Chromatin Structure and Function

This popular course will provide training in the experimental and
computational approaches that can be used to mechanistically dissect
important aspects of chromatin biology at the gene or genome-wide levels.

Our understanding of complex genomes has benefitted tremendously from
whole genome sequencing projects. However, we are only beginning to
systematically understand how the interplay of DNA, proteins and its
biochemical modifications (i.e., chromatin) can influence global
processes which control gene expression, mRNA splicing, and DNA
replication or repair in normal development and in disease.

Feedback from the (inaugural) 2014 course:
“This has been by far the most useful course I have attended. I
really enjoyed the course. The techniques will be very useful to me for
my research.”
“The course was excellent. The instructors and assistants were very
knowledgable, and very accessible.”
“The course was amazing with great instructors.”
“It was a very good course that will definitely impact the careers of the
students.”

Participants will receive intensive laboratory and computational training in state-of-the-art approaches focussed across five broad themes:

• DNA/transcription factor interactions
• DNA methylation
• Histone dynamics and modifications
• Chromatin accessibility, looping and nuclear organisation
• Computational analysis/integration of chromatin datasets

These sessions will be supplemented with informal tutorials and lectures from the instructors and distinguished invited speakers. Participants will analyse the various genome-wide data generated in parallel to or during the laboratory sessions. They will also have an opportunity to discuss their own research interests and present aspects of their work that are relevant to the course.

Course instructors
David Vetrie University of Glasgow, UK
Nick Gilbert University of Edinburgh, UK
Lee Butcher Imperial College London, UK
Robert Andrews Cardiff University, UK

Guest speakers
Frank Pugh Penn State University, USA
Jim Hughes University of Oxford, UK
Leonard Schalkwyk University of Essex, UK
Cameron Osborne King’s College London School of
Medicine, UK

Prerequisites
Applicants should be senior PhD students or post-doctoral scientists
engaged in relevant research.

Cost
The
course is subsidised by the Wellcome Genome Campus Advanced Courses
and Scientific Conferences Programme. This is a residential
course and
there is a fee of £1045 towards board and lodging for non-commercial
applicants. Please contact us for the commercial fee.

Applications
Applications for this course can be completed online. If you have any
problems with the online application process, please contact us.

Please note: Applications
must be supported by a
recommendation from a scientific or clinical sponsor (e.g. supervisor or
head of department). A request for a supporting
statement will be sent
to your nominated sponsor automatically during
the application process.
Applicants must ensure that their sponsor
provides this supporting
statement by the application deadline. Applications without a supporting
statement cannot be considered.

Deadlines
Closed

Bursaries
Advanced Courses are subsidised for non-commercial
applicants from anywhere in the world. Additional, limited bursaries are
available (up to 50% of the course fee) and are awarded on merit. If you
would like to apply for a
bursary, please complete the bursary section
of the online application
form.

Please note that both the applicant
and sponsor are required to provide
a justification for the
bursary as part of the application.

Bursary terms and conditions

UK Courses (held at the Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton,
Cambridge)
A
limited number of bursaries are available for each course. These are
awarded by the selection committee according to merit. The bursary
covers a maximum of 50% of the course fee, though in exceptional
circumstances an application for the total course fee may be considered.
Where there are many bursary applications, the selection committee may
issue smaller amounts. We cannot assist with travel costs to attend UK
courses.

Overseas Courses (held outside of the UK)
A
limited number of bursaries are available for each course. These are
awarded on merit to cover travel, accommodation and sustenance. The
maximum award for travel (economy class) will be £750.

Bursaries can be applied for as part of the course application form.
Applicants
will be notified of a bursary award along with their place on
the
course, usually within one month of the application deadline. The
decision of the selection committee is
final.