BIOL459-20S2 (C) Semester Two 2020

Genomics

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 13 July 2020
End Date: Sunday, 8 November 2020
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Friday, 24 July 2020
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Friday, 25 September 2020

Description

Students taking this course will develop a deep knowledge in a current area of genome biology and evolution. Students will get to grips with the latest research in this fast moving field, read deeply on a chosen topic, and develop strong critical thinking, writing and debating skills.

Genomics is an integrally important part of biology. Through the sequencing, characterisation, and study of DNA, it is now possible to decode the complete genetic complement of any organism. Genome science is revolutionising almost all fields of biological enquiry. In this course we will look at the genomic technologies that are transforming biology, the biological and evoutionary insights arising from genome research, and the process of genome sequencing, from start to finish.

You will learn about genome sequencing, annotation and the analysis of genomes using experimental and bioinformatics tools.

This course will examine a variety of current subjects in genomics research. Tutorials will be
structured around the discussion of assigned papers, and practical investigation of genomic
data. Topics of seminars will include such things as advanced genome annotation and
analysis. The course will be primarily project-based and will involve group work. We will
identify a key biological question that can be addressed with genomics and as a class work
towards addressing it.

Marks will be based on a project writeup (a draft manuscript), presentations during each
seminar and an written exam.

Recommended preparatory course(s): Any of BIOL313, 333, 334, 335 or 300-level BCHM.

Learning Outcomes

  • As a student in this course, I will develop the ability to:
  • An up-to-the-minute knowledge of methods in genomics.
  • An understanding of genomics as a tool for answering biological questions (as opposed to a means of generating data for the sake of it).
  • Reading skills required to navigate, understand and question scientific literature.
  • A broad understanding of how genomes evolve.
  • Experience in writing project proposals and scientific papers.
  • Experience in scientific collaboration involving data analysis, interpretation and presentation of results.
  • Oral presentation skills.

Prerequisites

Subject to approval of the Head of School.

Restrictions

BIOL430/BCHM406/BCHM459

Lecturer

Matthew Stott

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage 
Final Exam 40%
Presentation 10%
Written work 50%

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $1,054.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see School of Biological Sciences .

All BIOL459 Occurrences

  • BIOL459-20S2 (C) Semester Two 2020
  • BIOL459-20S2 (D) Semester Two 2020 (Distance)
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