GENE30020 Genome Structure and Evolution

Academic Year 2024/2025

High-throughput sequencing has allowed us to study the structure, function, development and evolution of organisms in unprecedented detail. This module will consist of lectures and tutorials in which students are familiarized with different aspects of genomics and transcriptomics analyses. This includes gene function and comparative expression analyses, genome wide association studies, and phylogenetics. Students will be made familiar with the theoretical underpinnings of the different topics as well as with relevant databases and software. An online in-module MCQ will assess lecture and tutorial topics, and serve to deepen the theoretical understanding of genomes from structure to function to evolution. A short infographic project using results from an analysis with one of the tools introduced will familiarize students with the intricacies of computational analyses.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
- appreciate the complexity of genome structure and organisation.
- analyse genomic datasets.
- document, explain and critically discuss scientific results.

Indicative Module Content:

About Genomes
Forward & Reverse Genetics
Genes to pathways
Networks and evolution
Transcriptomic Analysis
Genomics and transcriptomics of climate change responses in animals
Mendelian Genetics
Quantitative Genetics
GWAS
Assocation Mapping
Genome assembly and annotation
Phylogenetics

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

103
Lectures

10
Tutorial

12
Total

125
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures and tutorials. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

Students will be expected to have completed at least one and preferably 2 modules covering basic material in genetics.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Individual Project: Project: Short project using analysis tools introduced in the module. n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

40
Exam (Online): In-class online MCQ aligned to specified lecture blocks n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

60

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided in written form for essays and project work.

Name Role
Dr Graham Hughes Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Rory Johnson Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Julia Jones Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Joanna Kacprzyk Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Paul McCabe Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Sonia Negrao Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Paola Valentini Lecturer / Co-Lecturer