Unit information: Genomic Data Science in 2021/22

Unit name	Genomic Data Science
Unit code	SSCM30005
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Professor. Gibran Hemani
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	This is part of an intercalated BSc for Medical, Veterinary or Dental students
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Bristol Medical School
Faculty	Faculty of Health Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

Having been introduced to the landscape of molecular characteristics of the cell over the course of Unit 1, we now focus on how those characteristics differ between people in the population. In particular, we will learn how to infer the extent to which variation is due to genetic difference; how to identify specific positions in the genome that influence different diseases and complex traits; and how these findings can be exploited. Essential programming and data analysis skills will be taught throughout the unit to re-enforce these messages and to equip the students for practical work for subsequent modules and projects.

Intended Learning Outcomes

1. Interpret heritability estimates and recall the heritability estimates of some key phenotypes
2. Discuss the core objectives of genome wide association studies and critically evaluate this study design
3. Perform genome wide association studies on large scale population genetic data
4. Interpret genetic association using a range of bioinformatic tools
5. Critically evaluate the features and applications of different types of genetic data capture
6. Apply Linux command line tools and the R programming language for basic data analysis

Teaching Information

Methods of Teaching

This unit will adopt a blended learning approach, including a mix of interactive synchronous and asynchronous sessions. Where practical this will include some on-campus teaching, but all material will also be available for online learning.

Student input

20 hours scheduled activities, 20 hours independent coursework, a proportion of an end-of-programme assessment, 150 hours independent study

Assessment Information

50% of the unit is assessed through an end of year assessment.

50% of the unit is assessed through a summative in-unit project.

There will be one formative assessment prior to the summative coursework.

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. SSCM30005).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.