BS939-7-SP-CO:
Analysis of Genomic Data

The details
2023/24
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 22 March 2024
30
23 April 2024

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

MSC C45012 Health Genomics

Module description

This module covers data analysis methods in Health Genomics.


The module is organized in two weeks of teaching, 6 hours a day, in which students have specific training in the theoretical basis of R programming, statistics, databases and analysis, followed by hands on practical sessions. The contents include data gathering, databases, programming in R, statistical analysis, and a wide range of techniques to analyse genomics data: genome assembly, gene expression, epigenetics and association studies.

Module aims

The aims of this module are:



  • To provide a solid training in data handling and analysis with R, as well as in techniques to retrieve, store and access genomics data.

  • To train students in a wide range of computational techniques to handle and analyse genomic data of relevance in health and disease.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:



  1. Use R programming language and demonstrate self-direction and originality in data analysis of genomic data.

  2. Comprehensive understanding of frequently used data analysis techniques.

  3. Critical awareness of current issues in genomic data analysis.

  4. Understand genome-wide association studies and related techniques.

  5. Demonstrate the ability to conduct a full data analysis project and write a scientific report.

Module information

Syllabus


Week 1



  • Computing.

  • Introduction to R2.

  • Data structures.

  • Scripts and Functions.

  • Reading/writing Data.

  • Conditionals and Looping.

  • Plotting.

  • Databases.

  • Statistics.

  • Introduction to statistical analysis.

  • Linear Models.

  • Multivariate Analysis.


Week 2



  • Bioinformatics.

  • Introduction to UNIX/Linux and High-Performance Computing Clusters.

  • Genome sequencing and re-sequencing.

  • Comparative genomics.

  • Gene Expression.

  • Epigenetics I: protein-DNA interactions.

  • Epigenetics II: methylation.

  • Health Genomics Data Analysis.

  • Genome-wide association studies.

  • Functional annotation.

  • Ancestry.

  • Writing a Scientific Report.

Learning and teaching methods

This module will be delivered via:

  • Two sessions (morning and afternoon) per day over two weeks.

Each session will have a 1-hour theoretical introduction followed by a 2-hour practical component.

This module is mostly a practical module and the emphasis is in the ability to solve problems and analyse genomics data. The students are given relevant materials to prepare the sessions ahead. During the sessions they will be working on real datasets and will have full support from instructors and GLAs. They will be given additional bibliography and exercises to work on their own time.

Bibliography

This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Worksheet - To be submitted to Moodle (Deadline Only - Do Not Submit to FASER)     30% 
Coursework   Data Analysis Report    70% 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Benjamin Skinner, email: b.skinner@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Benjamin Skinner, Dr Antonio Marco, Dr David Clark

 

Availability
Yes
No
No

External examiner

Dr Lakjaya Buluwela
Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine
Reader in Cancer Medicine
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 70 hours, 0 (0%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
70 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information
Life Sciences (School of)

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