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BB30169: Concepts in systems biology

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2015/6
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 2
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: CW 50%, EX 35%, OT 15%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework (CW 50%)
  • Test (OT 15%)
  • Examination (EX 35%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: Before taking this module you must take BB20028
Further information on descriptions 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.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

BB30169 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry
  • USBB-AFB02 : BSc(Hons) Biochemistry (Year 3)
  • USBB-AKB06 : BSc(Hons) Biochemistry with Professional Placement (Year 4)
  • USBB-AFB03 : BSc(Hons) Biology (Year 3)
  • USBB-AKB07 : BSc(Hons) Biology with Professional Placement (Year 4)
  • USBB-AFB05 : BSc(Hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology (Year 3)
  • USBB-AKB08 : BSc(Hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology with Professional Placement (Year 4)
Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFB01 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences (Year 3)
  • UXXX-AAB02 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences with Study year abroad (Year 4)
  • UXXX-AKB02 : BSc(Hons) Natural Sciences with Year long work placement (Year 4)
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences (Year 3)
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences with Professional Placement (Year 4)
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci(Hons) Natural Sciences with Study year abroad (Year 4)
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2015/16 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2016/17 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2015/16.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.