Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - MBB 841 G100

Genomics and Bioinformatics Colloquium (1)

Class Number: 8786

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: TBA, TBA
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    It is recommended that students have previously taken one introductory computer-programming course (e.g. CMPT 102, 110, 120, 130 or equivalent) and one introductory statistics course (e.g. STAT 201, 270 or equivalent); or permission of the instructor.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Recent research articles on modern genomic techniques will be presented and discussed by students and faculty, with an emphasis on critical analysis of the concepts, experimental design, technologies and the practical application of bioinformatics algorithms. A student may not take more than 3 units of colloquia.

COURSE DETAILS:

General Course Description and objectives
Problems and methods presented in contemporary research literature, investigating emerging techniques for studying genetics, gene expression and regulation from a genomic perspective will be discussed. A strong emphasis will be on the diverse applications of genomic techniques spanning human health and disease, pathogenesis and molecular evolution. Bioinformatics methodologies for manipulating large genomic data sets will be a key focus.

Format
The student will select a new research article for presentation in consultation with the instructor. The student will research the topic, including other necessary articles, in addition to the lead article. The topic will be presented orally in a 50 minute session, with ample time for discussion. All students will be expected to read the lead paper and to participate in discussions.

The colloquium will also be open for attendance and participation by anyone (including post-docs, research associates and faculty) in MBB or from other departments at SFU.

Grading

  • Oral presentations 50%
  • Class discussion 50%

NOTES:

Evaluation in each category above will be based on the students' grasp of knowledge and effective communication and presentation.

Lecture: synchronous (students are expected to attend scheduled lectures remotely)

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

  • Access to high-speed internet
  • Computer (with webcam)

REQUIRED READING:

None; material to be covered will be drawn directly from primary literature.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).