Chromatin Structure and Function

This popular laboratory- and computer-based course provides 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.

Learning Outcomes:
After attending the course, participants can expect to be able to:

• Perform chromatin immunoprecipitation, 3C and Capture C, and DNA methylation techniques, including experimental design and end-point analysis.
• Understand the methods used in the preparation of material for next generation sequencing (NGS)
• Perform end-to-end analysis of NGS data, derived from the above methods, from raw sequence through to identifying relevant loci.
• Download and install relevant software, and manage large datasets.
• Understand how polymer physics can be used to build models of chromatin structures

Feedback from the 2015 course:

-The organisation of this course is superb. I have a great time in
learning and discussion with participants and instructors. The course is
very beneficial to me and I greatly appreciate the efforts and resources
you have put into the course.
-This course was immensely helpful to furthering my expertise in
chromatin biology.
-Thank you for a great course!
-Thanks to everyone for this amazing course.
-Thanks again very much for organizing this fantastic course. I
appreciate all the work that went into this!
I like to thank all of the staff , orginizers, and wellcome trust for
giving me this amazing opportunity to attend this great course with great
people and great teachers and to learn so much!

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.

Learning Outcomes:
After attending the course, participants can expect to be able to:

• Perform
  chromatin immunoprecipitation, 3C and Capture C, and DNA methylation
  techniques, including experimental design and end-point analysis.
• Understand the methods used in the preparation of material for next generation sequencing (NGS)
• Perform end-to-end analysis of NGS data, derived from the above methods, from raw sequence through to identifying relevant loci.
• Download and install relevant software, and manage large datasets.
• Understand how polymer physics can be used to build models of chromatin structures

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

Guest speakers
Adele
Murrell University of Bath, UK
Wolf
Reik Babraham Institute, UK
Dirk
Schübeler Friedrich-Miescher-Institute for Biomedical Research,
Switzerland
Henk
Stunnenberg Radboud University, The Netherlands

Prerequisites
Applicants should be PhD students, post-doctoral scientists or clinicians
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 £1065 towards board and lodging for non-commercial
applicants. Please contact us for the commercial fee.

Additional limited bursaries are available (up to 50% of the course fee)
and are awarded on merit. Please see the “Bursaries” tab for details.

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.