AP0614 - Applied Bioinformatics and Post Genomics

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.

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.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

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

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)

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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.