Spring 2026 - HSCI 775 G100
Seminar in Molecular Mechanisms of Epigenetics (3)
Class Number: 2122
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
-
Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 8:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
-
Instructor:
Gratien Prefontaine
ggp1@sfu.ca
1 778 782-8645
-
Prerequisites:
MBB 331 or permission from the instructor.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Discussion of novel and advanced topics in chemical covalent modifications of chromatin that influence gene regulation.
COURSE DETAILS:
Prerequites: HSCI 323, HSCI 324, and MBB 331, all with a minimum grade of C-, or permission of the instructor.
This course is designed to provide students with an in depth understanding of current advances in epigenetics and an appreciation of the experimental efforts and methodologies used to address the physical changes to chromatin that affect gene regulation. Following a short summary of concepts and general principles, we will discuss current understanding of how covalent modifications of chromatin are placed, erased and readout by biological systems. Readings will be selected to emphasize biological systems that are sensitive to chromatin modifications that affect health and behavior.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will consist of student presentations of peer-reviewed research papers and written reports with critical analysis of the methods, data and interpretations.
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
The main objectives of this course are to introduce students to current human health concerns related to environmental issues and the primary research being performed to address human health problems. At the end of the course, students should be able to evaluate peer-reviewed publications for content and rigour while describing basic techniques used to study epigenetics using examples from the primary literature. In addition, students should demonstrate an understanding of the conceptual design of the basic molecular and biochemical approaches used to investigate human health. Students will learn to critically review relevant literature and communicate these points by presenting their findings in an organized and scholarly fashion to their peers.
Course Topics:
- Gene regulation
- Chromatin modifications
- MicroRNAs
- Chromatin remodeling
- DNA methylation
- Enzymes that place and erase epigenetic marks
- Cellular proteins that read and interpret epigenetic marks
- Genes and environment/behaviour – DNA/chromatin structure
- Epigenetics and heredity
- Mammalian models
- New technologies
Grading
- Student presentations 40%
- Take home papers 40%
- Class participation 10%
- In class quizzes 10%
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
REQUIRED TEXT: Peer-reviewed articles from the current literature will be assigned
RECOMMENDED READING:
Epigenetics, Second Edition Hardcover, 2015
by C. David Allis, Marie-Laure Caparros, Thomas Jenuwein, Danny Reinberg
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
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
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.