Phenotypic Plasticity: Epigenetics and the Environment |

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Phenotypic Plasticity: Epigenetics and the Environment | Final Syllabus Epigenetics and the Environment Spring 2017, Tuesdays and Fridays, 8.30-9.50, V10-A32 Instructor: Kristine Freude, Associate Professor MSc at Robert Koch Institute and Free University, Berlin, Germany, in 2001 working with Mycobacteria. PhD at Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics and Free University, Berlin, Germany in Human Genetics (2005). Postdoctoral Research Fellow at UC Irvine, CA, USA (2005-2011) Pancreas development and human neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease. Postdoctoral Researcher (2012-2014) University Copenhagen working with iPSC and stem cell models for neurodegenerative diseases. Assistant Professor (2014-2015) University Copenhagen Stem cell models for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. Associate Professor (2015-present) University Copenhagen Stem cell models for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. My work includes basic research using neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells to develop in vitro disease models and identify novel disease mechanisms as well as overlapping pharmaceutical targets amongst neurodegenerative diseases. DIS Contacts Lisbeth Borbye, Program Director Susana Dietrich, Assistant Program Director Ryan Polito, Program Assistant Science & Health Program Office, Vestergade 10-B12 Prerequisite: One year of biology and one year of chemistry at university level, including one semester of genetics. Course Description Epigenetic modifications are one of the main mechanisms underlying the phenomenon by which organisms alter gene expression and phenotypic characteristics in response to environmental conditions. This course will look at how the environment imparts its influence on developmental mechanisms to allow for these phenotypic changes through intersecting developmental biology, ecology, and evolution. Aspects related to symbiosis, teratology and the epigenetic origin of adult diseases will also be addressed. Learning Objectives To understand the concepts that integrate phenotypic plasticity, the environment, evolution and development. To learn the ability to evaluate and criticize experimental evidence in scientific papers. To be able to incorporate scientific knowledge into a broader framework. To be able to develop and present a feasible theoretical hypothesis/experiment regarding ecological developmental biology. Epigenetics and the Environment | DIS 1 Final Syllabus Description of Assignments, Testing and Grading Evaluation To be eligible for a passing grade in this class all of the assigned work must be completed. The factors influencing the final grade and their weights are reported in the following table: Class participation 10% Oral presentations at journal clubs 10% Test 1 20% Test 2 20% Test 3 20% Written project 15% Grant proposal Oral presentation 5% Class participation covers the following areas: 1. Attendance and level of preparation 2. Contribution to class discussions, journal clubs and field studies Class participation is an important part of this course and to receive full credit students should be present at all the scheduled classes and actively participate. Journal clubs Journal clubs are presentations followed by discussions that will be organized throughout the course to analyze certain thematic areas in depth. Journal clubs are occasions for group work, class discussion, and development of presentation skills; furthermore, they serve as an exercise for critical thinking and reading. The papers presented during the Journal Club are related to the preceding lesson. The presenting group of the week will have to prepare a presentation. The rest of the class should read the paper as well and prepare one or two questions for the class discussion. The presentation should have a logical and clear structure and provide relevant information on the background, methods, conclusions, and future perspectives of the presented work. The original data reported in the paper should be presented and discussed in a clear way. Tests Three tests will be given during the course, each following one of the three thematic sections addressed in the course. The tests will cover the information taught in that section during the lessons, presented and discussed at journal clubs, and by guest lecturers. Each test is held in class and takes 60 minutes. Epigenetics and the Environment | DIS 2 Final Syllabus Grant proposal As part of the course you will prepare a Grant Proposal (individually or in small groups). The purpose of the grant proposal is to learn and practice how to design, write, and present a project proposal to receive funding. It aims to develop the students’ ability to think and formulate theoretical hypotheses/experiments and new research initiatives regarding ecological developmental biology. Furthermore, it is an exercise of clear communication targeted at a scientific audience often involved in evaluation committees. Further descriptions will be given during the course. The grant proposal assignment consists of a written and an oral part. The topic area and a draft of the proposal have to be submitted to the teacher by 23:00 on March 17. The final grant proposal consists of a written assignment and a 10 min power point presentation. The written assignment is due by 23:00 on December 2. The student presentations take place on December 6 or 9. The aim of the presentation is to develop the students’ ability to give scientific talks and to present their own ideas . Disability resources Any student who has a need for disability accommodations should contact the office of academic support to coordinate this. Upon DIS approval, students should inform the instructor of accommodations within the first 2 weeks of class. Academic Honesty DIS expects that students abide by the highest standards of intellectual honesty in all academic work. DIS assumes that all students do their own work and credit all work or thought taken from others. Academic dishonesty will result in a final course grade of “F” and can result in dismissal. The students’ home universities will be notified. DIS reserves the right to request that written student assignments be turned in electronic form for submission to plagiarism detection software. See the Academic Handbook for more information, or ask your instructor if you have questions. Laptop policy Use of laptop computers in class is not allowed. Cell phones and other electronic devices should be turned off and stored away. Office Hours The instructors have no set office hours, but you may contact them or the Program Assistant Ryan Polito (Science & Health Program Office Vestergade 10- B12) with any questions or to schedule an appointment. Attendance You are expected to attend all DIS classes and activities when scheduled, and we will actively monit or attendance. Absences will jeopardize your grade and your standing at DIS. Allowances will be made in cases of illness, but you will need to email your instructor in advance. If you miss multiple classes the Director of Academic Support, and the Director of Student Affairs will be notified and they will follow-up with you to make sure that all is well. Epigenetics and the Environment | DIS 3 Final Syllabus Field Studies This course will be accompanied by field studies. The purpose of the field studies is to present active research projects and technologies, to connect course topics to experimental studies, and to serve as inspiration for the grant proposal assignment. Field studies are typically a half-day excursion. Two field studies will take place during the semester. Field Study Dates: Wednesday January 25, 13:00-17:00 Biotech Research and Innovation Center “BRIC”. Helin Group Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 København N Wednesday March 29, 8:30-12:30 Danish Stem Cell Center, University Copenhagen Guest Lecturer - Cathy Mitchelmore, Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University More info: http://forskning.ruc.dk/site/en/persons/cathy-mitchelmore(4eb5bfdc-7338-4ac2-8691- b374312dd365).html - Philip Seymour, “The Danish Stem Cell Center”, Copenhagen University. More info: http://danstem.ku.dk/people/?pure=en/persons/439072 - Karl Aggar, “BRIC” more info: http://www.bric.ku.dk/staff/Helin_Group/?pure=en/persons/158536 Literature Gilbert, Scott F., and David Epel. Ecological Developmental Biology: Integrating Epigenetics, Medicine, and Evolution. Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates, 2009. Print. Extra material posted on Canvas Canvas Canvas is a web-based system that allows you to access course resources and communicate with your classmates and faculty. To access Canvas, you can go to the DIS homepage and click the ‘Canvas’ link on the bottom of the website, or go to: https://canvas.disabroad.org/login/canvas. You can also download the Canvas App (By: Instructure) on iPhone and Android mobile smart phones. Epigenetics and the Environment | DIS 4 Final Syllabus COURSE OVERVIEW January Date Day Lecture # Topic Readings Part I: The environment and normal development 20 Friday 1 Introduction to the course Syllabus Description of the exams, evaluation, reading assignments and the journal club assignments. Introduction to the basic notions of the course: Chapter 1 of o The environment as an agent in producing Gilbert phenotypes Page 3-32 o What is epigenetics? o What is phenotypic plasticity? 24 Tuesday 2 Environmental Control of Development at the Chapter 2 of Molecular Level: Gilbert o Regulation of gene expression Page o Epigenetic modifications
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