Delivery Type	Delivery length / details
Lecture	18 x 1h lectures
Seminars / Tutorials	4 x 2h seminars
Other	5 x 2h computer workshops

Assessment Type	Assessment length / details	Proportion
Semester Exam	2 Hours Essays and data interpretation	40%
Semester Assessment	Group poster and oral presentation, Report and Essay.	60%
Supplementary Exam	2 Hours 2 hour written examination (essays and data interpretation	40%
Supplementary Assessment	Resubmission of failed coursework or alternative	60%

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this applied module, students should be able to:

demonstrate an appreciation of the international scale of co-ordinated effort required to assemble the biological resources for analysis of gene function.
communicate a theoretical experience of using genomics and related databases to analyse gene and genome inter-relationships.
describe the current methodologies for prediction of the structural relationships of proteins.
evaluate the value and constraints associated with the study of model systems for functional genomics.
demonstrate an understanding of the basic technological principles of transcriptome, proteome and metabolome analysis.
discuss the range of computational methods being used to interpret functional genomics data.
discuss the concepts of high throughput screening and forced evolution methodologies in modern biology.
appreciate current research strategies for gene discovery and determining gene function (functional genomics) and biological data analysis and interpretation (bioinformatics) .
describe the role that genomics and bioinformatics has to play in modern medicine and fundamental research.
demonstrate skills and knowledge of the concepts underlying database access, sequence analysis, protein classification and functional assignment.
appreciate the range of computational methods being used to interpret functional genomics data.
show awareness of the current status of the human genome project and its context in society.

Content

The lectures and workshops cover the following topics:

An Introduction to Functional genomics
The Human Genome Project
Investigation of genetic diseases
Development of genomics resources
Genome mapping strategies
Model systems for functional genomics
Introduction to 'Omic technologies
Methodologies for predicting gene function
Post genomics technologies
Protein-protein interactions
Advanced protein modelling and secondary structure prediction
HighThroughput Screening
Systems Biology
Advanced Bioinformatics methods
Data interpretation methods
Specific examples of the application of genomics and bioinformatics to ongoing research at Aberystwyth

Brief description

This module is an integrated series of lectures, seminars and workshops covering the modern discipline of Functional Genomics. Functional Genomics has been defined as 'The development and application of global (genome-wide or system-wide) experimental approaches to assess gene function by making use of the information and reagents provided by genome sequencing and mapping' (Hietor, P. and Boguski, M. (1997) Science 278:601). Functional genomics employs novel technologies for genome-wide analysis supported by IT. This involves experimental and computational methods. High throughput experimental technologies based on measuring gene expression, protein structure and protein interactions are being used to generate large datasets to aid understanding of gene function. Powerful information systems are required for the efficient management and integration of the experimental data. The results emerging from these analyses will inform new predictive strategies to identify new and useful genes and potential drug targets, understand gene behaviour, and develop novel therapeutic products.

Aims

The module provides an introduction to post-genomics technologies and practical training in bioinformatics methods.

Course Delivery

Assessment

Learning Outcomes

Content

Brief description

Aims

Reading List

Notes