Microbial Genetics and Genomics

Catalog description

Study of heritable information in bacteria, their viruses, and model Eukaryotic microbes and fundamentals of bacterial genomics. Topics will include genetics of bacteriophages and bacteria; genome maintenance, mutation and evolution especially in reference to evolution of pathogens; mechanisms of gene transfer, gene regulation and adaptive responses; analysis of gene expression including by using the latest genomic tools; use of genomic data, including concepts and strategies of genome sequencing and annotation as well as metagenomics approaches for understanding diversity. Practical laboratory training in microbial genetics and genomics. Special emphasis on recombinant DNA techniques, nucleotide sequencing methods, and bioinformatics analysis to dissect and analyze gene function and genome structural features as practical tools for careers in biotechnology. Original research projects will include opportunities to work with bacteria, phages, and yeast.