Bi6129 Palaeogenomics and Palaeoproteomics

Faculty of Science
Spring 2024
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 2 credit(s) (plus 2 credits for an exam). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Eva Chocholová (lecturer)
prof. RNDr. Zbyněk Zdráhal, Dr. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
doc. RNDr. Eva Drozdová, Ph.D.
Department of Experimental Biology – Biology Section – Faculty of Science
Contact Person: Mgr. Eva Chocholová
Supplier department: Department of Experimental Biology – Biology Section – Faculty of Science (80,00 %), Mendel Centre for Plant Genomics and Proteomics – Central European Institute of Technology (20,00 %)
Timetable
Mon 19. 2. to Sun 26. 5. Wed 12:00–13:50 D36/347
Prerequisites
Bi3060 Basic genetics && Bi4020 Molecular biology && C3580 Biochemistry
Bi4020 Molecular biology, C3580 Biochemistry, Bi5130 Introduction to human aDNA studies
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
This course aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of biomolecular archaeology, specifically palaeoproteomics and palaeogenomics. Students should understand the core concepts, be able to explain the methods, their application, benefits and challenges in interdisciplinary research.
Learning outcomes
Upon course completion, students should be able to:
- explain the basic principles of palaeoproteomics and palaeogenomics
- demonstrate understanding of the fundamentals of molecular preservation and decay
- understand specific application of modern biomolecular methods in archaeological context and choose the appropriate approach with respect to the studied culture or situation
- explain the differences between currently used approaches
- describe benefits and challenges associated with the interdisciplinary research within these fields
- gain interest in the current and future research of ancient populations
Syllabus
  • 1. Introduction to palaeoproteomics and palaeogenomics. History, main principles and differences, molecular preservation.
  • 2. Methods in palaeogenomics.
  • 3. Palaeogenomics of human populations.
  • 4. Metagenomics.
  • 5. Palaeogenomics of pathogens.
  • 6. Sedimentary ancient DNA.
  • 7. Methods in palaeoproteomics I
  • 8. Methods in palaeoproteomics II
  • 9. Collagens, keratins and other proteins used in taxonomy.
  • 10. Palaeoproteomics of human populations. Sex typing, evolution, skeletal and mummified remains.
  • 11. Metaproteomics. Diet, health and culture studied by proteomic approach.
  • 12. Dental calculus as a complex material in biomolecular archaeology.
  • 13. Opportunities, challenges, and ethics in palaeoproteomic and palaeogenomics research.
Teaching methods
Lectures with PowerPoint presentations. Group work and presentation, discussion, analysing case studies. Online resources for voluntary self-directed learning. Continuous assessment – quizzes at the beginning of lessons to review previous lectures.
Assessment methods
Presence at the lectures is not obligatory but strongly recommended. Presentations will be available online in IS MUNI.
Written examination with possibility to take an oral exam. Evaluation is following A: 100-93 points, B: 92-85 points, C: 84-77, D: 76-69, E: 68-60, F: 60-0.
Students can obtain up to 20 bonus points during the semester for voluntary assignments (presentation, paper analysis, involvement in discussion).
Language of instruction
English
Further Comments
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
The course is also listed under the following terms Spring 2025.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/sci/spring2024/Bi6129