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SL22019: Genomics and genetics

[Page last updated: 09 August 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Life Sciences
Credits: 10 [equivalent to 20 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 200
Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Period:
Academic Year
Assessment Summary: CWSI 40%, EXOB 60%
Assessment Detail:
  • Set exercises Individual (CWSI 40%)
  • Open-book written examination (EXOB 60%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: At the end of this unit, the student will be able to: 1. Evaluate different genome sequencing techniques, describe the mechanisms that generate DNA sequence variation and identify signatures of selection in sequence data. 2. Demonstrate their understanding of the use of comparative and functional genomics for explaining phenotype variation. 3. Apply understanding of fundamental population genetics approaches to data interpretation.


Synopsis: You willdevelopa broad knowledge of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomics andassociated technologies for genome sequencing and analysis.Youwill explore fundamental population genetics, the genetic basis of complex traits and the causes and interpretation of genetic variation.You willexploregenotype-environment interactions,pathogen evolution and spread,population genetics,maternal and social effects,mating systemsand other areas of comparative and functional genomics.

Content: Semester 1: Introduction to genomics, mutation, horizontal gene transfer, and genomic signatures of selection. Comparative and functional genomics of bacteria will be examined in depth, including epidemiology, speciation, evolution, and metagenomics. Eukaryotic genomics including genome complexity, comparative genomics and genome-wide association studies will be described with reference to human genetics and other -omics techniques. Semester 2: Introduction to population genetics, including concepts in molecular evolution, the coalescent, distribution of variation (Fst), and island models. Quantitative genetics including the genetic basis of complex traits, trait mapping, genotype by environment interactions, maternal and social effects and mating systems.

Course availability:

SL22019 is Compulsory on the following courses:

Department of Life Sciences

SL22019 is Optional on the following courses:

Department of Life Sciences
  • USSL-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Biochemistry (Year 2)
  • USSL-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Biochemistry with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSL-AFB12 : BSc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences (Year 2)
  • USSL-AKB12 : BSc(Hons) Biomedical Sciences with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSL-AFM10 : MBiochem(Hons) Biochemistry (Year 2)
  • USSL-AKM10 : MBiochem(Hons) Biochemistry with professional placement (Year 2)
  • USSL-AFM12 : MBiomed(Hons) Biomedical Sciences (Year 2)
  • USSL-AKM12 : MBiomed(Hons) Biomedical Sciences with professional placement (Year 2)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.