BMOL30050 Genomics and Proteomics

Academic Year 2020/2021

The module forms part of the core curriculum for B.Sc. degrees in Biochemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Genetics. This is an optional module for degrees in other Biological Sciences. The course covers the following topics: Introduction to genomics (studying the entire genome of an organism) and proteomics (the study and analysis of all proteins in a cell or tissue type at a given time and /or condition); Application of genome biology to evolution, anthropology and medicine; Application of proteomics technology to biological and medical research, as well as to diagnostics and biomarker identification. Emphasis is placed on the detailed description of technological advances over the last few years, including gene sequencing, DNA and protein arrays, as well as the high-throughput analysis of gene knock-outs, protein-protein interactions, and phenotypes, that have enabled revolutionary approaches to answering important questions in biology and medicine. The module also aims to illustrate how the acquisition and interpretation of large data sets has led to new ways of thinking and to the generation of gene and protein networks as well as to models of complex biological processes. In place of the usual two-weekly 3-hour practicals during the teaching term, an intensive practical session will take place over a period of 3 days during the spring study/break period in March. The session will introduce students to both the practical application and theoretical aspects of protein identification by 2D gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry and computer-aided data analysis.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:1. Define and illustrate major concepts in genomics and proteomics 2. Identify and compare relevant technologies in genome and proteome research 3. Using examples, describe the application of high-throughput genomics and proteomics technology to address problems and questions in biological sciences and medicine 4. Demonstrate competency in the basic application of a prominent proteomics technique, i.e. the identification and comparison of proteins from complex samples by 2D gelelectrophoresis, including bioinformatics methods to analyse mass spectrometry data.

Indicative Module Content:

1. Introduction to genomics (SG)
2. Next Generation sequencing (SG)
3. Bacterial genomics (SG)
4. Comparative bacterial genomics (SG)
5. Sequencing eukaryotic genomes (GB)
6. The human genome (GB)
7. Bioarchaelogy and the movement of human populations (GB)
8. Transcriptomics: microarrays (GB)
9. Transcriptomics: novel approaches (GB)
10. Protein function analysis – knockouts (JH)
11. Protein function analysis – RNA interference (JH)
12. Protein chips: generation and uses (JH)
13. 2D gel electrophoresis (JH)
14. Mass spectrometry (JH)
15. Mass spectrometry – Applications & Quantitative Methods (JH)
16. Analysis of protein-protein interactions - Yeast two hybrid analysis (JH)
17. Analysis of protein complexes - Affinity purification (JH)

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

20

Practical

25

Autonomous Student Learning

60

Total

105

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module will be delivered through lectures (18-20) and a 3-day practical session taking place during the field work/study period in March.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

It is recommended that students taking this module will have successfully completed BIOC20010 and either BMOL20010 or GENE20010, or other modules with equivalent learning outcomes.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
ANSC30030 - Animal Genomics


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Practical, lab report and practical exam Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

30

Examination: 2hr written examination 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

70


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be given to individual students on the lab report through VLE. Feedback will be given to students through VLE following grading of the exam outlining expected answers (bullet point model answers) and criteria for different grade categories (e.g. rubrics). If requested, individual feedback will be given to students post-assessment.

Name Role
Professor Geraldine Butler Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Stephen Gordon Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Aimee Jones Tutor