Courses

Bio 54 – Molecular Genetics Projects Lab

A discovery-based research experience in the field of molecular genetics, taught at the introductory level. Students will each carry out a related independent research project using modern techniques in genetics and molecular biology to discover gene function, identify proteins that play a role in maintaining genome stability, and develop testable hypotheses. Techniques used will include genetic assays, PCR, gene knockouts, and phenotype analysis. Bio 13 is a prerequisite. The course is appropriate for sophomores and juniors with no prior laboratory experience. Fall. Freudenreich

Bio 188 – Seminar in Molecular Biology and Genetics

Current topics in molecular biology, genetics and genomics, studied through readings from the original literature. Focus will be on studies recognized by the Nobel Prize Committee as pivotal to modern molecular biology and genetics. These studies and current research directions that follow from them will be covered using a combination of lectures, class discussion, and presentations. Selected topics of current interest to be covered include genome structure and polymorphisms as related to human disease, RNA functioning in the regulation of gene expression, and cell cycle regulation and cancer. (Group A) Fall. Freudenreich, Mirkin

Bio 243 – Graduate Seminar in Molecular and Cell Biology

Topics may include regulation of gene transcription, chromatin structure and epigenetic regulation, mechanisms of chromosome segregation, DNA replication, recombination & repair, genome structure, genome stability and genome evolution, as well as the relationship of these topics to mutations and disease. Students will read and present papers from the current literature. Novel experimental techniques used to answer central questions will be emphasized. Prerequisite: Biology 105 or equivalent and consent (Group A/B). Fall. Freudenreich and members of the department.