Phage Hunters
Bucknell University/ Howard Hughes Medical
Institute
National Phage Genomics Research Initiative
The Program
Bucknell University has been awarded a Science Education Alliance grant from the Howard Hughes
Medical Institute (HHMI) to create a hands-on research opportunity for sophomores. This new
course is part of a national experiment in both research and education that will result in a
significant contribution to the broader field of phage genomics. Students will participate in two
research courses in molecular genetics and genomics that offer authentic research experiences.
In these two courses, students will:
 Isolate bacterial viruses from local soil samples
 Prepare the virus for electron microscopy
 Prepare vial DNA for sequencing
 Finish and annotate the viral genome
 Submit the finished genome to the National Center for Bioinformatics/Genbank
 Collaborate with other institutions in the SEA network
Q: What is a phage?
A phage, also known as a bacteriophage, is a virus that specifically infects bacteria. In this
course we will explore phage molecular biology and isolate phage from the environment. The
potential for isolating a completely novel phage never before studied is very high.
Q: What is bioinformatics/genomics?
Bioinformatics and genomics are relatively new fields in biology that merge computer
science with biology. The overall goals of the fields are to analyze and compare genome
sequences. In this course you will apply these techniques by analyzing a phage genome that you
have isolated.
Q: How will participating in these courses benefit me?
Sophomores are seldom given the opportunity to experience discovery research because of the
resource-intensive nature of fundamental research. As a member of SEA, the Bucknell biology
department can change the typical approach to undergraduate research. This nationwide endeavor
makes the research experience an integrated part of your core curriculum. You will work on your own
research project under the guidance of two faculty members. Since everyone in the course will be
using the same protocols you will have a built in buddy system. You will leave the course with handson experience using techniques and equipment of molecular genetics, electron microscopy and
significant experience using state-of-the-art bioinformatic computer programs. You will be generating
novel data and contributing to our knowledge about bacterial viruses. By the end of your sophomore
year you could be a contributing author on a publication in a nationally or internationally renowned
journal. You may have the opportunity to attend regional microbiology meetings or SEA/HHMI
seminars. You will be part of a national network of scientists and could have the opportunity to spend
the summer conducting research at another SEA institute. You will have research experience a year
earlier than most of your peers at Bucknell.
Q: How do I apply?
Pick up an application from Dr. Stowe-Evans (Room 306), Dr Pizzorno (Room 235) or the
Biology Office (Room 203). Return the application to the Biology Office no later than 4 pm on
Tuesday, March 23.
Phage Alpine7: Isolated by undergraduate student Christine Crotzer in October, 2009 at
University of Colorado-Boulder.
Courses: If selected to participate in Phage Hunters you will take 2 half-credit courses in 20102011. In the Fall 2011 semester you will take Phage Hunters I in addition to BIOL 207: Genetics.
In the Spring 2012 semester you will take Phage Hunters II in addition to either BIOL 208:
Population Biology and Ecology OR Biol 327: Molecular Biology. (This difference is due to
differences between the Biology degree and the Cell Biology/Biochemistry degree.) All interested
students, regardless of major are encouraged to apply but must meet the prerequisites for Biol
207.
BIOL 231 – Phage Hunters – Part I (Fall; 4 hours in lab/week)
Students in this investigative laboratory course will isolate viruses that infect bacteria
(bacteriophages) from soil samples, produce large quantities of the bacteriophage, and
characterize the genome using molecular genetics techniques. Prerequisite: BIOL205 and
permission of the instructor. Co-requisite: BIOL 207.
BIOL 232 – Phage Hunters – Part II (Spring; 4 hours in lab/week)
Continuation of BIOL231. Students will learn the theory and application of bioinformatics and
genomics to analyze the genome sequence of a bacteriophage isolated from soil samples.
Prerequisites: BIOL 231 or permission of the instructor.
Phage Hunters 2011