GENET - Genetics

Basic concepts on the organization of genetic material and its expression will be developed from experiments on bacteria and viruses. Prerequisite: BIOL 207.

This course explores the genetically tractable model systems of budding yeast and select metazoans to understand eukaryotic cell function and human disease. Topics typically include the genetics of mitochondria and their role in the evolution of the eukaryotic cell, the application of genomics and molecular cell biology to understand eukaryotic chromosome structure, DNA replication, cell division, cell-cell communication, and aging. Prerequisite: GENET 270. BIOL 201 or CELL 201 is recommended.

Analysis of how the nuclear chromosomes in multicellular eukaryotes are organized, inherited, studied, and manipulated. Topics typically include classical and current techniques, mouse genetics, epigenetics, sex chromosomes, dosage compensation, genomic imprinting, transposable elements, centromeres, telomeres, and stem cells. Prerequisite GENET 270.

The molecular biology of the processes by which the base sequence of genes is expressed as cellular phenotype will be examined. Emphasis will be placed upon the similarities and differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes and upon the mechanisms that regulate the operation of particular genes. Prerequisite: GENET 270.

Analysis of gene functions in animal model systems. Mutational analysis; gene dosage; chromosome mechanics; transgenics; forward and reverse screens; dominant modifier screens; epistasis; genetic mosaics, meiotic recombination. Prerequisite: GENET 270. Credit cannot be obtained for both GENET 275 and 305.

This course examines in detail: how to induce mutations in plants by means of chemicals and transgenes; how to use mutagenized and transgenic plant populations for forward and reverse genetic approaches; how to molecularly identify genes defined by mutations in plants; how to infer gene functions and genetic interactions from single and double-mutant phenotypes, respectively, with emphasis on genetic redundancy and functional compensation; and how to visualize gene expression and protein localization with fluorescent proteins. Prerequisite: GENET 270.

A laboratory course in which students will be introduced to modern techniques in molecular genetics. These may include cytogenetics, recombinant DNA techniques, PCR, DNA sequencing, methods of detecting gene expression, and genome analysis. Prerequisites: GENET 270, MICRB 265, and a 300-level GENET course. Enrolment is limited, and registration is by consent of instructor.

Examination of fundamental techniques employed in molecular biological research relevant to both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. Topics will provide the theoretical basis appropriate for molecular research in a diverse range of fields including genetics, microbiology, cell biology, biotechnology, evolution and population biology. Prerequisite: BIOL 207; BIOCH 200 or 205 or BIOCH 220; GENET 270 recommended.

Gene action during development; identification and analysis of the networks of genetic elements regulating developmental decisions. The course will focus on processes that have been elucidated from genetically tractable and model systems. Prerequisites: any two GENET 300-level lecture courses, or any GENET 300-level lecture course and ZOOL 303. Credit cannot be obtained for both GENET 412 and 512.

The goal of the course is to build knowledge about conserved, fundamental cellular processes uncovered using genetic approaches to study bacteria and to develop an appreciation for the application of this information to the development of technology and the understanding of human diseases. Prerequisites: Two GENET 300 level courses or MICRB 316 and one GENET 300 level course; this course is normally recommended for fourth-year students. Credit cannot be obtained for both GENET 415 and 515.

A survey of human genetic variation and mutation in a molecular genetics context. Molecular basis of diseases and applications to genetic counseling and screening, chromosomal abnormalities, genomic imprinting, cancer genetics, gene mapping, population genetics, multifactorial inheritance, gene therapy, and ethical issues. Prerequisites: any two GENET 300-level lecture courses, GENET 302 is recommended. Credit cannot be obtained for both GENET 418 and 518.

A laboratory course teaching modern techniques in molecular biology with emphasis on the analysis of gene expression in animal systems. Prerequisites: GENET 390 and any other GENET 300-level lecture course. GENET 375 recommended. Enrolment is limited and registration is by consent of instructor. Designed for senior undergraduate and graduate students in programs with molecular biological orientation. May not be taken concurrently with BIOL 391.

Discussion of selected topics in developmental biology with an emphasis on the cellular and genetic mechanisms used to uncover regulatory pathways. Selection of topics will depend, in part, on the interests of the students enrolled. Peer evaluation will be an integral part of the course and an introduction to the review process in science will be included. Critical reading and analysis of the primary literature, research proposal-based reading and writing, and classroom presentation skills may all be used as means of evaluation. Prerequisites: consent of instructor and GENET 412 or ZOOL 303 or equivalent course in developmental biology.

A seminar and discussion course where students will use their existing knowledge of genetics to investigate, evaluate, and discuss how the field of genetics affects society. Students participate in classroom presentations, written submissions and discussions that may include medical research ethics, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), gene patenting, and other current topics. Enrollment is limited and is by permission of the instructor(s). Prerequisite: Any two GENET 300-level lecture courses.

Directed study of literature on the discovery of the phenomena of inheritance and their physical correlates within the cell. Notes: (1) Graded on participation in group discussions and on written work and/or examinations based on assigned readings. (2) Scheduling of this course will be subject to modification depending on the requirements of instructors and students. Note: Usually taken as one of a pair of courses (GENET 500, 510) by first year graduate students in the area of Genetics. Students in other graduate programs may register with the consent of the instructors.

Directed study of literature on regulation of the phenotypic expression of genes and the manner in which genes direct the process of development. Note: See GENET 500.

Gene action during development; identification and analysis of the network of genetic elements regulating developmental decisions. The course will focus on processes that have been elucidated from genetically tractable and model systems. Scheduled classes are the same as GENET 412, but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Credit cannot be obtained for both GENET 412 and 512.

The goal of the course is to build knowledge about conserved, fundamental cellular processes uncovered using genetic approaches to study bacteria and to develop an appreciation for the application of this information to the development of technology and the understanding of human diseases. Scheduled classes are the same as GENET 415, but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Credit cannot be obtained for both GENET 415 and 515.

A survey of human genetic variation and mutation in a molecular genetics context. Molecular basis of diseases and applications to genetic counseling and screening, chromosomal abnormalities, genomic imprinting, cancer genetics, gene mapping, population genetics, multifactorial inheritance, gene therapy, and ethical issues. Scheduled classes are the same as GENET 418, but with additional assignments and evaluation appropriate to graduate studies. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. Credit cannot be obtained for both GENET 418 and 518.