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LSC-30092 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2025/26 Last Updated: 04 December 2025

LSC-30092 - Omics Technologies
Coordinator: Daniel Tonge Tel: +44 1782 7 33418
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734414

Programme/Approved Electives for 2025/26

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2025/26

'Omics Technologies' will introduce you to a range of cutting-edge omics approaches used extensively across the life sciences. Weekly lectures will be supported by purpose built hands-on data handling exercises to provide you with a theoretical appreciation of and practical competence in core genomics, proteomics and metabolomics approaches. You will undertake a whole transcriptome analysis for the purpose of differential gene expression detection from raw RNA sequencing data, developing and demonstrating competence in a highly sought after analytical skill.

Aims
Omics Technologies introduces the modern life scientist to a range of online databases hosting nucleic and amino acid data. Students will become proficient in searching and retrieving data from these databases, and performing a variety of sequence analyses. Core genomic, proteomic and metabolomics approaches will be discussed, and students will become proficient in analysis of the whole transcriptome for the purposes of differential gene expression.

Intended Learning Outcomes

search and retrieve nucleic and amino acid sequence data using appropriate biological databases: 1,2
perform various basic sequence analyses using appropriate online tools (e.g. alignment, taxonomic classification, motif identification).: 1
critically discuss methods for the analysis of high-volume nucleic acid data and be proficient in analysis of the whole transcriptome for the purposes of differential gene expression analysis.: 1,2
critically discuss methods for the analysis and integration of high-volume amino acid and metabolomics data .: 2

Study hours

Active learning
24 hours lectures
28 hours online tutorials, including engagement with data handling exercises based on theoretical concepts covered in the module
Independent study;
Outside reading/preparation =44 hours
Whole transcriptome analysis = 30 hours
Preparation of executive summary= 24 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Options weighted 60%
Flexible Assessment - Whole Transcriptome Analysis (WAT)
This assessment will encourage student choice; candidates are required to present the results of their whole transcriptome analysis in a suitable format. This could be a traditional laboratory report (1,500 words, excluding figure legends etc), a scientific poster, or a narrated PowerPoint presentation (10-15 minutes). In all cases, submissions will be marked against the key assessment criteria. Submissions will take place during the semester following supporting tutorials on conducting appropriate analysis and presentation format.

2: Assignment weighted 40%
Executive Summary / Position Statement (1000-1200 words)
Students will take the position of a laboratory service lead who is making a case for the introduction of a new genomic, proteomic or metabolomic approach into their service area. A 1000-1200 word executive summary/position statement will be prepared that would be suitable for presentation to a senior leadership team in the area. Supporting tutorials will guide students in assessment preparation.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 04 December 2025