Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Comparative Genomics & Phylogenomics
Module Code	BE542
School	School of Biotechnology
Online Module Resources
Module Teacher	Mary OConnell
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The purpose of this module is to provide students with a thorough understanding of the algorithms behind a huge amount of comparative genomic and phylogenomic analyses. This module also serves to link evolutionary theory to applied practices such as health and medicine.Specifically we will cover:• Information Archives and Retrieval• Database interrogation and sequence similarity searching, significance scores• Alignment Algorithms• Molecular Systematics, Phylogenetics and Evolution (algorithms and applications)• Genome Annotation, from genomes to genes.• Data handling• Maximum Likelihood and Algorithms and Applications for sequence analysis

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the most influential algorithms in bioinformatics
2. Discuss the pros and cons of different comparative genomics approaches
3. Detail the processes of protein evolution, displaying indepth knowledge of selective pressures and constraints
4. Show a thorough working knowledge of the sequence similarity search tools and positional homology hypotheses
5. Problem solve using biological data in an evolutionary framework
6. Describe in detail the application of phylogenomics, and comparative genomics in general, to biological problems such as drug discovery and disease treatment.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	48	Lecture course
Assignment	60	design and implementation of bespoke bioinformatics software
Independent learning time	79.5	reading of supplied materials
Total Workload: 187.5

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

Reading material varies from year to year to provide up to date materials for learning. This will be supplied to you at the beginning of the lecture course..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	20%	Examination Weight	80%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Practical/skills evaluation	The assessment will be a problem which must be solved by writing a bespoke piece of software and applying it to biological data.	20%	n/a

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
This module is category 3

Indicative Reading List