Epigenetics and Developmental Biotechnology
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BIOS2096 | Biosciences | 2 | 10 | Spring Malaysia |
- Code
- BIOS2096
- School
- Biosciences
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring Malaysia
Summary
This module introduces current concepts of molecular mechanisms in animal development and techniques to study and manipulate animal phenotypes. A goal is to convey how developmental programs are remarkably conserved among species, including humans. Insights gained from molecular studies of the fruit fly, zebra fish and chicken are directly relevant to our understanding of mammalian development. Signals and factors regulating key events in establishing the body plan of an animal are discussed. Epigenetic processes in mammals that mediate X-chromosome inactivation and genomic imprinting will be described.
Target Students
Bachelor of Science (Hons) Biotechnology studentsAvailability to exchange studentsIt will be assumed that a module is available to exchange students, unless otherwise specified.
Classes
- One 4-hour seminar
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks
Assessment
- 100% Exam (1-hour): MCQ and Short Answer Examination (One hour Examsys; 100%)
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The aims of this module are to:- Provide students with the understanding on what are the molecular mechanism are involved in animal development- Provide students with the understanding on how developmental programs are remarkably conserved among species- Provide students with the understanding on the signals and factors regulating key events in establishing the body plan of an animal- Enhance the students’ understanding on the epigenetic processes in mammals that mediate X-chromosome inactivation and genomic imprinting- Enhance students’ understanding on the techniques to study and manipulate animal phenotypes- Train the students on critical review of recent research articles and present the key research findingsLearning Outcomes
A Knowledge and understanding – outcomes which describe broadly the subject matter of the programme/module
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
- Describe the morphological and phenotypic changes that take place during animal development and how this is regulated by genetic and epigenetic mechanisms
- Analyse research papers by explaining the data presented and how this informs our understanding of animal development and epigenetics
- Interpret morphological changes in embryo development and relate this to published literature
- Relate how genome level information and changes result in evolution of novel forms and functions
B Intellectual skills – the abilities required to process the subject matter
- learn independently based on the resources available
C Professional/practical skills – those skills specific to a particular subject area (option)
Not applicable
D Transferable (key) skills – skills such as oral and written communication, team work, self management, problems solving, critical thinking, professionalism etc
- critically analyse and summarise information drawn from a variety of sources, particular research articles to improve scientific communication as well as broaden research experience
Conveners
- Dr Eunice Siew Ching Ngai