Genome science underpins many of the most interesting and important developments in modern biology and it is having a significant impact on health care and medical practice. These developments are based on a global research enterprise that holds great promise. New knowledge is being created at an unprecedented pace and the scope and scale of research and of its applications are rapidly expanding. Against this background there is a growing need for life science researchers in a wide range of fields to have a working knowledge of genome science and for policy makers, regulators and medical practitioners to develop sufficient understanding of the field to be able to interpret, assess and apply research findings. 

Students taking this course will be introduced to contemporary concepts in genome science. Topics to be covered include: How the genome is organised; how its organisation has evolved; how genomes vary between individuals and between populations around the world; how the genome functions; how its function is regulated; how the genome contributes to developmental change across the life course and how its function is responsive to environmental changes. Coverage of the basic science will form the platform for discussion of the applications of genome science in the second half of the course.

Students will be expected to gain:

• an understanding of contemporary concepts in genome science
• a basic understanding of the statistical issues associated with large genomic data sets
• the ability to analyse genomic data
• an understanding of the research process and the way in which knowledge about genomes is built and used
• confidence in evaluating and communicating the use of genomic data in health, medical and related contexts
• an understanding of the ethical and legal issues of the use of genomic information in a medical context

• Research Proposal 10%
• Learning Diary 30%
• Record of Research 30%
• Final Report 30%

Students are expected to spend: 3 hours/week in self-directed learning, which will be reflected in their learning diaries; 1 hour per week in classroom or online discussion and 6 hours/week working on their research projects, which will be reflected in their record of research.

Prerequisite: Students will require an undergraduate science, medical or allied health degree, or work experience in a relevant health field.

All students will require undergraduate level knowledge of biological sciences such as genetics, biochemistry, molecular cell biology or related fields. Beyond that, levels of requisite knowledge and skills will depend on the learning objectives of students. Students wishing to undertake a scientific research project as part of the course will require a higher level of biological knowledge and computational skills than students undertaking more policy and/or practice focussed research projects. They, in turn, will require more advanced prior knowledge or experience in these areas.

Internet and e-mail access. Sufficient bandwidth to view video content and participate in online discussions.