Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - BISC 424 D100

Applied Genomics (3)

Class Number: 6626

Delivery Method: Distance Education

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 101, BISC 102, BISC 202, MBB 222, MBB 231, and either BISC 357 or MBB 331; all with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The course provides an overview of "omics" methods in large-scale identification of gene functions in various organisms, and demonstrates how this knowledge can be applied in genomics fields, including plant and animal breeding. Students who have taken Special Topics BISC 471 Applied Genomics may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Novel genomics technologies such as next generation DNA sequencing technologies and genome-wide association genetics are rapidly changing the landscape of various fields of biological research. The relative ease by which large quantities of data can be obtained now allows parts and whole genomes to be assessed and compared in ways that were impossible just a few years ago.  Without going into extensive technical detail, this course aims at providing an overview of the applications of genomic technologies spanning from sequencing and comparison of expressed portions of genomes known as transcriptomes, to large-scale identification of gene variants in humans and agricultural species and genomics-assisted selection in the breeding of domesticated animals and plants. Applications in ecology, anthropology, toxicology, pharmacology, disease control and analysis of bacterial and viral communities of oceans to the human gut will also be discussed. Classes will be based on lecturers introducing disciplines of genomics combined with presentations and discussions of primary research papers and reviews on presented genomics disciplines. Tutorials will be used to aid the analysis of discussed publications. We will also research prospective employers in the field, both commercial and institute-based, learn what they are doing and what specific skill set they are looking for, to prepare students for a potential career in this exciting field.

Grading

  • Written and oral presentation 40%
  • Tutorials 30%
  • Final Project 30%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Lectures and tutorials will be synchronous. Students need webcam and microphone on their computer to participate in discussions and deliver presentations.

REQUIRED READING:

The course will be based on primary research literature and reviews that will be provided as pdfs.

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).