BL4226 Chromatin and Genome Stability

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Not automatically available to General Degree students

Planned timetable

To be arranged

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr H C Ferreira

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr H Ferreira

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module will introduce the fundamental concepts of chromatin structure and function and how this affects genome stability. DNA repair and telomere maintenance are perhaps the most significant factors affecting genome stability and these processes are central to the understanding of cancer cell biology. Indeed, most existing anti-cancer agents induce DNA damage and current efforts to target chromatin factors therapeutically are showing promise. You will have the opportunity to independently research and present seminars on the applied biology of chromatin and DNA repair within model organisms such as budding yeast, Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster. Students will also have the opportunity to engage in research debates on topics at the forefront of modern cancer biology. Importantly, you will be expected to design and defend a research proposal that addresses an unsolved question of your choice within the field of genome stability.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS BL3302

Anti-requisites

YOU CANNOT TAKE THIS MODULE IF YOU TAKE BL5421

Assessment pattern

100% Coursework

Re-assessment

100% Coursework

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 x 2-hour seminar (x 11 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

22

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

146

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.