• Home
• Study
• Study Information
• Modules
• Module Information

The Genome: Applications, Evolution and Ecology

Module description

Diverse biological topics including conservation, ecology, evolution, and biomedical sciences increasingly involve genomic aspects. Consequently, a large proportion of careers in biology now require some understanding of genomics, for applications ranging from the design of conservation plans for vulnerable species, or the use of environmental DNA for biodiversity assessment, to the elucidation of the genetic bases of phenotypic traits. More generally, the development of powerful new genomic technologies poses major ethical questions for society, such as: Should we engage in human genome editing, and if so where should we draw the line? Should we attempt to bring back extinct species such as the dodo, woolly mammoth, or even the dinosaurs? Should we use genomics to guide healthcare and personalised medicine, and how freely available should our own genetic data be? This module will explore understanding of the genome and current genomic approaches, with a focus on real-world applications and recent case studies from across the biosciences. It will also consider the implications of new genomic technologies for science and society more generally. No pre-requisites are required and the module does not assume any existing understanding of genomics or genetics.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to provide a broad overview of the genome and current genomic approaches, with a focus on real-world applications. We will consider the biology of the genome and how this varies across taxa. For example, did you know that selfish genetic elements compose about two thirds of your genome? We will examine the history and development of major genome sequencing projects such as the Human Genome Project, the Darwin Tree of Life Project, and the Earth BioGenome Project, which seek to sequence all eukaryotic species in the UK and the world, respectively. We will also consider the range of genomic technologies available and their applications. A major focus will be on cutting-edge case studies involving the use of genomic approaches for hot topics in conservation biology, biodiversity assessment, ecology, evolution, and health.

The module will involve a range of learning activities including lectures, guest lectures, discussions and debates. These will be aimed at providing students with a comprehensive understanding of current genomic approaches used in applied fields as well as research. Consequently, the module will enhance employability across the increasingly wide range of careers, and areas of postgraduate study, that include an awareness of genomics-facing aspects. The module will contain interactions with primary research, the development of critical thinking skills, and problem solving regarding the application of different genomic technologies and their connotations. Discussions on the use of new genomic methods will also challenge students to consider the ethical and societal consequences of rapid technological development, in a world where big data, bioinformatics, and genomics are exerting increasingly significant and far-reaching influences.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. Describe the biology of the genome and how it varies
• 2. Outline the history and development of genome sequencing
• 3. Compare different genomic methods and their applications
• 4. Explain genomic approaches in conservation biology, ecology, evolution, and health
• 5. Discuss the implications of new genomic technologies and the ethical issues that they raise

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 6. Analyse and evaluate a range of research-informed literature and synthesise examples from the literature into written work
• 7. Identify appropriate methodologies and theories for solving a range of complex problems in biosciences using genomic approaches
• 8. Evaluate established techniques of analysis, practical investigation, and enquiry within genomics
• 9. Describe and evaluate in detail approaches to our understanding of genomics with reference to primary literature, reviews and research articles

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 10. Devise and sustain a logical and reasoned argument with sound, convincing conclusions
• 11. Communicate effectively arguments, evidence and conclusions, using a variety of formats in a manner appropriate to the intended audience
• 12. Analyse and evaluate appropriate data and complete a range of research-like tasks
• 13. Evaluate own strengths and weaknesses in relation to graduate-level professional and practical skills, and act autonomously to develop new areas of skills as necessary
• 14. Work in a small team and deal proficiently with the issues that teamwork requires (i.e. communication, motivation, decision-making, awareness, responsibility, and management skills, including setting and working to deadlines)

Syllabus plan

The module will be delivered via face-to-face lectures, debates, discussions, and online content.

The module will start by considering necessary background understanding in genome biology, such as the composition and organisation of the genome and how this varies among organisms, the history and development of the field of genomics, genome integrity, and genome regulation including epigenetics. Following this, the module will focus on cutting-edge genomics applications in the fields of conservation biology, biodiversity assessment, ecology, evolution, health and agriculture, considering a range of recent case studies demonstrating how genomic methods have been used.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to sit a further examination. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will count for 100% of the final mark and will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

A reading list will be provided for each lecture on ELE, consisting of papers from the peer reviewed literature, and other sources.

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

ELE – https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Key words search

Genomics, genome, genetic, sequencing, eDNA, biodiversity, conservation, ecology, evolution