Epigenetics and sustainable animal production
This course instance is exclusively for incoming exchange students
Course description
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of epigenetics and epigenomics, emphasising their crucial roles in shaping phenotypes throughout development. It provides an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate gene expression beyond DNA sequence, and how these mechanisms influence development, health, evolution, and adaptation.
Entry Requirements
Course facts
BI1478, Epigenetics and sustainable animal production, 7.5 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: PN-VH, 2025-11-11
Valid from : Autumn semester 2026 (2026-08-31)
Level
Second cycle (A1N)
Main field of study
Biology
Biology Area
Other biology courses
Grading Scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Course language
English
Entry Requirements
Objectives
After completion of the course, the student should be able to
- explain gene organisation and the core principles and mechanisms of epigenetics, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and regulatory RNAs,
- describe how epigenomics governs chromatin structure and transcriptional regulation, and how the genome and epigenome interact to shape phenotypes,
- analyse the influence of environmental factors on development, reproduction, and cell differentiation through epigenetic modifications,
- evaluate mechanisms of epigenetic regulation and transgenerational inheritance, with examples of adaptive and maladaptive responses to stress and other environmental factors such as pathogens and toxins,
- discuss the role of epigenetics in immune responses and inflammation,
- identify and apply key methodologies and tools used to study epigenetic modifications.
Content
Subject-related content
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of epigenetics and epigenomics, emphasising their crucial roles in shaping phenotypes throughout development. It provides an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate gene expression beyond DNA sequence, and how these mechanisms influence development, health, evolution, and adaptation. Students explore key areas such as behaviour, welfare, stress, and inflammation, gaining insight into how epigenetic regulation underpins these biological processes. The course contains core concepts, such as gene organization and its relationship to epigenetic regulation, principles and mechanisms of epigenetics, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, long non-coding RNAs, and small regulatory RNAs. The course also covers the role of epigenomics in governing chromatin structure and transcriptional regulation. The impact of environmental factors on phenotype development through epigenetic modifications, and the interplay between the genome and the epigenome in shaping biological outcomes is included. Students also get familiar with the involvement of epigenetic modifications in embryonic development and cell differentiation, and the significance of epigenetics in reproductive traits across species. The course also covers the mechanisms underlying epigenetic modifications and the transgenerational inheritance of phenotypes, effects of epigenetic modifications in response to stress and the role of epigenetics in regulating immune responses and inflammation. Methodologies and tools available for measuring and analysing epigenetic modifications is presented.
Teaching formats
The course comprises a series of lectures designed around specific learning objectives, providing in-depth insights into key areas such as development, evolution, behaviour, welfare, stress, and inflammation. To enhance the learning experience, species-specific experts will be invited to contribute their perspectives, enriching students’ understanding through a multispecies approach. This will enable students to examine both cross-species conserved pathways and phenotypes as well as species-specific aspects of epigenetic regulation.
In addition to lectures, students will participate in group discussions on predetermined topics to promote collaborative learning and critical thinking. They will also make their own hypothesis and present their research around it.
To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used, both lectures, group discussions, and exercises. Invited guest speakers provides a broadened view on the field of epigenetics. The course is given in hybrid format and it is possible to participate in the lectures remotely. Parts of the course are an individual written assignment, followed by an oral presentation.
Compulsory tasks are: oral and written report, exercises
Collaboration with the surrounding community takes place through invited guest lecturers. Additionally, since the course is hybrid, the students are allowed to participate from various locations.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Passed written examination, approved oral and written presentation.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare