Course Syllabus
Epigenetics and the Impact on Health and Disease |
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| Semester & Location: |
Spring 2024 - DIS Copenhagen |
| Type & Credits: |
Elective Course - 3 credits |
| Major Disciplines: |
Biology, Biomedicine / Biotechnology, Pre-Medicine / Health Science |
| Prerequisites: |
One year each of biology and chemistry at university level. |
| Faculty Member: |
Kristine Freude (current students please use the canvas inbox to contact) |
| Program contact: |
Science and Health Department |
| Program Director: | Susana Dietrich |
| Time & Place: |
Tuesdays and Fridays, 8:30 – 9:50 in N7-B12 |
Faculty
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Kristine Freude, Professor in Cell Biology and Biochemistry at the University of Copenhagen MSc at Robert Koch Institute and Free University, Berlin, Germany, in 2001 working with Mycobacteria. PhD at Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics and Free University, Berlin, Germany in Human Genetics (2005). Postdoctoral Research Fellow at UC Irvine, CA, USA (2005-2011). Postdoctoral Researcher (2012-2014), Assistant Professor (2014-2015), Associate Professor (2015-2021) and Professor since 2022 at University Copenhagen. With DIS since 2016. linkedin.com/in/kristine-freude-96502112 https://ivh.ku.dk/english/research/pathobiological-sciences/freude-group/ |
Course Description
Epigenetic modifications are central to gene expression modifications relevant for development and ageing of an organism. Moreover, these epigenetic changes have recently gained attention as trigger and facilitators of various diseases. In this course we will look at epigenetic mechanisms on a molecular and cellular level as well as investigate their roles in common human diseases.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- To understand the concepts of epigenetics contributing to various human diseases.
- To learn the ability to evaluate and criticize experimental evidence in scientific papers.
- To be able to incorporate scientific knowledge into a broader framework.
- To be able to develop and present a feasible theoretical hypothesis/experiment regarding epigenetic contribution to a given pathology.
Description of Assignments, Testing and Grading
Evaluation
To be eligible for a passing grade in this class all of the assigned work must be completed.
The factors influencing the final grade and their weights are reported in the following table:
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Class participation |
15% |
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Oral presentations at journal clubs |
15% |
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Test 1 |
20% |
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Test 2 |
20% |
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Grant proposal |
Written project |
20% |
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Oral presentation |
10% |
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Class participation covers the following areas:
- Attendance and level of preparation
- Contribution to class discussions, journal clubs and field studies
Class participation is an important part of this course and to receive full credit students should be present at all the scheduled classes and actively participate.
Journal Clubs
Journal clubs are presentations followed by discussions that will be organized throughout the course to analyze certain thematic areas in depth.
Journal clubs are occasions for group work, class discussion, and development of presentation skills; furthermore, they serve as an exercise for critical thinking and reading.
The papers presented during the Journal Club are related to the preceding lesson. The presenting group of the week will have to prepare a presentation. The rest of the class should read the paper as well and prepare one or two questions for the class discussion.
The presentation should have a logical and clear structure and provide relevant information on the background, methods, conclusions, and future perspectives of the presented work. The original data reported in the paper should be presented and discussed in a clear way.
Tests
Two tests will be given during the course, each following one of the three thematic sections addressed in the course. The tests will cover the information taught in that section during the lessons, presented and discussed at journal clubs, and by guest lecturers. Each test is held online, open book and takes 80 minutes.
Grant Proposal
As part of the course you will prepare a Grant Proposal in small groups (max 3). The purpose of the grant proposal is to learn and practice how to design, write, and present a project proposal to receive funding. It aims to develop the students’ ability to think and formulate theoretical hypotheses/experiments and new research initiatives regarding ecological developmental biology. Furthermore, it is an exercise of clear communication targeted at a scientific audience often involved in evaluation committees. Further descriptions will be given during the course.
The grant proposal assignment consists of a written and an oral part. The topic area and a draft of the proposal have to be submitted to the teacher. The final grant proposal consists of a written assignment and a 10 min power point presentation. The aim of the presentation is to develop the students’ ability to give scientific talks and to present their own ideas.
Field Studies
This course will be accompanied by field studies. The purpose of the field studies is to present active research projects and technologies, to connect course topics to experimental studies, and to serve as inspiration for the grant proposal assignment. Field studies are typically a half-day excursion.
Two field studies will take place during the semester.
Required Readings
- Carsten Carlberg & Ferdinand Molnar: Human Epigenetics: How Science works (available in the DIS library)
- Extra material posted on Canvas
Policies
Laptop policy
Use of laptop computers in class is limited and only allowed for taking notes and ad hoc research within the class discussions and exercises. Cell phones and other electronic devices should be turned off and stored away.
AI, such as ChatGTP, can only be used under defined circumstances in the classroom and not for home assignments or online exams.
Academic Regulations
Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on:
DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
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