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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2011 - 2012

Module Title	Comparative Genomics & Developmental Biology
Module Code	BE310
School	School of Biotechnology
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Dr Mary O'Connell	Office Number	X215
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This module will introduce students to the field of comparative genomics and its many applications and to the field of developmental biology.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the basic concepts of comparative genomics and developmental biology from both a computational and cellular perspective
2. Describe the process of analysing biological sequence data from databases to statistical methods for analysing/assessing data signal
3. Discuss concepts in molecular evolution
4. Solve problems of gene expression using microArray data and statistical and clustering techniques
5. Discuss the process of cell fate, determination, and specification
6. Illustrate pattern formation

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	36	No Description
Independent Study	89	reading of recommended book chapters and publications recommended to you by your lecturer (these may change year on year)
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Syllabus
Introduction to Comparative Genomics, key concepts including homology, orthology and paralogy. Major comparative genomic methods will be dealt with in detail, including Pairwise and multiple alignment methodologies, Probability and Statistical Analysis of Sequence alignments, Databases and mining, Phylogeny reconstruction and problem solving, MicroArray Analysis statistics and clustering methodologies. A brief history of developmental biology. Early key experiments and milestones. Introduction of model organisms such as Xenopus, zebrafish, chick,mouse, Drosophila andC. elegans. Basic stages of development:comparison of model organisms. Focus on Drosophila lifecycle and development. Drosophila developmental genetics- establishmentof body plan: anterior-posterior axis, dorsal-ventral axis.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	0%	Examination Weight	100%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Campbell and Heyer: 0, Genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics, 2,
Higgs and Attwood: 0, Bioinformatics and Molecular Evolution,
Scott F. Gilbert: 0, Developmental biology, 7,
Lewis Wolpert: 0, Principles of Development, 3,
J.M.W. Slack: 0, Essential Delevopmental Biology, 2,

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

BSSA	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
BSSAO	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
ECSA	Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
ECSAO	Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
GCB	BSc in Genetics & Cell Biology
HMSA	Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
HMSAO	Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
IESA	Study Abroad (Institute of Education)
IESAO	Study Abroad (Institute of Education)
SHSA	Study Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAO	Study Abroad (Science & Health)

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