Course syllabus

BIO448 Experimental Systems Biology, 15 credits
Experimentell Systembiologi, 15 högskolepoäng
Second Cycle

Course Content

The course aims to provide a theoretical and practical introduction of the advanced working methods in system biology by using the SGA analysis as an example. Student will have the chance to access the infrastructure at the Center for Large-scale cell-based screening at our department and use the robotic systems for performing the required System Biology experiments for the course.   Students learn to design and modify a working protocol, perform a complete SGA experiment and confirm the screening results during the course. The course also provides in-depth knowledge of how to analyses, summarize and present the screening results based on requirements for a scientific publication. 

The course is divided into lectures, seminars, project works as well as laboratory works. In addition, there are also lectures/group activities to provide insight regarding scientific writing. All scheduled events except lectures are mandatory.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student is expected to:

Knowledge and understanding

• Design and modify System Biology tools for genome-wide genetic analysis
• Have an understanding of how the Synthetic Genetic Array (SGA) approach works in theory and practice.
• Conduct SGA experiments and other similar yeast genome-wide screens
• Verify and summarize data acquired from the SGA experiments

Competence and skills

• Demonstrate ability to independently search, read, understand and critically evaluate scientific literature and research information,
• Demonstrate ability to present, explain and discuss current topics, research results and questions regarding advanced systems biology
• Demonstrate ability to propose and implement systematic genome-wide approaches to answer relevant biological questions.
• Collect, analyses and interpret genome-wide screening data and generate hypotheses based on the data collected.

Judgement and approach

• Evaluate the quality of genome-wide screening results
• Have a broader understanding of how genomics and systems biology affecting society, including our health.

Forms for teaching

Compulsory subjects include case studies from the literature (scientific publications), individual project work, laboratory work and exercises.

Language of instruction: English

Forms for assessment

The student's knowledge is continually assessed during the course of the teaching. Course finishes with a final written report. Missed compulsory sessions can be made up during the course if possible but otherwise the next time the course runs.

A student who has failed a test twice has the right to change examiner, if it is possible. A

written application should be sent to the Department.

Grades

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

Course evaluation

A written and oral course evaluation is done at the end of the course. The results of the

evaluation will function as a guide for the development of the course.