399672 Biology for methodological scientists - module II: Genetics

Module II of the course Biology for methodological scientists (399672)

The module is the extended version of the former CS course 582319 "Molecular genetics and gene mapping for methodological scientists", last held in August 2005 and August 2004.

The schedule [doc] (updated 17.11.2006).

News

9.1.2007 Course results have been e-mailed to participants. Please contact Päivi if you haven't received your grade.
24.11.2006 Added slides for Phylogenetic analyses and Programs in sequence analyses.
21.11.2006 Added lecture slides for the lecture "Biodatabases".
8.11.2006 Added ACTN3 exercises and slides for the lecture "Searching info from public (genetic) databases".
7.11.2006 Updated the module schedule and added material on genotype interpretation.
31.10.2006 Updated the module schedule and added work instructions (see below).
24.10.2006 Registration deadline extended to 26.10.2006.
19.10.2006 Updated the sections on exam (7.12. 9-12) and how to complete the course (regular course exam, no home exam).

Course material

Instructions for DNA extraction from saliva and ACTN3 genotyping [doc, pdf].

Genotype interpretation, checking HWE [pdf]

Exercises with ACTN3 [doc]. Searching info from public (genetic) databases [pdf].

Lecture slides for biodatabases lecture (5.12.) [pdf].

Phylogenetic analyses [ppt]. Programs in sequence analyses: Chromas, BioEdit and PHYLIP [doc].

Course description

This is a 2-cp introductory course on genetics, with hands-on training in laboratory. It is especially suited for methodological researchers who are involved in genetic projects, or MSc/PhD students in Bioinformatics.

Following topics will be covered: Basic concepts, DNA extraction, PCR amplification, genotypes and genotype data validation; plunge into public genetic databases, sequencing methods, population genetics, sequence alignment, phylogenetics, alternative splicing, systems biology.

The module will consist of 46 hours of lab work and lectures mainly on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. All teaching will take place in Biocenter Viikki. The specific lab and class rooms, as well as detailed schedule will be announced later. The course is tailored to undergraduate or graduate students with a non-biology background (mathematics, computer science, statistics, engineering etc.). No previous studies on genetics are required - but may prove helpful. A maximum of 12 students will be accepted for the course. The selection of the students, if needed, is performed based on a) their enrollment in MBI programme b) the stage of their studies. For further information of the course, please contact Päivi Onkamo (paivi.onkamo@helsinki.fi).

Course registration deadline 26.10: Registration form

The course is jointly organized by MBI and Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki.

Exam

The exam will be on Thursday 7.12. from 9:00 to 12:00. The place is going to be announced later.

Suggested reading

Tozeren & Byers: New Biology for Engineers and Computer Scientists, Prentice Hall, 2004. ISBN: 0-13-066463-4

Hunter: Molecular Biology for Computer Scientists

Completion of the course

Successful passing of the course requires final exam and laboratory work diaries/reports to be accepted.

Pre-requisites for the course

High-school biology: genetics

Course assistants

For further information, please contact module coordinator Päivi Onkamo (paivi.onkamo@helsinki.fi).


Previous update: 09.01.2007 14:38 - Esa Pitkänen