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Syllabus

P000086 Epigenetics and Sustainable Animal Production (ESAP), 8.0 Credits

Subjects

Education cycle

Postgraduate level

Grading scale

Prior knowledge

Admitted to a postgraduate program in animal science, biology, veterinary medicine, food science, nutrition, nursing, or related subjects. For application, there is a requirement for knowledge in genetics (at least 2 credits)—proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6

Objectives

After completion of the course, the student should be able to: 1. Understand gene and genome organization in eukaryotes. 2. Describe epigenetics principles and mechanisms that are associated with epigenomics, changes in chromatin structure, and transcriptional regulation. This should be in association with the interplay between underlying epigenetic modifications. Describe the methodologies and tools available for measuring epigenetic modifications. 3. Discuss the involvement of epigenetic modifications in embryonic development and cell differentiation and assess the significance of epigenetics in reproductive traits. 4. Highlight the fundamental role of epigenetics in regulating metabolic and immune responses. 5. Obtain a general understanding of methods used to identify DNA methylation and chromatin structure and modifications and to utilize protocols and demonstrations to extract high-quality genomic DNA. 6. Apply the acquired skills to perform or understand the analysis of the genome/methylome, process genomic and methylome data obtained from experiments and conduct downstream bioinformatics and statistical analyses. 7. Utilize the knowledge gained in the course to develop their own ideas in the field of epigenetics

Content

The course provides a comprehensive exploration of epigenetics and epigenomics, delving into their significance in shaping phenotypes during development. It encompasses a series of lectures that address specific objectives, offering insights into key facets of the field. Following the lectures, there will be practical sessions involving data analysis. Additionally, students will engage in group discussions centred around predetermined topics, fostering a collaborative learning environment. These discussions will be followed by exercises and hands-on experiences, specifically designed to equip students with the necessary skills for analysing DNA methylation—the most extensively studied epigenetic modification. Hybrid Lectures: The theoretical component will be delivered through hybrid lectures, enabling the participation of students from various locations. This format ensures accessibility and flexibility for all participants. Practical sessions for genomic DNA Extraction and Quality Control: The theoretical aspects of DNA extraction and quality control will be covered in hybrid lectures. However, active participation in hands-on practical sessions is essential. Students are required to be physically present to gain practical experience in these crucial aspects of the course. Bioinformatics and Biostatistical Analysis: The bioinformatics and biostatistical analysis section will involve a combination of lectures and an interactive Canvas platform. After every lecture, a set of questions will be provided, guiding students through the necessary steps with clear instructions. Subsequent steps will be unlocked based on the timely submission of results from the preceding stages. This structured approach encourages problem-solving, troubleshooting, and progression from simple to more complex tasks.

Additional information

The course is funded by GS-VMAS and will be given in collaboration with the Department of Organismal Biology, Physiology, and Environmental Toxicology, Evolutionary Biology Centrum, Uppsala University (Long Lasting Learning program).

Students and researchers can also join from other locations via zoom for the theoretical lectures. For the students, it is important to be physically present at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Uppsala, Sweden, for the practical and bioinformatics analysis (at about 2 weeks).

Responsible department

Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare