Course Descriptions
Advanced Genetics I: Model Systems
Credit: 1.5 hours
Rueyling Lin
This course focuses on the of genetic analysis as an approach to identifying and studying important processes in development. The model organisms covered are C. elegans, Drosophila, zebrafish and mouse. The class combines lectures and discussion sessions, with heavy emphasis on critical reading of a small number of papers. Topics vary, but generally include areas of very current interest to developmental biologists.
Gene Expression
Credit: 1.5 hours
James Chen, Steven Kliewer, Bill Garrard
Gene Expression expands on the fundamental concepts studied in the first-year Core Course emphasizing experimental strategies, reading of primary literature, critical evaluation of data and student discussion. Topics change with current advances in the field. Topics include mechanisms of gene transcription and transcriptional control of cellular and developmental processes.
Hypothesis-Driven Grantsmanship
Credit: 1.5 hours
Tom Wilkie, John Abrams
This course is required and specifically intended for graduate students who take the qualifying exam for the Genetics and Development program in May. Experienced faculty discuss how hypothesis- driven grant applications are written and evaluated; how to articulate scientific hypotheses; and how to test scientific hypotheses. Students design, compose and present their own grant proposals and evaluate their colleagues’ research proposals in small-group discussion sessions. The course culminates with a formal written proposal, mentored by an expert in the area of the student’s research proposal. Prerequisite: Declared candidacy for the Genetics and Development Graduate Program
Works in Progress
Must take one of the following:
Advances in Germ and Stem Cell Biology
Credit: 1.5 hours
Jenny Hsieh
The objective of this course is to provide students with current knowledge of embryonic and adult stem cells and how these pluripotent/multipotent populations can be used to treat congenital defects, diseases, or injury in humans. The first part of the course will survey current knowledge of embryonic and germline stem cells and the factors that regulate their growth and development into tissue specific stem cells. Subsequently, adult stem cells in the hematopoietic, nervous, cardiac, and other systems will be discussed in order to provide examples of the various types of tissue specific, adult stem cells.
Emerging “hot” topics such as cancer stem cells and inducible pluripotency is also an area of emphasis. In addition to these topics, another major course objective is to understand how advances in cellular and molecular biology can be applied to the use of stem cells in regenerative medicine, and introduce students to the bioethical and legal issues related to stem cell research. The course includes discussions of the most pertinent recent literature, and presentation of research from the Instructor's own laboratory.
and/or
Topics in Developmental Biology
Credit: 1.5 hours
Michelle Tallquist
The main objective of this course is to provide the student with an in depth knowledge of the mechanisms of development and how these processes are relevant to understanding human disease. The topics include axis formation, asymmetric cell division, regeneration and the connectivity between developmental biology and cancer. Throughout the course students will become familiar with the range of techniques that are employed in model organisms to investigate the complex signals that direct developmental processes. The course uses a combination of lectures and small group discussions of relevant papers to learn about and evaluate the existing literature on a given topic.
Advanced Genetics II: Human Genetics
Credit: 1.5 hours
Andrew Zinn
The course introduces students to the conceptual basis of human genetics research. Some of the classes review basic principles of medical genetics, since many students do not have any prior exposure to this subject, but discussions emphasize research applications rather than clinical problems. Topics include discovering the molecular basis of Mendelian disorders and complex traits through molecular cytogenetics, genetic linkage, candidate gene and genomewide association methods. Discussion of research papers drawn from the current literature is used to illustrate each of these approaches.
Advances in Germ and Stem Cell Biology
Credit: 1.5 hours
Jenny Hsieh
The objective of this course is to provide students with current knowledge of embryonic and adult stem cells and how these pluripotent/multipotent populations can be used to treat congenital defects, diseases, or injury in humans. The first part of the course will survey current knowledge of embryonic and germline stem cells and the factors that regulate their growth and development into tissue specific stem cells. Subsequently, adult stem cells in the hematopoietic, nervous, cardiac, and other systems will be discussed in order to provide examples of the various types of tissue specific, adult stem cells.
Emerging “hot” topics such as cancer stem cells and inducible pluripotency is also an area of emphasis. In addition to these topics, another major course objective is to understand how advances in cellular and molecular biology can be applied to the use of stem cells in regenerative medicine, and introduce students to the bioethical and legal issues related to stem cell research. The course includes discussions of the most pertinent recent literature, and presentation of research from the Instructor's own laboratory.
Quantitative Analysis of Genes and Genomes
Credit: 1.5 hours
Alexander Pertsemlidis