Course Details

Course Information
SemesterCourse Unit CodeCourse Unit TitleT+P+LCreditNumber of ECTS CreditsLast Updated Date
5MBG428EPIGENETICS3+0+03515.05.2025

 
Course Details
Language of Instruction English
Level of Course Unit Bachelor's Degree
Department / Program BIOENGINEERING
Type of Program Formal Education
Type of Course Unit Elective
Course Delivery Method Face To Face
Objectives of the Course O1. Teaching the mechanisms of epigenetics
O2. Clarifying the differences between mendelian genetics and epigenetics
O3. Improving students’ critical thinking processes and proficiency in scientific reading
Course Content Epigenetic mechanisms alter gene expression which results in short and long-term functional consequences. The course covers epigenetic mechanisms; (1) histone modifications, (2) DNA methylation, and (3) expression of small RNAs. The role of epigenetics in stem cell differentiation, aging and cancer with emphasis on the most common research tools used to dissect epigenetic changes.
Course Methods and Techniques In this course, both theoretical explanations and applied and research-oriented learning methods will be used together. In the theoretical sections, epigenetic mechanisms (histone modifications, DNA methylation, expression of small RNAs) will be explained by the instructor with the support of visual materials and current literature examples. During the lessons, students will be actively involved in the subject, and the short- and long-term effects of epigenetic regulations on gene expression, their relationship with biological processes such as aging, stem cell differentiation and cancer will be discussed through in-class discussions.

In order for students to have a deeper understanding of epigenetic topics, case-based learning methods will be used. Case studies will be conducted on current examples, especially cancer epigenetics or epigenetic changes in aging. In addition, students will search for solutions to specific epigenetic questions in small groups with the problem-based learning approach, and develop their skills in interpreting scientific data and generating hypotheses.
Prerequisites and co-requisities None
Course Coordinator None
Name of Lecturers None
Assistants None
Work Placement(s) No

Recommended or Required Reading
Resources Epigenetics, C. David Allis, Thomas Jenuwein, Danny Reinberg, 2nd edition (2015), Garland Science
Course Notes Epigenetics, C. David Allis, Thomas Jenuwein, Danny Reinberg, 2nd edition (2015), Garland Science
Documents Canvas
Assignments Canvas
Exams Sınıf içi

Course Category
Science %100

Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
Activities are given in detail in the section of "Assessment Methods and Criteria" and "Workload Calculation"

Assessment Methods and Criteria
In-Term Studies Quantity Percentage
Yarıyıl İçi Çalışmalarının Başarı Notunun Katkısı 1 % 25
Ödev 1 % 20
Sunum/Seminer 1 % 20
Final examination 1 % 35
Total
4
% 100

 
ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload
Activities Quantity Duration Total Work Load
Yazılı Sınav 1 6 6
Grup Sunumu 1 5 5
Ev Ödevi 4 5 20
Araştırma 7 3 21
Kişisel Çalışma 7 4 28
Ders dışı çalışma 7 3 21
Yüz Yüze Ders 14 3 42
Final Sınavı 1 10 10
Total Work Load   Number of ECTS Credits 5 153

 
Course Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
NoLearning Outcomes
1 Demonstrate epigenetics mechanisms
2 Comprehend the importance of genetics in development and diseases
3 Acquire broad range of experimental techniques used in epigenetics
4 Read and interpret scientific articles in the field of epigenetics

 
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
WeekTopicsStudy MaterialsMaterials
1 Human genome
2 Introduction to the biology of epigenetics
3 Biology of chromatin and chromatin organization
4 DNA methylation
5 Histone modifications and histone code
6 RNAi mediated gene silencing and non-coding RNAs
7 Epitranscriptomics : RNA modifications
8 Epigenetic in cancer
9 Epigenetic in cancer
10 Epigenetics of Memory, Neurodegeneration, and Mental Health
11 Epigenetics in regenerative medicine
12 Epigenetics in aging
13 Epigenetic drugs and therapy
14 Techniques for epigenetic analysis

 
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 P9 P10 P11 P12
C1 5 5 5 4 4 3 4 4 4 4
C2 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 5
C3 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4
C4 5 4 4 4 4 5 4 4 4 5

  Contribution: 1: Very Slight 2:Slight 3:Moderate 4:Significant 5:Very Significant

  
  https://sis.agu.edu.tr/oibs/bologna/progCourseDetails.aspx?curCourse=76521&lang=en