Epigenetics and Developmental Biotechnology

Code

BIOS2088

School

Biosciences

Level

2

Credits

10

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

This module introduces current concepts of molecular mechanisms in animal development and techniques to study and manipulate animal phenotypes. A goal is to convey how developmental programs are remarkably conserved among species, including humans. Insights gained from molecular studies of the fruit fly, zebra fish and chicken are directly relevant to our understanding of mammalian development. Signals and factors regulating key events in establishing the body plan of an animal are discussed. Epigenetic processes in mammales that mediate X-chromosome inactivation and genomic imprinting will be described.

Target Students

Biosciences

Classes

• One 4-hour seminar
• One 4-hour practicum
• One 2-hour lecture each week for 9 weeks

Assessment

• 100% Exam 1 (1-hour): Examsys

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the morphological and phenotypic changes that take place during animal development and how this is regulated by genetic and epigenetic mechanisms

• Analyse research papers by explaining the data presented and how this informs our understanding of animal development and epigenetics

• Interpret morphological changes in embryo development and relate this to published literature

• Relate how genome level information and changes result in evolution of novel forms and functions and how this information can be used in animal biotechnology
   

Conveners

• Dr Reinhard Stoger