In recent years, following the sequencing of the human genome and many livestock and pathogen genomes alike, we have witnessed the development of genomic and proteomic “post-genomic” technologies that have shown significant promise in the fight against infectious diseases in developing countries.
Genomics aims to sequence, assemble, and analyze the function and structure of genomes (the complete set of DNA of an organism) while Proteomics is the large-scale study of the proteome; the complete set of proteins within an organism, particularly the protein structures and functions.
These tools are enabling the discovery of novel molecular targets (biomarkers) suitable for point-of-care (POC) diagnostics, improved design of vaccines and drugs with improved immunogenicity, efficacy and safety in a local context, according to the circulating pathogenic strains and the genetic background of the population to be immunized or treated.
This module has a general objective to improve student’s ability to infer the relevance of post-genomic tools in the study and control of infectious diseases.
At the end of the module the student should be able to:
1. Define the set of available post-genomic technologies and explain their application in disease monitoring and control (DNA sequencing, functional genomics, DNA Microarrays, RNA sequencing, mass spectrometry, expression and purification of recombinant proteins);
2. Analyse the specific benefits and applicability of each technology in a specific context and infer their relevance to solve specific problems (e.g. the discovery of early biomarkers of disease and their translation into easy to use point-of-care diagnostic tools);
3. Develop an experimental protocol using genomic and proteomic tools, related to an infectious disease;
4. Critically discuss and communicate published research.
Accredited as a TropEd advanced course
Coordinator
Credits
2 ECTS
Number of places
30
Start date: January 25, 2018
End date: March 8, 2018
Schedule: 1.30 pm to 8 pm
Applications
To announce
Prerequisites:
Students must be proficient (write, listen, read and speak) in English.
Level of English proficiency expected: TOEFL test score 213 computer-based or 550 paper-based or 79-80 internet-based or IELTS band 6.0.
– Students must have a degree in life sciences or similar.
