electiveHQ

The module forms part of the core curriculum for B.Sc. degrees in Biochemistry & 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.