Omics Technologies

Objectives

The rapid evolution of omics technologies is changing the knowledge we have about human health and diseases and the way in which the investigation of this diseases is being considered. The revolution of large-scale molecular analysis (such as genomics, epigenomics, proteomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics) has expanded our knowledge about the processes related to the human health, at structural, mechanistic and functional levels playing at this moment a leading role in scientific discoveries.

The aim of this course is to be introduced in the omics technologies and their applications for biomedicine studies including DNA sequencing, transcriptome analysis and proteome analysis.

Learning outcomes

• LO1. Acquire and demonstrate advanced knowledge of the theoretical and practical aspects and work methodology in the field of Biomedicine.
• LO2. Understand the basic concepts of genetic engineering and genomics with clinical application.
• LO3. Know the different omics technologies (DNA sequencing, transcriptome analysis and proteome analysis) and their applications to biomedicine.

Competencies

General skills

• Carry out professional activities independently with initiative and respect for other health professionals.
• Formulate hypotheses following the scientific method, with an ability to summarise and analyse information in a critical way in order to be able to solve problems.

Specific skills

• Apply the principles of chemistry and physics to the interpretation of biological phenomena and in the development of relevant biomedical technology.
• Combine knowledge of the molecular, cellular, genetic and epigenetic principles of the most prevalent diseases.
• Evaluate technological advances for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of disease.
• Have technical skill in a research laboratory for working on cell and tissue samples, and with experimental animals.
• Recognise the applicability of genetic engineering methods and omics technology in preclinical and clinical research.
• Use key analytical and imaging techniques, and basic technological instruments, following customary preclinical research laboratory protocols.

Basic skills

• Students can apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and have competencies typically demonstrated through drafting and defending arguments and solving problems in their field of study.
• Students have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in a field of study that builds on general secondary education with the support of advanced textbooks and knowledge of the latest advances in this field of study.
• Students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their field of study) in order to make judgements that include reflection on relevant social, scientific and ethical issues.

Core skills

• Bring to bear values of entrepreneurship and innovation in one's academic and professional careers.
• Exercise active citizenship and individual responsibility with a commitment to democratic values and sustainable development.
• Make use of professional skills in multidisciplinary, complex, networked environments, whether on-site or online.
• Reflect critically on knowledge of all kinds, with a commitment to professional rigour and quality.

Content

• Introduction to the omics and the different technologies and their applications
• Transcriptomics technologies (qPCR, microarrays and NGS)
• Genomics technologies (qPCR, microarrays and NGS)
• Epigenomics technologies (qPCR, microarrays and NGS)
• Proteomics and metabolomics technologies (MS, NMR, MALDI)

Evaluation

The evaluation of the subject will consider the acquisition of the skills and learning outcomes.

It is based on the continuous monitoring of student work, which will be assessed throughout the course and active assistance in the classroom, conducting written tests on the theory, the active participation in seminars and journal clubs, the practical written report.

The final grade for the course will be an average of the evaluation of the following items:

• Activity 1. Two written tests: 50% of the final grade (FG); minimum score to pass the subject: 4/10 points and minimun mean score of the two written tests 5/10 (recoverable)
  • First exam: 25%; possibility to recover it
  • Second exam: 25%; possibility to recover it
    If you failed one of the exams (first or second) or both, you will be able to retake the failed part in the recovery period exam.
• Activity 2. Writing project: 25%; non recoverable and mandatory
• Activity 3. Active participation: 10% of the FG; non recoverable
• Activity 4. Oral presentation: 15%; non-recoverable task. Attendance is mandatory in the oral presentation sessions.

Methodology

The Omics Technologies course presents a series of theoretical contents that will be taught regularly throughout the course in class sessions and seminars. That will be accompanied by the support of audiovisual resources, written documentation and bibliographical references and will be evaluated through written exams.

Bibliography

Key references

• Arivaradarajan, P., Gauri, M. (2018). Omics Approaches, Technologies and Applications. Springer.

Further reading

Teachers will provide complementary bibliography and compulsory reading throughout the course via the Virtual Campus.