Wias Course Data

The molecular basis of differences between animals

Additional Information:

Paris Ile-de-France   consortium in   Life and Environment Sciences & Technology

Wageningen   University   & Research   centre

Objectives

The aim of the course is to introduce and discuss recent developments that help us to better understand the molecular basis of variation between individuals in health, welfare and production. The approaches used by geneticists and physiologists to unravel variation have been revolutionized by the developments in the area of molecular biology and “omics”. With this course we want to bring together scientists from different disciplines in order to stimulate a true interdisciplinary approach. Experts from different fields are asked to present developments in their respective field for a general audience. In addition, we explore through discussion and case studies the opportunities offered by the various techniques (in isolation of combination with each other) to increase your understanding of the sources of variation between animals. This course aims to provide each participant an environment to reflect on current approaches and to develop your own integrative analysis.

Target audience

PhDs, post-docs and advanced MSc students in animal genetics, physiology, nutrition and pathology undertaking or wishing to undertake a project related to variation between animals. A limited fee will be charged to participants from academic institutions and industry.

Outline

-         One week module merging introduction on specific topics by experts, with discussion of on-going research and group work.

-         The lectures by experts will give the basic background and last developments in the fields of genetics and genomics. Where possible participants of the course will give presentation of on-going research in the different fields.

-         Examples will be given of recent research projects highlighting recent developments and the way in which different approaches are combined to improve our understanding. These presentations illustrate the necessity of considering the different underlying genetic mechanisms in the interpretation of the results obtained so far.

-         The course will concentrate on the different types of molecular genetic variation that can contribute to phenotypic variation and provide guidance on how the different technologies can be used in future research.

-         Partcipants will be asked to work in groups during the course. Participant will work in groups of 2 to 4 persons with different origins and backgrounds. Groups will be asked to study recent articles and will be asked to propose an approach to address a given scientific question. Each group will present their proposal during the last day in front of all participants.

-         The module will be evaluated at the end and this evaluation discussed with the attendees.

-         The attendees will be asked to present their specific project (3 min presentation) at the beginning and at the end of the module.

Fees:

A maximum of 30 persons can participate in the course. The registration fee for the course amounts to 1,000 Euros. The fee for PhD students is 50% lower (i.e. 500 Euros) and PhD students from WIAS (with an approved TSP) can participate free of charge. The registration fee includes costs of lunches during the course but does not include cost of Hotel accommodation.

Place and time:

The course will be held in Wageningen and will start on Monday 19^th of May at 13.00 and end on Friday 23^rd of May at 12.30.

Registration:

You can register for participation in this course through sending an e-mail to the Monique.vanhoften@wur.nl.

Accomodation:

People that need accommodation are advised to contact Hotel and Conference Centre WICC (www.wicc.nl) which is located less than 1 kilometer from the course venue.

Teachers:

The following persons will contribute to the course:

o       Prof. Martien Groenen (Structural Genomics), Wageningen University

o       Dr. Henk Bovenhuis (Quantitative Genetics), Wageningen University

o       Prof. Mari Smits (Functional Genomics), Wageningen University

o       Prof. Michael Muller (NutriGenomics), Wageningen University

o       Dr Xavier Vignon (Functional Genomics), INRA

o       Dr Thomas Heams (Functional Genomics), AgroParisTech

o       Dr Hélène Gilbert (Quantitative Genetics), INRA

o       Prof. Johan van Arendonk (Quantitative Genetics), Wageningen University

Contact persons:

For further information you can contact one of the organisers:

o       Johan van Arendonk (WIAS): johan.vanarendonk@wur.nl (co-ordinator)

o       Thomas Heams(ABIES):  thomas.heams@agroparistech.fr

o       Monique van Hoften (WIAS): monique.vanhoften@wur.nl (local organisation)

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Within the same framework, jointly organised by WIAS and ABIES graduate schools,

another graduate course is offered:

Advances and experimental approaches of Immunogenetics

2^nd to 6^th of June, 2008

Paris, France

For further information you can contact Etienne Verrier (ABIES): etienne.verrier@agroparistech.fr