Course Description
The fundamental concepts of genetics required to prepare students for advanced graduate study. Key concepts of gene structure, function, and evolution integrating the theory and practice of both molecular and population genomics and genetics.
Athena Title
Foundations Genetic Analysis
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course is designed to provide a strong grounding and integrated understanding of fundamental concepts of genetics required to prepare students for advanced study. The objective is to present key concepts of gene structure, function, and evolution, integrating the theory and practice of both molecular and population genetics.
Topical Outline
The course will be presented as a 4-credit hour course and will typically be taught by 2-4 instructors with diverse specializations in genetics. Instruction will be planned as a team to ensure integration of course material between topics. Instructional materials will include, but not be limited to, the primary scientific literature. I. Gene and Genome structure (4 weeks): • Genome structure (chromosomes, chromatin structure, components of genomes) • Gene structure (coding and non-coding components of genes and their regulatory regions, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic) • Mutation (definition, mechanisms of induction) • Genome-wide analysis of genomes and gene expression (methods and applications) • Comparative genomics II. Population and evolutionary genetics (4 weeks): • The comparative method and mining natural variation • Phylogenetic tree reconstruction for species and genes • Natural selection • Genetic drift • Molecular evolution (multiple class periods that bring together selection, drift, and phylogeny) III. Molecular Genetics (4 weeks): • Transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulation, including chromatin regulation • Gene interactions in pathways and networks, non additive interactions between loci • Experimental genome engineering (prokaryotic and eukaryotic) • Developmental genetics and evolution IV. Integration and Synthesis (3 weeks) In the final three weeks, the class will investigate a single genetic problem by incorporating the various aspects of genetic structure and analysis and the tools presented in the course. This problem-based part of the class will focus on how the different types of genetic analysis complement and extend each other. This topical outline is the general plan for the course; the exact order and specific content will be announced to the class in advance by the instructors.
Syllabus
Public CV