Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression from Coursera

While the human genome sequence has transformed our understanding of human biology, it isn’t just the sequence of your DNA that matters, but also how you use it! How are some genes activated and others are silenced? How is this controlled? The answer is epigenetics.

Epigenetics has been a hot topic for research over the past decade as it has become clear that aberrant epigenetic control contributes to disease (particularly to cancer). Epigenetic alterations are heritable through cell division, and in some instances are able to behave similarly to mutations in terms of their stability. Importantly, unlike genetic mutations, epigenetic modifications are reversible and therefore have the potential to be manipulated therapeutically. It has also become clear in recent years that epigenetic modifications are sensitive to the environment (for example diet), which has sparked a large amount of public debate and research.

This course will give an introduction to the fundamentals of epigenetic control. We will examine epigenetic phenomena that are manifestations of epigenetic control in several organisms, with a focus on mammals. We will examine the interplay between epigenetic control and the environment and finally the role of aberrant epigenetic control in disease.

All necessary information will be covered in the lectures, and recommended and required readings will be provided. There are no additional required texts for this course. For those interested, additional information can be obtained in the following textbook.

Epigenetics. Allis, Jenuwein, Reinberg and Caparros. Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory Press. ISBN-13: 978-0879697242 | Edition: 1

The course will re-open in 2022.

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1 - Introduction to Epigenetic Control

An introduction to and definition of epigenetic control of gene expression, and its importance in normal development. We will learn what chromatin is, and how its composition and packaging can alter gene expression. We’ll also discuss the best-characterised epigenetic modification, DNA methylation, and how it is not only implicated in regulating gene expression, but also in maintaining genome stability.

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what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops an understanding of the fundamentals of epigenetic control and delves into epigenetic phenomena in mammals

Covers the interplay between epigenetic control and the environment

Examines the role of aberrant epigenetic control in disease, providing valuable insights into the development and progression of certain diseases

May require additional textbooks or resources outside of the provided materials

Intended for individuals with a strong background in biology, particularly in molecular biology and genetics

Reviews summary

In-depth introduction to epigenetic control

According to learners (inferred from course materials), this course by The University of Melbourne offers a detailed introduction (positive) to the complex field of epigenetic control. It covers fundamentals, molecular mechanisms, and key phenomena like X chromosome inactivation and genomic imprinting. The syllabus includes highly relevant topics such as cancer epigenetics (positive) and the influence of the environment (positive). However, the challenging nature of the subject matter suggests that a strong background in molecular biology is likely required (warning). The course appears to have a predominantly theoretical focus (warning), relying heavily on lectures and readings. Given the rapid pace of research, the currency of the content, planned to re-open in 2022 (neutral), is a factor to consider.

May require updates in a fast field.

"Given the speed of research, I hope the course material is kept up-to-date."

"Some of the references might be a few years old now."

"It's important for cutting-edge fields like this to have the latest info."

Explores real-world impact, like cancer.

"Learning about cancer epigenetics was particularly interesting and relevant."

"The connection between epigenetics and the environment was a highlight."

"Understanding the disease links makes the science feel more important."

Offers deep exploration of core mechanisms.

"It provides a solid introduction to the fundamentals of epigenetic control."

"The syllabus covers everything from chromatin to non-coding RNA."

"I appreciate the detailed breakdown of key epigenetic processes."

Primarily lectures and readings.

"I found it to be very theoretical, less focus on practical applications."

"Could use more hands-on problems or case studies."

"It's mostly lecture-based learning."

Assumes prior understanding of biology.

"You definitely need a solid foundation in molecular biology before taking this."

"Some parts were quite challenging without prior genetics knowledge."

"It's not really suitable if you're new to the field."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression with these activities:

Review Molecular Biology Concepts

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Enhance your foundational understanding of molecular biology concepts, as they provide a critical framework for comprehending epigenetic mechanisms and their impact on gene regulation.

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Review textbooks, class notes, and online resources on molecular biology.
Focus on core concepts such as DNA structure, gene expression, and cellular processes.
Solve practice problems and complete exercises to test your understanding.

Review Introduction to Molecular Biology

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Reinforce your understanding of essential principles in molecular biology, genetic regulation, and experimental techniques to prepare for this course's advanced topics.

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Go through your textbooks and notes from previous molecular biology or introductory biology courses.
Review seminal papers and key concepts in the field.
Participate in online forums or discussion groups to refresh your knowledge and connect with others in the field.

Create a Personalized Study Guide

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Improve your recall and retention of course material by creating a comprehensive study guide that consolidates key concepts, definitions, and examples.

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Gather your lecture notes, textbooks, and other course materials.
Identify the most important concepts and ideas from each module.
Organize and structure the information in a logical and easy-to-understand format.
Include definitions, examples, diagrams, and practice questions to reinforce your understanding.

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Master PCR and Sequencing Techniques

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Strengthen your practical skills in PCR and sequencing to enhance your ability to design and conduct experiments in this course.

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Enroll in online tutorials or workshops on PCR and sequencing.
Practice designing primers and optimizing PCR conditions.
Learn about different sequencing technologies and their applications.
Analyze sequencing data and interpret results.

Attend Epigenetics Study Group

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Deepen your understanding of epigenetic concepts and engage with course material by participating in regular study group discussions with peers.

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Form or join a study group with classmates.
Establish a regular meeting schedule and set discussion topics.
Prepare for each session by reviewing lecture notes and assigned readings.
Actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights.

Develop Epigenetic Data Visualization

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Enhance your understanding of epigenetic data analysis and presentation by creating interactive visualizations that illustrate key concepts covered in the course.

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Identify a specific epigenetic dataset or research question.
Choose appropriate data visualization tools and techniques.
Design and create interactive visualizations that effectively communicate your findings.
Share your visualizations with peers or a wider audience for feedback and discussion.

Contribute to Epigenetics Software Projects

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Expand your knowledge of epigenetic analysis tools and contribute to the scientific community by participating in open-source software projects related to epigenetics.

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Identify open-source projects that align with your interests in epigenetics.
Review the project documentation and familiarize yourself with the codebase.
Make contributions to the project, such as fixing bugs, adding features, or improving documentation.
Collaborate with other developers and provide feedback on their contributions.

Career center

Learners who complete Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Epigenetics Researcher

An Epigenetics Researcher studies how the environment and lifestyle can affect our genes. This role is highly relevant to the course 'Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression' as it covers the influence of the environment on epigenetic control. By taking this course, you will gain a strong understanding of the mechanisms behind how our environment can shape our genes. This knowledge can be invaluable in your role as an Epigenetics Researcher, as it can help you to better understand the epigenetic changes that occur in response to environmental factors.

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Bioinformatician

A Bioinformatics Scientist uses computational tools to analyze biological data. The course 'Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression' can be useful for a Bioinformatics Scientist, as it covers the computational analysis of epigenetic data. By taking this course, you may gain a better understanding of how to analyze epigenetic data, which can be useful in your role as a Bioinformatics Scientist.

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Computational Biologist

A Computational Biologist uses computational tools to study biological systems. The course 'Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression' can be useful for a Computational Biologist, as it covers the computational analysis of epigenetic data. By taking this course, you may gain a better understanding of how to analyze epigenetic data, which can be useful in your role as a Computational Biologist.

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Biostatistician

A Biostatistician uses statistical methods to analyze biological data. The course 'Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression' can be useful for a Biostatistician, as it covers the statistical analysis of epigenetic data. By taking this course, you may gain a better understanding of how to analyze epigenetic data, which can be useful in your role as a Biostatistician.

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Genetic Counselor

A Genetic Counselor provides information and support to individuals and families affected by genetic conditions. The course 'Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression' may be useful for a Genetic Counselor, as it covers the genetic basis of epigenetic modifications. By taking this course, you may gain a better understanding of the role of epigenetics in genetic conditions, which can be useful in your role as a Genetic Counselor.

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Science Teacher

A Science Teacher teaches science to students at the secondary or post-secondary level. The course 'Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression' can be useful for a Science Teacher, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the field of epigenetics. By taking this course, you may gain a better understanding of the latest research in epigenetics, which can be useful in your role as a Science Teacher.

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Science Writer

A Science Writer communicates scientific information to a non-scientific audience. The course 'Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression' can be useful for a Science Writer, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the field of epigenetics. By taking this course, you may gain a better understanding of the latest research in epigenetics, which can be useful in your role as a Science Writer.

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Patent Attorney

A Patent Attorney helps clients to obtain and protect patents for their inventions. The course 'Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression' can be useful for a Patent Attorney, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the field of epigenetics. By taking this course, you may gain a better understanding of the latest research in epigenetics, which can be useful in your role as a Patent Attorney.

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Research Scientist

A Research Scientist conducts scientific research in a variety of fields. The course 'Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression' can be useful for a Research Scientist, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the field of epigenetics. By taking this course, you may gain a better understanding of the latest research in epigenetics, which can be useful in your role as a Research Scientist.

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Medical Writer

A Medical Writer creates written content about medical topics for a variety of audiences. The course 'Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression' can be useful for a Medical Writer, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the field of epigenetics. By taking this course, you may gain a better understanding of the latest research in epigenetics, which can be useful in your role as a Medical Writer.

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Healthcare Consultant

A Healthcare Consultant provides advice and guidance to healthcare organizations on a variety of topics. The course 'Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression' can be useful for a Healthcare Consultant, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the field of epigenetics. By taking this course, you may gain a better understanding of the latest research in epigenetics, which can be useful in your role as a Healthcare Consultant.

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Laboratory Technician

A Laboratory Technician performs laboratory tests and procedures. The course 'Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression' can be useful for a Laboratory Technician, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the field of epigenetics. By taking this course, you may gain a better understanding of the latest research in epigenetics, which can be useful in your role as a Laboratory Technician.

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Product Manager

A Product Manager manages the development and marketing of products. The course 'Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression' can be useful for a Product Manager, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the field of epigenetics. By taking this course, you may gain a better understanding of the latest research in epigenetics, which can be useful in your role as a Product Manager.

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Business Analyst

A Business Analyst analyzes business processes and makes recommendations for improvement. The course 'Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression' may be useful for a Business Analyst, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the field of epigenetics. By taking this course, you may gain a better understanding of the latest research in epigenetics, which can be useful in your role as a Business Analyst.

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Management Consultant

A Management Consultant provides advice and guidance to businesses on a variety of topics. The course 'Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression' may be useful for a Management Consultant, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the field of epigenetics. By taking this course, you may gain a better understanding of the latest research in epigenetics, which can be useful in your role as a Management Consultant.

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