BI1478, Epigenetics and sustainable animal production, 7.5 Hp
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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

Pass / Fail

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.

•  If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare

Supplementary information

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	7.5	0001

Other Information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.