Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2015 - MBB 462 D100

Human Genomics (3)

Class Number: 7340

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 13, 2015: Wed, Fri, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MBB 331 and MBB 342.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The organization of the human genome and the role of genomic variation in health and disease. Genomics and personalized medicine; intellectual property and privacy issues. Students with credit for MBB 440 with this same course title may not complete this course for further credit

COURSE DETAILS:

Instruction will include lecture material, and in-depth consideration of selected seminal papers in human genomics.

Topics will include the following:

  • Landscape of the human genome
  • Next generation sequencing: genomes, exomes, transcriptomes and other applications
  • Introduction to analysis of next-generation sequence data
  • Who owns your genome - genomics and intellectual property
  • Common polymorphism and complex disease
  • Rare genetic variation and disease gene hunting
  • Personalized medicine
  • Direct-to-consumer genetic testing
  • Prenatal testing/screening
  • Cancer genomes, transcriptomes and epigenomes
  • Genomics of the adaptive immune system
  • Ancient genomes and insights into human genetic history
  • Other current topics in human genomics

Grading

  • Three midterm exams 60%
  • One short summary/critique of article from primary literature 10%
  • Take home assignment (accessing, manipulating and analyzing genomic data) 10%
  • Take home assignment (personal genome analysis) 15%
  • Participation 5%

REQUIREMENTS:

An application called "Top Hat" will be used in the course.  All students are required to have a smartphone or tablet.  If you do not have access to these devices, please contact the instructor as soon as possible so accommodations can be made.

Materials

RECOMMENDED READING:

Genomes 3, 3rd Edition. 2006. By Terry A. Brown


Exploring Personal Genomics. 2013. Dudley & Karczewski

Department Undergraduate Notes:

  • Students are advised to review the plagiarism tutorial found at
    http://www.lib.sfu.ca/help/tutorials/plagiarism-tutorial
  • For help with writing, learning and study strategies please contact the Student Learning Commons at
    http://learningcommons.sfu.ca/
  • Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability, must contact the Centre for Students with Disabilities (778-782-3112 or e-mail:  csdo@sfu.ca)

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS