Course learning outcomes:
The approach to teaching is based on learning outcomes that determine what students will be able to do after completing all course requirements
I. COGNITIVE DOMAIN – KNOWLEDGE
1. Describe and explain the structure of epigenome, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodelling, and noncoding RNA molecules
2. Describe and explain the function of the epigenome, including the regulation of gene transcription and its connection to the genome
3. Describe the basic epigenetic principles and the role of epigenetic variations in health and disease
4. Give examples of medical conditions and diseases caused by changes in the epigenome
5. Assess the applicability of epigenomics to the diagnosis, treatment, or follow-up of disease
6. Compare different methods of epigenome research in the context of human health and disease
7. Integrate previously acquired knowledge in cell biology, genetics and molecular biology and apply it to the level of the genome of the whole organism.
II. PSYCHOMOTORIC DOMAIN - SKILLS
1. Independently search available literature databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect)
2. Present the results of the conducted epigenetic research in written and oral form according to structured questions
3. Critically assess the impact of aging and environmental factors on epigenome variability
4. Critically evaluate the role of epigenome in the prevention and/or treatment of diseases and disorders
5. Actively discuss and critically comment on conducted research of the epigenome role in the context of human health and disease
6. Argue the advantages and disadvantages of existing epigenome research in the context of human health and disease

1.  Working materials available through the Merlin e-learning system.
 

1. Epigenetic influence and disease [Internet]. Nature Education; c2014. [cited 2020 Jul 10]. Available from: https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/epigenetic-influences-and-disease-895/ 
2. Learn.Genetics [Internet]. Genetic Science Learning Center; University of Utah; c2020. [cited 2020 Jul 10]. Available from: https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/epigenetics/
3. Bitesize Bio [Internet]. Science Squared; c2020. A Crash Course in Epigenetics Part 1-Part4. 2012 Jun [cited 2020 Jul 10]. Available from: https://bitesizebio.com/8807/a-crash-course-in-epigenetics-part-1-an-intro-to-epigenetics/

Students are required to attend class regularly, prepare for classes and actively participate in classes. All information about the course as well as teaching materials will be available in the Merlin e-learning system. Students are required to regularly access this platform to stay informed about all information or changes related to the course.

According to the Decision on changes in the assessment and evaluation of student work in elective courses in the 2025/2026 academic year at the study programs of the Faculty of Medicine in Rijeka, elective courses are evaluated with a descriptive grade P (passed) instead of a numerical grade.

Academic integrity
The teachers are obligated to respect the University of Rijeka Code of Ethics, and the students are obligated to respect the University of Rijeka Code of Ethics for Students.
Availability of teaching content
All course materials are available on the Merlin e-learning platform. 
Contacting teachers 
Teachers are available every day during working hours via their e-mail addresses (available on the website of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka) for all questions regarding the course. Individual or group consultations are possible online via the MS Teams digital platform or onsite at the Faculty of Medicine.

According to the Decision on changes in the assessment and evaluation of student work in elective courses in the 2025/2026 academic year at the study programs of the Faculty of Medicine in Rijeka, elective courses are evaluated with a descriptive grade P (passed) instead of a numerical grade.

Student work will be assessed through activities carried out during the course. Each individual activity must be assessed as passed in order for the course to be considered successfully completed.

During the course, the following will be evaluated: knowledge acquired through lectures, and preparation and assignments related to the Journal Club seminars. Knowledge acquired through the lectures will be evaluated through an exam in the form of a written multiple-choice test, where students must correctly answer at least 15 questions (50%). The test is administered via the Merlin platform. Passing the test is a prerequisite for participating in the Journal Club seminars.
Preparation and assignments related to the Journal Club include: selecting a study for the Journal Club; completing the task “Research Selection for the Journal Club” via the Merlin platform, reading the selected scientific study and submitting discussion questions via Merlin and actively participating in the Journal Club seminars through group discussion. The task “Research Selection for the Journal Club” must be completed with at least 10 points (50%), and includes filling in and uploading the completed “Research Selection for the Journal Club” form to Merlin by the specified deadline. Preparation for the Journal Club also includes formulating discussion questions about the selected studies, and at least one question must be posted in the “Discussion Questions” forum on Merlin. Finally, active participation in the onsite Journal Club seminar is mandatory and represents the final requirement needed to obtain the grade P (passed) in the course.

The final grade requires completing all course tasks as follows: