Download Genetics and molecular (or micro

Approved Courses for General Science students with Major/Minors in Biological Sciences
List B: Genetics and molecular (or micro) biology
BIOIN 301 Bioinformatics. * (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0).
Introduction to computational tools and databases used in the collection and analysis of sequence data
and other analytical data from high-throughput molecular biology studies. Students will use existing tools,
and learn the underlying algorithms and their limitations. Prerequisite: any 200-level Biological Sciences
course or consent of instructor. Credit cannot be obtained for both BIOIN 301 and BIOL 501.
BIOIN 401 Bioinformatics II. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-3).
Advanced topics in bioinformatics will be covered. A major part of the course will be devoted to teambased projects involving writing novel bioinformatics tools to deal with current problems in bioinformatics.
Prerequisites: BIOIN 301, a 300-level CMPUT course and a 300-level GENET
course. (Offered jointly by the Departments of Computing Science and Biological
Sciences). [Biological Sciences].
BIOL 322 Diversity and Evolution of Microbial Life. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0).
The diversity of microscopic life forms, both prokaryotic (bacteria and archaea) and eukaryotic (protists,
fungi, phytoplankton), will be explored. The evolutionary forces responsible for this diversity will be
described in detail and contrasted to those at work in macroscopic eukaryotes. Students will learn about
the molecular methods used to identify and classify both culturable and non-culturable microbes, and
genetically characterize entire populations. Prerequisites: BIOL 107 and 108 or SCI 100, and a 200-level
Biological Sciences course. MICRB 265 recommended.
BIOL 380 Genetic Analysis of Populations. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-1s-0).
Application of molecular biology to the study of systematics, structure of natural populations, mating
systems, and forensics. Among the topics discussed are molecular techniques used to detect genetic
variation in natural populations, methods to construct phylogenies using molecular data, mathematical
models of population structure, paternity analysis, and DNA fingerprinting. Prerequisite: BIOL 207. BIOL
321 recommended.
BIOL 391 Techniques in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics. *3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-1s-6).
A laboratory course introducing students to techniques in gene manipulation, protein expression and
bioinformatics by following a gene through a thematic series of molecular manipulations. Restricted to
Honors and Specialization students in Biological Sciences and consent of instructor. Prerequisites: BIOL
207 and BIOCH 200. Not to be taken by students currently enrolled in GENET 420 or with credit in
GENET 420. Credit can be obtained for only one of BIOL 391, IMIN 391 or MMI 391.
BIOL 392 Laboratory Techniques in Molecular Ecology and Systematics. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 0-1s-6).
A laboratory course introducing students to current molecular biology techniques and associated
analyses used to study population genetics, systematics, and evolutionary biology in natural populations.
Students will develop microsatellite marker systems and use them to examine the genetic structure of a
natural population. A comparative bioinformatic approach will be used to generate sequence data to
investigate the use of single nucleotide polymorphisms in candidate gene analysis and in phylogenetic
inference. Prerequisite: BIOL 207, 208 and consent of instructor, corequisite: BIOL 380. Note: BIOL 392
and 592 cannot both be taken for credit.
BIOL 421 Molecular Evolution and Systematics. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-3).
Methods for inferring evolutionary trees and their applications to the fields of comparative biology,
molecular evolution, and systematics. Topics to be covered include phylogenetic inference, molecular
evolution integrated at the organismal and population level, and evolutionary developmental genetics.
Labs emphasize practical experience in data analysis. Prerequisite: BIOL 335 or consent of instructor.
BIOL 380 or 392 recommended. Credit cannot be obtained for both BIOL 421 and BIOL 521. Offered in
alternate years.
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BOT 382 Plant Biotechnology. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0).
Using examples from current research, techniques used in modern plant biotechnology and the way this
technology is being used to modify and improve economically important plants and their use as
biofactories will be discussed. Specific topics will include; gene isolation, plant transformation, plant tissue
culture, clonal plant propagation, and somatic embryogenesis. Prerequisites: BIOL 107 or SCI 100 and a
200-level Biological Sciences course. BOT 205 recommended. Note: Credit cannot be obtained for both
BOT 382 and PL SC 491. Offered in alternate years.
BOT 445 Molecular Plant Physiology. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0).
Plant responses to their environment are underpinned by myriad molecular events. This course examines
the molecular and cellular biology of plant responses to environmental cues, with an emphasis on
signaling and regulation of gene expression mediating physiological responses. Topics such as plant cell
walls, phytohormone action, photoreceptors, and programmed cell death will be covered. Prerequisite:
BOT 382 or GENET 364 or consent of the instructor. BOT 240 or 340 recommended. Credit cannot be
obtained for both BOT 445 and BOT 545. Offered in alternate years.
BOT 464 Plant Functional Genomics. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0).
Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and computer-based exercises, skills are taught for the
analysis of large-scale molecular data sets (e.g. genomic, transcriptomic, or proteomic data). These
analytical skills are applied to recently published studies to derive biologically relevant information about
the physiology and development of plants. Prerequisite: GENET 364 or consent of the instructor. Credit
cannot be obtained for both BOT 464 and 564. Offered in alternate years.
GENET 270 Foundations of Molecular Genetics. *3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-1.5s-0).
Basic concepts on the organization of genetic material and its expression will be developed from
experiments on bacteria and viruses. Prerequisite: BIOL 207.
GENET 301 Organization of Simple Genomes. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0).
Two models of simple genomes will be examined. One model will focus on the function and transmission
of mitochondrial DNA, the evolution of mitochondria, and the role of mitochondria in human disease and
aging. The other model will focus on the application of genomics, molecular biology, and cell biology to
understand chromosome structure, DNA replication, cell division, and cell-cell communication in yeast.
Prerequisite: GENET 270.
GENET 302 Organization of Complex Genomes. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0).
Use of current genomics in Eukaryote genome sequencing projects, their implications and DNA sequence
organization. Also covered are the influence of various chromatin configurations on gene expression,
techniques for manipulating animal genomes, epigenetic phenomena, and regulation of the cell cycle.
Prerequisite GENET 270.
GENET 304 Gene Expression and its Regulation. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0).
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.
GENET 305 Genetic Analysis. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0).
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.
GENET 364 Plant Genetics. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0).
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
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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.
GENET 375 Introduction to Molecular Genetics Techniques. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 0-1s-6).
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 300level GENET course. Enrolment is limited, and registration is by consent of instructor.
GENET 390 Gene Manipulation. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0).
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.
GENET 408 Replication, Repair, and Recombination. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-1s-0).
The goal of the course is to build a foundation of information in the topics of DNA replication,
recombination, and repair and to apply this information to understanding the molecular basis of certain
human diseases including cancer. Prerequisites: Any two GENET 300-level lecture courses; this course is
normally recommended for fourth-year students. GENET 408 and 508 cannot both be taken for credit.
GENET 418 Human Genetics. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-1s-0).
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.
GENET 420 Research Techniques in Molecular Genetics. *6 (fi 12) (either term, 0-1s-12).
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.
GENET 422 Current Topics in Developmental Genetics. *3 (fi 6) (either term, 0-3s-0).
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.
GENET 424 Ethical Issues in Genetics. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 0-3s-0).
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.
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MICRB 265 General Microbiology. *3 (fi 6) (either term, 3-0-4).
This course will focus on the structure and physiology of free-living and pathogenic bacteria. The diversity
of their metabolic activities, the interaction of microbes with their environment, symbiotic relationships and
cell-to-cell communication are major topics. Lectures and laboratory exercises are coordinated to explore
topics in basic microbiology, environmental microbiology, molecular microbiology, and the production of
economically or medically important products through microbial biotechnology. Prerequisites: BIOL 107
and CHEM 164 or 261. SCI 100 may be used in lieu of BIOL 107 and CHEM 261.
MICRB 311 Microbial Physiology. *3 (fi 6) (first term, 3-0-0).
The structure, growth, and metabolic path-ways used by bacteria, yeasts, and molds. Emphasis is placed
on the comparative biochemical aspects of microbial life. Prerequisites: MICRB 265 and BIOCH 200 or
205.
MICRB 315 Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0).
Microbial production of commercially important metabolites, drugs, food grade enzymes and platform
chemicals; use and modification of microbes for industrial-scale processes including biofuel production;
bioprospecting for novel activities; strain improvement and synthetic biology; fundamentals of fermenter
operation. Prerequisite: MICRB 265. Note: MICRB 315 and 415 cannot both be taken for credit.
MICRB 316 Molecular Microbiology. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0).
Factors that affect prokaryotic gene expression at the levels of replication, transcription, posttranscriptional and post-translational control. Topics will include mobile genetic elements and their effect
on chromosome structure and gene expression; alternate sigma factors; protein modification and
degradation; RNA structure, processing and decay; and DNA modification and rearrangement in gene
control. Prerequisites: GENET 270, MICRB 265 and BIOCH 203/205 or BIOCH 200. Note: MICRB 316
and 516 cannot both be taken for credit.
MICRB 343 Analysis of Microbial Macromolecules. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0).
Description and critical discussion of current techniques used for the isolation and characterization of
macromolecular constituents of prokaryotic cells with emphasis on proteins. Prerequisites: MICRB 311 or
consent of instructor.
MICRB 345 Microbial Laboratory Techniques. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 0-0-8).
A series of laboratory projects employing current techniques used in the isolation and characterization of
macromolecular constituents of prokaryotic cells. Prerequisite: BIOL 391 (or consent of instructor);
Corequisite or Prerequisite: MICRB 343. Credit may not be obtained for both MICRB 344 and 345.
MICRB 410 Bacterial Structure and Virulence Factors. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0).
The bacterial cell wall is discussed in the context of cell growth, cell division, and as a target for
antimicrobial therapy. This course also covers relevant aspects of the structure and function of virulence
factors, with an emphasis on secretion systems and other toxin delivery mechanisms. Students will
analyze primary literature and participate in problem-solving exercises. Prerequisite: any 300 level
MICRB course or MMI 351, or consent of instructor. Note: MICRB 410 and 510 cannot both be taken for
credit.
MICRB 423 Extreme Microbiology. *3 (fi 6) (second term, 3-0-0).
This advanced microbiology course will cover selected topics of life in extreme environments, with
particular emphasis on diversity, evolutionary and physiological adaptations, methodology for studying
extreme environments, the effective limits of life, implications for biogeochemical cycling, and
astrobiology. Examples of adaptation to specific environments will be the focus of student projects. Oral
presentations required. Prerequisites: Any 300 level MICRB course or consent of instructor. Note: MICRB
423 and 523 cannot both be taken for credit.
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