Module Aims
This module aims to provide students with a critical understanding of the applications of microbial genome sequences. The main emphasis will be to develop an understanding of how genomics, in both hospital and community settings, significantly contributes to our knowledge of infectious disease biology for public health investigations and disease control.
Module Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Compare and contrast the various technologies available for sequencing different organisms
- Illustrate, using examples, how genomics has contributed to outbreak investigation and control
- Understand how to apply principles of genomics to diagnostics, surveillance vaccine development and antimicrobial resistance
- Consider how the use of genomics may develop further e.g. one health genomics
Pre-requisites
There are no knowledge pre-requisites for this module as this is a rapidly changing area. Although some prior knowledge of the basic cell biology of microorganisms and structure of bacterial and viral genomes would be useful, this will be quickly reviewed at the start of the course.
Teaching Strategy
The module will be delivered using a combination of lectures, workshops, small-group exercises, and class discussions. Reading may be required prior to some sessions.
Assessment
Take home assignment, applying genomic principles to data from a published research study, and to a given outbreak scenario.
Module Length
4 days