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636-0101-00L 4 Credits DR , MSC D-INFK , D-BSSE

Systems Genomics

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Christian Beisel, Prof. Dr. Barbara Treutlein, Dr. Zhisong He
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:32

Abstract

This course is an introduction to the wide field of Genomics. It addresses how fundamental questions in biological systems are studied using methods in genomics and how the resulting data is analysed to make quantitative interpretations of biological phenomena.

Objective

The goal of this course is to get detailed insights in how state-of-the-art DNA sequencing technologies can be applied for a qualitative and quantitative description of molecular and cellular processes and function. Students will learn how to analyse RNA-seq / transcriptomics data and make biological interpretations in a quantitative manner.

Content

This course will be a mix of lecture sessions, hands-on computational data analysis using public datasets and seminars discussing own results in the context of the published studies. In the lectures we will introduce current Next-Generation Sequencing technologies and their application to address basically all facets of modern biology and biomedical research. We will cover the major sample processing methods used for investigating functional genomic aspects like transcriptome and chromatin profiling, review recent advances in (cancer) genome sequencing and give an overview of public big data sequencing projects (ENCODE, GTEX, TCGA, ...). For the computational data analysis we will focus on differential gene expression profiling (RNA-seq) experiments that have been selected from fascinating published biological studies. Data analysis based on R will follow a detailed tutorial describing all required steps of sequence read processing and will be conducted in small groups to enable every student hands-on experience.

Resources

Lecture Notes

The PowerPoint presentations of the lectures as well as other course material relevant for an active participation will be made available online.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 90 minutes
Aids
None
Students will hold a presentation in groups, which will amount to 50% of the final grade.The exam will amount to 50% of the final grade.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Systems Genomics
Lecture: Wednesday 11-13h Tutorial: Thursday, 8-9h Attention: the course starts in the second week of the semester. Lecture and tutorial will be held on-site with streaming via Zoom.
No time listed 3 h weekly

Offered In