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BB30169: Concepts in systems biology

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2012/3
Follow this link for further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Biology & Biochemistry
Follow this link for further information on credits Credits: 6
Follow this link for further information on unit levels Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Follow this link for further information on period slots Period: Semester 2
Follow this link for further information on unit assessment Assessment: CW 50%, EX 35%, OT 15%
Follow this link for further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Follow this link for further information on unit rules Requisites:
Follow this link for further information on unit content 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.
Follow this link for further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

BB30169 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Biology & Biochemistry
  • USBB-AFB02 : BSc (hons) Biochemistry (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USBB-AKB06 : BSc (hons) Biochemistry with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • USBB-AFB03 : BSc (hons) Biology (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USBB-AKB07 : BSc (hons) Biology with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • USBB-AFB05 : BSc (hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USBB-AKB08 : BSc (hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • USBB-AKM05 : MBiol (hons) Molecular and Cellular Biology (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFB01 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences (Full-time) - Year 3
  • UXXX-AKB02 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences with Industrial Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • UXXX-AAB02 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 4
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences (Full-time) - Year 3
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 4
Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2012/13 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2013/14 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2012/13.
* 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.