Overview
Low-cost DNA sequencing technology has generated tremendous numbers of bacterial genome sequences, creating a bottleneck in researchers’ ability to understand and integrate this information. This three-credit course covers fundamental aspects of microbial genomics. You will learn how to sequence DNA, assemble and annotate genomes, and examine the many applications of genomics to further your understanding of genomes and species. You will also explore the biotechnology potential of synthetic biology or genome engineering.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to
- describe how bacterial genes and genomes are sequenced, assembled, and annotated.
- recover genome sequence files from various databases.
- perform genome analyses and comparisons between multiple genomes.
- design genome-level experiments to provide a systems biology perspective.
- explain how genomics is applied to identify complex bacterial communities.
- synthesize the evolutionary forces and their effect in shaping bacterial genomes and species.
- evaluate and employ the methods to identify bacterial promoters and regulons.
- appraise the potential benefits of microbial genomics applications.
- critique the ethical and biosafety implications of bacterial genomics technologies.
- read and evaluate primary research articles in the field of microbial genomics.
Evaluation
To receive credit for BIOL 520, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least B– (70 percent) and complete all assignments, the final project, and the final exam.
The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignments 1–4 (12.5% each) | 50% |
| Final project | 25% |
| Final exam | 25% |
| Total | 100% |
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
Materials
Links to all course materials will be made available in the course.