Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

i.       To provide a general understanding of how ideas from evolutionary biology inform, and are informed by, genomic science.
ii.       To provide some deeper insights into the origin and evolution of the eukaryotic genome and the roles of gene and genome duplication, vertical inheritance, lateral gene transfer and endosymbiosis in its formation and diversification.
iii.       To highlight how studies of parasite genomes have provided general insights into how genomes evolve as well as clues to pathogenic mechanisms and potential therapies.
iv.       To provide knowledge and understanding of the tools used to analyse genomes.

Outline Of Syllabus

Lecture and directed study material:

•       Evolutionary biology describes the history of life and explains why organisms and genomes are the way they are.
•       Definitions and concepts, homology, descent with modification and natural selection, evidence for evolution, the new synthesis, neutral theory.
•       The first whole genome sequences, the technology and discoveries, large-scale patterns and processes of genome evolution. How do prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes differ?
•       Making sense of the data - how are genomes analysed, bioinformatics: computer tools for recognising genes and structure – function prediction. RNA-Seq, proteomics and other ‘omic technologies.
•       Phylogenetics, as a tool for understanding the evolution of genes, genomes and species. The origins of eukaryotic genomes, lateral gene transfer and vertical inheritance, endosymbiosis and eukaryotic evolution, is there a tree of life and what does it mean?      
•       Comparative analyses and insights from parasite genomes, obligate intracellular, and extracellular parasites (Microsporidia and Trichomonas case studies and viruses).
• The human microbiota in health and disease, new insights from metagenomics.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of the module students will have acquired:

1.       A knowledge and understanding of the current value and potential of genomic science in biology
2.       A knowledge and understanding of how ideas from evolutionary biology inform, and are informed by, genomic science
3.       A knowledge and understanding of some important discoveries from genomic analyses
4.       A knowledge and understanding of the tools used for analysing genomes

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of the module students will be able to:

1. Critically interpret and synthesise complex information relating to evolution and genomic science
2. Have further developed the capacity to critically read the scientific literature
3. Have further developed written communication skills

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures impart knowledge of key issues in genomic science. Genomics is a rapidly evolving field - directed reading from discovery and review journals will be used to keep abreast of key developments and to encourage critical faculties.

Private study is necessary for students to absorb information presented in lectures and for self-assessment, to deepen their knowledge and understanding through directed reading, to become familiar with the web and its resources for genome analysis.

The scheduled seminar, interactive with the students, provides an opportunity for Q&A sessions to help revise the taught material, and to introduce the in-course assessment - Invigilated Timed Essay (1 hour)

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The examination provides evidence of knowledge and understanding of the topics.

The timed essay will provide evidence of critical analysis of published work and clarity of communication of scientific ideas.

General Notes

Original Handbook text: