetic marks- Biotechnological potential of epigenetic engineering. External speakers will attend via video or on-site.
The course aims to foster critical and innovative thinking through a chosen topic that challenges existing paradigms, addresses complex topics, or controversies within the field of plant/algae epigenetics.
The course runs over two weeks with lectures, discussions, and group work. The total workload is estimated to about 140 hours and divides into:
•20 hours lectures
•20 hours discussion seminar
•65 hours literature studies, ca. 325 pages at five pages per hour
•40 hours group work and writing final report. The evaluation will be based on a report that shall be delivered within a month after the end of the course.
Work requirement
•Minimum 80% attendance
•Approved project work/report.
After having completed the course, the student will have a solid theoretical basis on epigenetic mechanisms and their application potential in plant and algae research.
Knowledge
The student...
- can recite the role of epigenetic mechanisms in plant and algae development as a prerequisite to develop new theories in the field of plant and algae epigenetics, and to identify application potentials in science and industry
- can outline the epigenetic mechanisms and their specificities in plants and algae in order to be able to develop methods-parts of epigenetics-related research projects
- can explain the effect epigenetic mechanisms have on plasticity, acclimation, and adaptation to allow to communicate their wide relevance and implications, including ethical elements, of natural and assisted evolution, strain development and selection
- can describe the methods that allow characterization and engineering of epigenetic marks in order to be able to develop and carry out methods-parts of epigenetics-related research projects
Skills
The student...
- can select appropriate methods to investigate epigenetic patterns and their phenotypic effects to allow for projects that provide proof that epigenetic mechanisms are the underlying cause of phenotypic change
- is able to plan research fairly that follows strong moral principles and does not exploit nature or society to obtain answers that meet high international standards
- is able to understand the value of science by designing research projects that test novel or challenge established fundamental theories in plant/algae epigenetics, and the application potential of epigenetic bio-engineering; and that allow to make robust conclusions on the obtained observations. This is a pre-requisite to pursue a scientific career in the field or its application in the plant- and algae industry.
General competencies
The student...
- can discuss with peers on the complexity of epigenetics research to establish peer networks as an important component for developing an own research line in the field
- can communicate the potential of epigenetics research for innovation that reduces our footprint on nature, and that aligns with the UN sustainability goals
- can put into perspective the relevance and implications of epigenetics plant and algae research to allow exploiting epigenetic mechanisms for nature-based solutions to challenges in conservation and industry
- can design research ideas, and manage and undertake assignments and interdisciplinary tasks individually or in a team as a preparation for project development.
Minimum 80% attendance.
Approved project work/report (pass/fail grading) on own chosen topic that is challenging paradigms or addressing controversies and complex matters (does there exist non-genetic adaptation, does transgenerational epigenetics challenge Darwinism, to what degree is epigenetic variation independent from genetic variation, are epigenetically modified organisms falling under GMO restrictions?). This can include a meta-analysis on the synthesis of few studies.
Internet, books, scientific literature, reference manager software
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