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GENE40030

Academic Year 2024/2025

Advanced Mechanisms of Gene Regulation (GENE40030)

Subject:
Genetics
College:
Science
School:
Biomolecular & Biomed Science
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Eric Conway
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module covers advanced topics in the regulation of gene expression. In particular, the basic molecular mechanism of these processes, and how these go awry in human disease will be described. It is strongly recommended that students have taken BMOL30030 Regulation of Gene Expression, or other modules with similar learning outcomes. Topics covered will include; histone modifications, transcription factors, chromatin remodellers and 3D-architecture of chromatin. These will be discussed in the context of development, cell fate and stem cells. Another key topic will be human diseases that recurrently feature mutations in transcriptional regulators such as cancer and chromatinopathies.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Understand the molecular mechanisms governing transcriptional regulation.
2. Critically evaluate recent literature in the area of gene regulation.
3. Describe the importance of transcriptional regulators in cell fate and development.
4. Evaluate the role of transcriptional regulators in human disease and therapeutics.

Indicative Module Content:

1. Transcription factors in development and disease
2 Enhancers and chromatin looping
3 Chromatin Remodelling in transcription and disease
4 Chromosome structure and function
5 Histone Code in gene regulation
6 Polycomb group complexes in transcription and chromatin organisation
7 Polycomb group complexes in stem cells and development
8 Polycomb group complexes in cancer biology and treatment
9 Chromatinopathies: chromatin processes at the heart of developmental syndromes
Case study 1
Case study 2

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

12

Autonomous Student Learning

90

Total

102


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module uses both formal lectures and special Case Studies to help contextualise the translational and therapeutis potential of manipulation of gene regulatory circuits.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

It is strongly recommended that students have taken BMOL30030 Regulation of Gene Expression, or other modules with similar learning outcomes.


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): End of Trimester written exam End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
Graded No
80
No
Assignment(Including Essay): Critical analysis of a scientific study. Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10 Graded No
20
No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

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

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Eric Conway Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Niamh O'Sullivan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 24, 25, 26, 29 Mon 14:00 - 14:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 24, 25, 26, 29 Thurs 10:00 - 10:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 24, 25, 26, 29 Tues 10:00 - 10:50