Molecular Genetics & Genomics 2019-2020
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 AS PER 2019-2020 CATALOG
The following courses are required in order to receive a Degree in the Program in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Molecular Genetics and Genomics:
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BIOL_SCI 390-0 Advanced Molecular Biology - Nucleic acid structure; DNA mutation, repair, recombination, replication, restriction, and modification; translation. Prerequisites: BIOL_SCI 215-0, BIOL_SCI 219-0, and (BIOL_SCI 301-0 or BIOL_SCI 308-0).
- In addition to BIOL_SCI 390 students are required to take two additional classes from the list below:*
- BIOL_SCI 378-0 Functional Genomics - Patterns of gene expression and their causes. Prerequisites:BIOL_SCI 215-0, BIOL_SCI 219-0; a course in statistics.
- BIOL_SCI 381-0 Stem Cells & Regeneration - Developmental and molecular biology of tissue regeneration, with regard to regeneration from embryonic or adult stem cells. Discussion of conserved developmental pathways necessary for regeneration. Applications in regenerative medicine. Prerequisites: BIOL_SCI 215-0 and BIOL_SCI 219-0.
- 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 215-0, BIOL_SCI 219-0; BIOL_SCI 301-0 or BIOL_SCI 308-0.
- BIOL_SCI 393-0 Biomedical Genetics - Recent advances in human ancestry and clinical medicine have underscored the importance of genetic principles. Biomedical Genetics will dive deeply into the logic and methods of transmission and regulatory genetics. Prerequisites: BIOL_SCI 215, BIOL_SCI 219, and either BIOL_SCI 301 or BIOL_SCI 308.
- 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. Prerequisite: BIOL_SCI 378-0, BIOL_SCI 390-0, or BIOL_SCI 393-0.
- BIOL_SCI 396-0 Evolution & Diversity: Mushroom Genetics & 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 215-0 and BIOL_SCI 222-0.
*Reasonable alternatives among BIOL_SCI courses will be considered. You may contact the Associate Director about this.