PHYS30180 Physiological Genomics

Academic Year 2022/2023

Physiological genomics is an emerging field concerned with identifying genes of physiological relevance and delineating their role in health and disease. This module describes classical and contemporary approaches to the analysis of gene expression, gene discovery and functional gene analysis in vivo. A major focus of the module will be the utilisation of genetically modified animals as model systems to investigate gene function in vivo. These approaches will be illustrated by reference to original research papers and through presentations by School research staff of their own work. This module is intended mainly for students in stage 4 of the Science degree programme who have some prior learning in genetics/genomics. Other students with an appropriate learning background are also welcome but should discuss this with the module coordinator before enrolling.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, students should have a greater understanding and appreciation of the importance of genetics and genomics to human physiology and disease. They should be able to describe a range of strategies and methodologies to investigate physiological functions at the genomic level – these include techniques for gene discovery, gene characterisation, analysis of gene expression, comparative genomics using animal models and genetic modification for investigation of gene function in vivo. They will be able demonstrate their understanding through citation of research publications where such methods have been successfully used.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

18
Specified Learning Activities

30
Autonomous Student Learning

54
Total

102
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures are the predominant form of module delivery. Key principles are reinforced in tutorials. Real world application of some of the methodologies covered are illustrated in presentations by staff of their research activity. The in course assessment is designed to encourage wider reading and greater understanding of lecture topics. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

This module is designed for stage 4 physiology students. There is a major emphasis in this module on the use of genetically modified animal models in physiology research and therefore it is a requirement that students wishing to take the module should have passed at least 1 stage 3 core physiology module.

However, stage 3 students not meeting these criteria but who wish to take the module can contact the module co-ordinator to discuss their suitability on a case by case basis.

Learning Recommendations:

Students taking this module may benefit from having previously taken modules in the area of recombinant DNA methodology, molecular genetics or stem cell biology.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
ANSC30030 - Animal Genomics

Additional Information:
Students wishing to take this module must have passed at least 1 stage 3 core physiology module


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: In course assessment Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

30
Examination: Essay Examination 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

70

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
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 available at the request of the student following publication of final grades

Name Role
Dr Eoin Brennan Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Jeffrey Glennon Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Brendan Loftus Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Paul McLoughlin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Julie Freeman Tutor