Genomics

Catalog description

Recent advances in molecular biology, computer science, and engineering have opened up new possibilities for studying the biology of organisms. Biologists now have access to the complete genomic sequence and set of cellular instructions encoded in the DNA of specific organisms, including homo sapiens, dozens of bacterial species, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the nematode C. elegans, and the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. The goals of the course include the following: 1. introduce the basic principles involved in sequencing genomes, 2. familiarize the students with new instrumentation, informative tools, and laboratory automation technologies related to genomics, 3. teach the students how to access the information and biological materials that are being developed in genomics and 4. examine how these new tools and resources are being applied to basic and translational research. This will be accomplished through in depth discussion of classic and recent papers. Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor.