Functional Genomics Theory

The course provides technical insight and understanding of methods utilised to perform functional genomics studies. The concept of functional genomics is introduced and a key component of the course is developing an understanding of how the methods introduced can be combined in studies aiming to identify the function of genes and how a genome functions. Topics covered include methods to sequence genome, assay gene, metabolite and protein abundance and to profile epigenetic modifications. Concepts in data quality control and statistical analysis are introduced. Integrative approaches to understanding gene function and associating genes or genomic polymorphisms to phenotypes are explained, including systems genetics and co-expression network analyses. The course includes details of methods for validation studies in addition to considering potential ethical implications of the knowledge obtained from functional genomics studies.