AP0614 - Applied Bioinformatics and Post Genomics

What will I learn on this module?

You will learn the fundamental importance of bioinformatics to 21st century biology and how it can be applied to the investigation of human disease, and how it shapes research in a post-genomics era. Topics include:
• The human genome
• Microarray and next-generation sequencing
• Analysis of genome-wide disease datasets
• Identification of differentially expressed genes
• Construction of classifiers
• CRISPR-Cas and its biotechnological applications
• Post-genomic approaches to research

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through lectures, practical IT sessions and independent learning. The lead lectures will introduce research-focussed topics which are complemented by guided IT sessions. A series of three practical sessions will comprehensively analyse a genome-wide cancer dataset, and you will have the opportunity to report and interpret your findings in the assessed formative component. The online reading lists will provide directed learning material, including primary peer-reviewed literature and current textbooks for introductory material. You will be expected to undertake independent self-directed learning, with the module reading lists providing a platform for further study.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported in the completion of the coursework component by the provision of structured computer laboratory sessions running concurrently with the lectures, which will provide you with training in the use of appropriate bioinformatics tools and the interpretation of their results. There will be time in-class for the tutor to respond to specific questions. In addition, tutors will respond to questions via the module’s discussion board at the University’s eLearning Portal so that the whole group can benefit, alongside being available via email and/or face-to-face meetings for more specific queries. Training in essay techniques will be provided prior to the assessed exam, so that you will have an understanding of what might be expected for a good essay answer.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will be expected to engage with the theory underpinning the bioinformatics tools used and their application to the analysis of human disease
2. You will discuss the significance of sequencing stratagems as applied to the genomics projects in biology.
3. You will demonstrate an understanding of transcriptomics and genomics approaches appropriate to the biological sciences.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. You will develop skills in undertaking advanced bioinformatics analysis of genome-wide data and learn skills in quantitative analysis to prepare you for further study and/or employment in a quantitative profession
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
5. You develop awareness of how bioinformatics is changing the culture of biology and medicine though the tools of large data set analysis

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is by coursework, comprising 60% of the module total, and examination, which is 40% of the module total
Coursework will be assessed by the submission of a 1500 word report that describes the analysis of a genome-wide cancer dataset. Reports will be marked with appropriate feedback within 20 working days of submission of the coursework (MLO 1,2,4)
The exam will focus on the development of subject-based knowledge introduced in lead lectures, allowing students to discuss and critically evaluate the current literature. (MLO 1,3,5)

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Bioinformatics is the application of computer-based tools in the management and analysis of biological data, and this module will enable you to gain an understanding and practical experience of state-of-the-art bioinformatic techniques. We have designed this module to focus on the application of bioinformatics to eukaryotic genomes, which will complement the course-wide learning outcomes.
You will learn about the human genome, and its analysis using microarrays and next-generation sequencing techniques. You will gain practical experience of undertaking genomic analysis to identify subgroups within a cancer dataset, identify the genes that discriminate the subgroups and be introduced to the creation of classifiers using machine learning. Additionally, you will gain an understanding of CRISPR-Cas, a potentially game-changing technology that enables precision genome editing, as well as post-genomic research. Upon completion of the module, students will understand the fundamental importance of bioinformatics in the genome-wide investigation of human disease.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 18 months

Location Sri Lanka

City Sri Lanka

Start September or January

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

Full time Courses starting in 2023 are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but may include elements of online learning. We continue to monitor government and local authority guidance in relation to Covid-19 and we are ready and able to flex accordingly to ensure the health and safety of our students and staff.

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with additional restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors, potentially to a full online offer, should further restrictions be deemed necessary in future. Our online activity will be delivered through Blackboard Ultra, enabling collaboration, connection and engagement with materials and people.

 

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