BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES MAJOR

Genetics is the study of the information system underlying biological systems and how it is transmitted across generations. Genomics is the analysis and manipulation of whole genomes of genetic information. Discoveries in these areas help elucidate the basis for living systems, and can identify the causes and potential cures for human disease.

Through this concentration, students will gain a detailed understanding of how cells encode, express, and pass on genetic information. The classes for this concentration use primary research sources to cover such cutting-edge topics as epigenetics (chromatin modification and its consequences), non-coding RNA (RNAi and micro RNAs), and application of molecular biology in biomedical research.

REQUIREMENTS 

Any three of the following courses:

• BIOL_SCI 332-0 Conservation Genetics - Understanding the effects of climate change, habitat fragmentation, invasive species, pollution and other environmental factors impact the genetics of populations and how to conserve, manage, and restore genetic diversity. Prerequisites: BIOL_SCI 203-0 or BIOL_SCI 241-0 or ENVR_SCI 202-0.
• BIOL_SCI 341-0 Population Genetics - Processes that affect allele frequency change and thus cause evolution. Prerequisites: BIOL_SCI 203-0 or BIOL_SCI 241-0, and BIOL_SCI 337 or another course in statistics.
•  BIOL_SCI 353-0 Molecular Biology Laboratory - Project-based approach to learning lab skills in eukaryotic molecular biology. Prerequisites: BIOL_SCI 203-0 or BIOL_SCI 241-0, BIOL_SCI 234-0, and BIOL_SCI 301-0.
• BIOL_SCI 354-0 Systems Biology - Random processes, gene regulation, cell adaptation, developmental processes, genomics. Prerequisites: BIOL_SCI 202-0 or BIOL_SCI 240-0.
• BIOL_SCI 359-0 Quantitative Experimentation in Biology - Laboratory in experimental methods in quantitative biology. Random genetic processes, gene expression, cell cycle, developmental morphogens, genome sequencing. Prerequisites: BIOL_SCI 202-0 or BIOL_SCI 240-0, or BIOL_SCI 354-0.
• BIOL_SCI 378-0 Functional Genomics - Patterns of gene expression and their causes. Prerequisites: BIOL_SCI 203-0 or BIOL_SCI 241-0.
• BIOL_SCI 390-0 Molecular Biology of Genome Editing and Engineering - Emphasizes coverage of molecular genetic mechanisms in eukaryotic organisms. Topics include basic concepts and techniques of molecular biology, the organization of genetic information, the flow of genetic information, regulation of the flow of genetic information, and various applications of molecular biology in biomedical research. Prerequisite: BIOL_SCI 301-0.
• BIOL_SCI 391-0 Development & Evolution of Body Plans - Molecular mechanisms underlying early embryonic development, including establishment of the body and organogenesis. Discussion of original literature. Prerequisites: BIOL_SCI 203-0 or BIOL_SCI 241-0, and BIOL_SCI 301-0.
• BIOL_SCI 392-0 Morphogenesis - Development of independent projects alongside classic readings and experiments exploring key concepts in developmental biology. Prerequisites: BIOL_SCI 203-0 or BIOL_SCI 241-0, BIOL_SCI 234-0, and BIOL_SCI 301-0.
• BIOL_SCI 393-0 Human Genomics - Will dive deeply into the logic and methods of transmission and regulatory genetics, including complementation, recombination, genetic modifiers, chromosomal aberrations, genetic screens, and the “genetic toolbox” in diverse species, including humans. Other topics will include genome-wide association studies, linkage analysis, and the roles of both rare and common genetic variation in human disease. There will be lectures provided, but emphasis will be placed on problem-solving and active discussion. Prerequisites: BIOL_SCI 203-0 or BIOL_SCI 241-0.
• BIOL_SCI 395-0 Molecular Genetics - Exploration of recent advances that have revolutionized the fields of gene expression and cell regulation. Discussion of articles and primary research papers. Prerequisites: BIOL_SCI 203-0 or BIOL_SCI 241-0, and BIOL_SCI 301-0.
• BIOL_SCI 396-0 Evolution and Diversity: Mushroom Genetics and Genomics - The occurrence of natural genetic variation is the raw material with which evolution has sculpted every species that has ever existed. In this laboratory-based course, students are immersed in the world of a widespread and biologically famous mushroom-forming fungus. Prerequisites: BIOL_SCI 203-0 or BIOL_SCI 241-0, and BIOL_SCI 301-0.

Concentration Checklists

Molecular Genetics & Genomics Concentration Checklist

2025-26 Course Offerings for this Concentration*

*Course schedule considered tentative until published in Caesar