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MOLECULAR GENETICS
Biology 442
Objectives: The fast pace of modern molecular genetics research is driven by major
challenges in medicine, agriculture, and industry; and, ultimately, by intellectual curiosity. There
is intense public interest in the human genome project and genetic engineering, due in part to
fascination with how our own genes influence our lives. The primary objective of this course is
to provide students with an advanced understanding and appreciation of current topics in
molecular genetics, while developing skills in critical thinking and written expression. A central
theme of the course will be the continuum of biological understanding, starting with basic
properties of genes and genomes and extending to the complex, hierarchical interactions
fundamental to living organisms. A comprehensive picture of the many ways molecular genetics
is being applied to the analysis of complex systems will be developed, including advances that
reveal fundamental features of gene regulation during cell growth and differentiation, and in
response to a changing environment, as well as developments that are more related to
commercial and medical applications. Recent advances in technology, the process and thrill of
discovery, and ethical considerations in molecular genetics research will be emphasized.
Grading: The final grade will be based on two in-class exams, one written assignment, and a
final examination. The exams will be in short answer format. Exam I will be worth 20%, Exam II
and the written assignment worth 25% each, and the final examination worth 30% of the course
grade.
Lecture Topics
Lecture 1
Overview of course. The beginnings of molecular biology
Lectures 2, 3
The structure of DNA
Lecture 4
Genome organization: From nucleotides to chromatin
Lectures 5, 6
The versatility of RNA
Lectures 7, 8
From gene to protein: The genetic code and protein structure
Lectures 9, 10
DNA replication
Lecture 11
Telomere maintenance
Lectures 12, 13
DNA repair and recombination
Lectures 14, 15, 16
Recombinant DNA technology, molecular cloning, & some tools
for analyzing gene expression
EXAM 1
(covering material in Lectures 2–14)
Lectures 17, 18
Transcription in prokaryotes
Lectures 19, 20, 21, 22
Transcription in eukaryotes
Lectures 23, 24, 25, 26
Epigenetics and monoallelic gene expression
EXAM 2
(covering material in Lectures 15–26)
Lectures 27, 28, 29, 30
RNA processing and post-transcriptional gene regulation
Lectures 31, 32
Mechanisms of translation
Lecture 33
Genetically modified organisms: Use in basic and applied
research
Lecture 34
Genome analysis: DNA typing
Lecture 35
Genome analysis: Genomics and beyond
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS DUE
Lectures 36, 37
Medical molecular biology: Cancer
Lecture 38
Medical molecular biology: Gene therapy
Lecture 39
Genes and behavior
FINAL EXAM
(Comprehensive section worth 10% of final grade, section
specifically covering Lectures 27–39 worth 20% of final grade)