This course offers an immersive experience into the world of DNA, genes, and genomes in eukaryotic organisms. In addition to gaining a grasp of the foundational biology, students will engage with various online databases and resources, becoming familiar with the computational algorithms and methodologies used to mine and analyze the ever-increasing data generated from whole-genome sequencing, and consider how that improves our understanding of evolutionary relationships amongst organisms based on their molecular fingerprints. In the second half of the term, students will work in teams on a genome annotation project, contributing to an ongoing multi-institute analysis of understudied regions of various Drosophila species’ genomes. Students completing successful project work become eligible for future co-author status on emerging publications by the Genomics Education Partnership consortium.
Learning Outcomes:
Students will understand the flow of genetic information in all life on Earth
Students will gain comfort with uncertainty and ambiguity in scientific research
Students will understand the importance of evidence and analysis in constructing a sound scientific model
Students will gain collaborative skills working as teams to conduct the research project
Delivery Method: Remotely accessible
Course Level: 2000-level
Credits: 4
T/F 8:30AM - 10:20AM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 20
Course Frequency: Once a year
Categories: All courses , Biology , Remotely Accessible
Tags: bioinformatics , Biology , Collaboration , computational biology , DNA , genes , Research