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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression by The University of Melbourne

4.8
stars
791 ratings

About the Course

While the human genome sequence has transformed our understanding of human biology, it isn’t just the sequence of your DNA that matters, but also how you use it! How are some genes activated and others are silenced? How is this controlled? The answer is epigenetics. Epigenetics has been a hot topic for research over the past decade as it has become clear that aberrant epigenetic control contributes to disease (particularly to cancer). Epigenetic alterations are heritable through cell division, and in some instances are able to behave similarly to mutations in terms of their stability. Importantly, unlike genetic mutations, epigenetic modifications are reversible and therefore have the potential to be manipulated therapeutically. It has also become clear in recent years that epigenetic modifications are sensitive to the environment (for example diet), which has sparked a large amount of public debate and research. This course will give an introduction to the fundamentals of epigenetic control. We will examine epigenetic phenomena that are manifestations of epigenetic control in several organisms, with a focus on mammals. We will examine the interplay between epigenetic control and the environment and finally the role of aberrant epigenetic control in disease. All necessary information will be covered in the lectures, and recommended and required readings will be provided. There are no additional required texts for this course. For those interested, additional information can be obtained in the following textbook. Epigenetics. Allis, Jenuwein, Reinberg and Caparros. Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory Press. ISBN-13: 978-0879697242 | Edition: 1 The course will re-open in 2022....

Top reviews

NN

Aug 1, 2021

This is the best course on coursera, 10/10. I wish it was longer and I could take it all over again. you will need background knowledge for this course but it is an amazing course and I will miss it.

MM

Oct 1, 2018

This was an excellent course. All the material was well presented and the explanation of the sometimes complex subject matter was clear and understandable. Thank you for an great learning experience.

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26 - 50 of 215 Reviews for Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression

By C. R

Aug 21, 2016

I highly recommend this course for anyone who wants to understand what epigenetics is all about, how the discoveries were made, and what are the open questions in the area.

I wanted to give a big shout out to Dr. Marnie Blewitt for her great teaching skills.

Her pace, and the amount of information and details provided are just perfect. Loved it from A to Z.

By Emiel d J

May 24, 2020

It was a great course. I have waited a long time to do this course. But it did not disappoint. The lecturer was honest in what topic were controversial and not supported well. There was no over hyped argument in there that you so often see in topics surrounding epigenetics. This is a great course for anyone who wants to be well-informed on epigenetics.

By Jeonghye H H

Oct 25, 2023

I decided to take this course because there was no related courses in my university. Honestly, I didn't really expect it to be this good since it was my first time in Coursera. To my surprise the course was excellent. I think I've learned most of the necessary things in Epigenetics and the quizzes were hard enough to help me review the materials.

By Samuel M

Mar 12, 2017

I did not finish the course so far, but I´m already convinced of it. It´s a super interesting course that goes really deep on an awesome topic. What I like is that this is a really challenging course. It demands a good bit of effort to understand everything, but one is rewarded with a deep understanding of what so far is known about epigenetics.

By Simone E G

Jun 5, 2016

This course is brilliant. It presents a complicated topic with some details, taking non-experts in Biology, like me, to a good understanding. It is worth remembering the main elements in the course from time to time, so I am retaking this course (at least the videos) to refresh my memory. Wonderful course. I truly recommend it.

By Nurzhan A

May 19, 2020

In this course you will learn about epigenetic modifications, how they are affected by the environment, how they are passed down generation, and then apply all of your knowledge to understand the role of epigenetics in cancer. The instructor is great, materials are clearly presented and well structured. Simply excellent.

By Nurudeen O O

Nov 25, 2019

The best course I have taken on coursera so far. The videos were well detailed, aided with diagrammatic representation and even videos. The additional reading and recommended reading wer well thought out. It had its difficult moment but the finishing it was satisfying. Thanks for creating this course.

By 家睿 糜

Jun 22, 2017

Excellent introduction of epigenetics.

Hopefully, in the future the course could incorporate new materials (advanced research) in epigenetic control in developmental biology and cancer biology. Also it would be better to includenew techniques and useful methods commonly used in epigenetic research.

By Shaurav B

Nov 8, 2020

The course structure is very well designed. It is very well managed and systematic and the explanation videos are quite nice, clear and understandable. The assignments are very standard and by solving those, we are able to assess us and check our progress in understanding the course concepts.

By Simona B

May 20, 2019

This course is certainly a perfect way how to learn about this exciting field of Biology. Very interesting and useful examples of epigenetic control across the species. I especially value Dr. Marnie Blewitt and her way to explain these phenomena in a clear and understandable way.

By Vincze V

May 20, 2020

It was the first course that I took after searching for the right one, and it didn't disappoint me. I learnt a lot as a Biology student, the videos and explanations were clear and covered really fascinating subtopics. I recommand it to everyone who's interested in this field.

By Ivan I M

May 8, 2016

Intriguing interective presentations and positive lecturer who grabs the attention not only on the course material, but on the matter and problems of epigenetics, in general. Very thorough and detailed course, but the material is easy to understand, interpete and remember.

By Ummi C

Dec 14, 2016

I find the course to be very interesting and full of information. The course is structured very nicely to make it easier for learners to gradually gain more and more insight into the field with minimum difficulties. I feel very satisfied by the time I finished the course.

By Farbod -

Jun 16, 2016

If you think that epigenetics is just about DNA methylation, you are wrong and need to watch this course. It is fascinating ! It is full of new scientific materials and bizarre phenomenon such as "X chromosome kissing" offered by a nice presentation and wonderful movies.

By mohamed l

May 14, 2016

Good course with many aspects and details in the field of epigenetics. I think it is better to formulate the course at more weeks because there is much information at short time. The courses in specialised scientific field should get details like this course.

By Saba A

May 6, 2020

It was a very good course. It increases my knowledge regarding epigenetics and especially the role of epigenetics in cancer. Dr Marnie Blewitt explained everything very well. She is the best instructor and explained everything very well and in a simple way.

By Priyanka S

Sep 16, 2020

I really enjoyed this course (the assignments too, they made you think!). Each week contained the right amount of material so as to not be overwhelming. I also liked the range of topics covered. I'd love to take on more such courses in this subject area.

By Dominika M

Oct 26, 2022

I really enjoyed this course and I recomend to everyone. The instructor is great and is able to explain this complex and difficult field in an understandable manner. It is perfectly posible to do this course alongside normal school. Highly recomend.

By Rob H

May 12, 2016

A challenging course that does a superb job of exploring the topics.

The lectures are well-presented and engaging, the additional materials are well-selected from both popular press and academic literature.

I wish there were more courses at this level!

By Rebecca P

Aug 16, 2021

This was such an informative and engaging course! Although I found the content quite challenging, I really enjoyed learning a new topic that I am yet to be taught in Sixth Form, and in more depth than I expect we will be taught.

Thank you very much!

By Yukthashree S

May 21, 2020

i liked this course very much though it was a new topic for me, i understood it in a proper way. And thank you for the teaching staff. With the knowledge i have gained through this course i am now more interested for further studies in this field.

By PERCEOX P

Sep 3, 2019

Espectacular.

No soy un profesional del área salud y ha sido un desafió comprender. aun asi, y aunque tenia algunos conocimientos básicos, en lo que estoy investigando, que es el cáncer, este curso ha ampliado mi visión de una manera espectacular.

By Anne L

May 2, 2017

This course gave an excellent overview of epigenetics including molecular mechanisms with multiple case studies and a focus on cancer in the last week. I learned a lot and feel more confident branching out into the field after taking this course.

By Abhiyanta M

May 19, 2020

This course was really interesting and very informative. Each and every topic is explained with the help of diagram. Even the animations used was very very interesting. The presentation was very informative. It is very easy to understand.

By Rhea J

May 20, 2020

The course proved to be very informative. My knowledge on the subject has definitely increased. This course has also refueled my interests towards this field. I thank the team, Coursera and Dr. Marnie Blewitt for this great experience!