Genetics and Epigenetics: The Codes that Control Our Genomes

Catalog description

Many inherited cellular and physiological traits in humans are not due to changes in DNA sequence, but instead are shaped by factors such as age, diet, or environment. This course will examine sequence-independent regulation of the human genome, non-genetic diseases, environmental factors that control the epigenome, and multi-generational inheritance of epigenetic information (how grandparental experiences shape descendants' genomes). Course readings will be drawn from the primary literature (historical and current) and will be anchored on human genetics, although model systems (yeast, Drosophila, plants) will also be discussed. Only open to students in the Focus Program. Department consent required. Prerequisite: AP Biology or equivalent.