Genomics and Bioinformatics

Note 1: The period mentioned below is the period in which this course starts. For the exact academic weeks see the course planning on www.wur.eu/schedule.
Note 2: This course is offered online and it takes about 20 hours to complete the weekly task. There are assignments with deadlines and non-synchronous interaction with teachers and fellow students.

Genomics is a new area of research that relates to holistic study of the genome a the gene, transcript, protein and metabolite levels. Due to the large amounts of data involved in this study computer tools are extensively used. During the course we will present basic concepts of genomics and introduce students to the problems of dealing with and understanding these large datasets. We will discuss the basic architecture of the genome and the implications for genome evolution. We will also deal with the structural and functional aspects of genomics from gene through to metabolites. The course will help the students to analyse and understand the links and relationships between genes and their various products. The course will comprise information packages in the form of knowledge clips, recorded tutorial and these will be combined with a large number of exercises where the knowledge provided will be applied to practical bioinformatics problems.

• Interpret the organisation of plant genomes and how they evolved

• Explain how different functional genomics levels interacts and depend on each other's

• Evaluate the results of genome assembly and annotation

• Analyse simple genomics data to retrieve biological information

• Execute and present a literature study on a crop genome of choice

• Integrate information from genes to pathways to networks at an organism level

• Argument the role of genomics for crop improvement

• Written test with open questions (50%) Online remotely proctored exam.
• Assignment report (40%) assignment: the group choose a crop genome of interest and report on the analysis of the genome sequencing (as from literature) and on examples of how genomics information have or can be used to address specific breeding constrains in the chosen crop or trait regulation. group size 3-4 students. In case of a failed report, students can hand in a revised version at the next re-sit period.
• Assignment oral presentation (10%) group assignment: students give a presentation summarizing the content of their report and answers questions from teachers and peers. group size 3-4 students. In case of a failed presentation, a new presentation can be scheduled in agreement with teachers at the next re-sit period.

Basic knowledge of Molecular Biology and Genetics.

The exam takes place using Remote Proctoring, which is different than digital examinations on-campus. Students unfamiliar with this system should carefully test it beforehand by following all directions given in the link to the Tryout exam in the pre-exam e-mail

• Information will be primarily provided in the online course material. Other information sources will be actively retrieved from the providers of internet tools that will be used throughout the course.