GENE30060

This is a laboratory and research-based module, aimed at students with a strong interest in genomics, genetics, and microbiology. The module will require a significant amount of independent work. You will characterise yeasts living in the Irish environment, and attempt to isolate species that have never been previously described. Samples will be collected from soil, sand or equivalent from sites around Ireland (at least 20 sites per student). Yeasts and other microorganisms will be cultured from the samples, and individual species will be identified by sequencing regions of the ribosomal DNA. Individual species will be selected (based on criteria decided by students) full genome sequencing, using very new whole genome sequencing techniques, including minION technology. Genome sequences will be assembled in a separate module (GENE30070). You will have the opportunity to design and implement a research project from scratch. You will obtain detailed laboratory experience (media preparation, culturing microorganisms, DNA sequencing) and experience in applying bioinformatics methods. Your research is likely to lead to novel findings, such as the identification of new species, or sequencing genomes of currently uncharacterised species. In previous years, students identified the first European isolates of one parent of the lager yeast, which was covered in the New York Times, The Economist, and the general scientific press. The module is restricted to 16 students. It can be taken alone, but students are urged to consider taking together with GENE30070 and/or GENE30040. The module will be examined by continuous assessment, including maintaining a lab book, group work, and individual assignments. There will NO essay type end-of-trimester exam.