Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Unit Catalogue 2010/11 |
BB30169: Concepts in systems biology |
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Honours |
| Period: | This unit is available in... |
| Semester 2 |
| Assessment:
| CW 50%, EX 35%, OT 15% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| |
| Description:
| Aims: Systems biology is widely considered to be one of the most promising fields of scientific inquiry. But, what is it exactly? Does it reveal basic patterns of nature that are not evident through traditional experimentation? This course will evaluate the utility of the systems biology approach. We will consider how systems biology is defined, the variety of ways it is conducted, and how it informs us about the fabric of nature. Learning Outcomes: After taking this course the student should be able to: * define systems biology; * outline the general principles and approaches used in systems biology; * describe in detail a number of examples of systems biology in fields ranging from landscape ecology to biochemistry; * describe and explain how systems biology differs from traditional biology; * identify what types of biological questions are well suited for the approaches used in systems biology. Skills: Learning and studying T/F/A, Written communication T/F/A, Oral communication T/F, Information handling & retrieval T/F/A, Working independently T/F. Content: The course will examine how systems biology is conducted in a number of fields, including conservation biology, ecology, population biology, physiology, epidemiology, genetics, molecular genetics, proteomics, bioinformatics, and biochemistry. We will read primary research articles and short reviews for each component of the course. The lectures will cover the methods used in systems biology and how networks are described using maths. The lectures will emphasize how the function of systems depends on how the individual parts of each system work together. |