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GENE30070

Academic Year 2024/2025

Undergraduate Research 2 (GENE30070)

Subject:
Genetics
College:
Science
School:
Biomolecular & Biomed Science
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor Geraldine Butler
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This is a computational research-based module, aimed at students with a strong interest in genomics, genetics, microbiology, computational biology and/or bioinformatics. The module follows on from GENE30060, but it is not necessary to take both. In GENE30070 students will analyse whole genome sequence data, derived from next generation sequencing of yeasts collected from Irish soil, or obtained from other sources. Most of this data will never have been assembled or analysed previously. Students will use computational methods to assemble and annotate genomes and to propose and address research hypotheses. The approaches used and questions posed will be determined by student input. The module will provide training in state-of-the art technologies in genome analysis. In previous years, some of the analyses have been accepted for publication in scientific journals. The module therefore provided an opportunity to engage in novel research. No previous coding experience is required, but the module may be taken together with a programming module (for example, GENE30040). Students will need their own laptop/computer (not tablet) for the duration of the module. The module assessment will include an in-trimester computer-based exam (50%), assessment of lab book and genome assembly and analysis (30%), and written presentation of results (20%).

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

1. Learn how to use a Unix operating system.
2. Obtain training in bioinformatic analysis of novel biological data
3. Learn how to assemble genomes and to propose hypotheses based on genome sequencing.
4. Contribute to a large-scale research project, with the opportunity to author a scientific publication.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

60

Computer Aided Lab

48

Total

108


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Active/task based learning: bioinformatic exercises. Presentation: prepare a poster presentation. Lectures.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

Students are encouraged to take GENE30040 Programming for Biologists (or an equivalent module)


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): Final exam, short questions Week 9 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
50
No
Report(s): Lab reports and sequence assemblies. Formative (feedback) provided on lab reports every week, graded report due week 10. Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 10 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
30
No
Report(s): Final summary in paper format suitable for publication in scientific journal. Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
20
No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided during all tutorial sessions. Individual feedback will be provided on lab books.

Name Role
Dr Kevin Byrne Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Kenneth Wolfe Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Peadar Ó Gaora Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 10:00 - 11:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 12:00 - 13:50