BIOLOGY 621:
Special Topics in Biology –
Advanced Genetic Analysis
Spring 2006
LECTURE:
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 11:00 – 12:15 P.M.
305 T.H. Morgan Bldg.
INSTRUCTORS:
Dr. Doug Harrison, 301 T.H. Morgan Bldg.
Tel.: 257-6275
e-mail: dough@email.uky.edu
Dr. John Rawls, 316 T.H. Morgan Bldg.
Tel.: 257-4647
e-mail: jrawls@.uky.edu
COURSE CONTENT: This is a graduate course in contemporary genetic analysis
– the use of mutation and mutations to understand biological processes.
Emphasis will be on experimental approaches using model eukaryotes, relying on
scientific literature and web resources. The intent of the course is not only to
familiarize you with current genetic techniques, but to provide you with
experience in applying those techniques to modern problems in biology.
PREREQUISITES: Consent of instructor. Prior coursework in genetics, cell
biology and biochemistry is strongly recommended.
OFFICE HOURS/CONSULTATION: This course will involve frequent required
consultations (for proposal and presentation preparations), as well as meetings
for any other matters that students wish to discuss. Rather than formal office
hours, students should contact the instructors for appointments.
TEXT/REFERENCE MATERIALS: There is no textbook. Scientific papers and
web resources will be extensively used. Reference lists and other materials will
be distributed by e-mail and/or posted on the web sites for each instructor;
students are expected to read required references in advance of the class
meeting so that they may participate fully in the discussion of course material.
Web sites:
Dr. Rawls: http://www.uky.edu/~jrawls/bio621/
Dr. Harrison: http://www.as.uky.edu/Biology/faculty/harrison/bio621/
GRADES: The final grade will be assigned on the basis of the student's
performance in:
First exam
25%
Second exam
25%
Paper presentation 20%
Research proposal 30%
------------Total
100%
The final grade scale will be : (100-90), B (89-80), C (79-70), E (<70).
EXAMS will be composed primarily of essay and short-answer questions derived
from the lecture and readings. The first exam will cover material through
February 17. The second exam will be based on all material after the first exam.
PAPER PRESENTATION. Each student will be assigned a journal article and a
date during the semester to make a presentation to the class on that topic,
including leading a discussion of the work. Students must meet with the
instructor to discuss the paper at least one week before the presentation date.
Students should bring their presentation to that meeting with the instructor.
RESEARCH PROPOSAL. Each student will develop a research proposal in
which genetic analysis is applied to a contemporary question in cell and
molecular biology. Topics will be selected by the student in consultation with the
course instructor. Acceptable topics may include, but are certainly not limited to,
those from a current or prior rotation project, but may not include topics that are
the subject of the student’s dissertation. Preparation of the proposal will take
place throughout the semester with initial discussions with the instructor
beginning during the first three weeks of the course, submission of a written
Background & Aims statement in mid-February, submission of an initial draft of
the proposal in late March, and submission of the final proposal in late April.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: Attendance is mandatory. The instructor should be
informed in advance of a planned excused absence or consulted upon return of
an unexpected absence. Absences will be excused only under standard criteria
stipulated in University regulation. Each unexcused absence will reduce the
course score by 5%.
BIO 621 Advanced Genetic Analysis
Syllabus- Spring 2006
Date
1/12
1/17
1/19
1/24
1/26
1/31 **
2/2
2/7
2/9
2/14 **
2/16
2/21
2/23
2/28
3/2
3/7
3/9
Topic
Mutagenesis
Mutational Screening I
Mutational Screening II
Student Presentation (Mutational Screening)
Models & Transgenesis I
Models & Transgenesis II
Models & Transgenesis III
Genetic Interactions I
Genetic Interactions II
Genetic Interactions III
Student Presentation (Genetic interaction)
Reverse genetics I: gene knock-outs
Paper E (KO strategy)
Reverse genetics II: RNAi/morpholinos
First Exam
Reverse genetics III: gene misexpression
Paper F (Targeted misexpression)
3/21
3/23 **
3/28
3/30
4/4
4/6
4/11
4/13
4/17
4/20 **
4/25
4/27
5/2
Mosaic analysis of mutations
Mosaic analysis II
Paper D (Mosaic analysis)
Quantitative Genetics I
Quantitative Genetics II
Paper G (Quantitative genetics)
Genomic Analysis I- microarray analysis
Paper H (Microarray)
Genomic Analysis II- two-hybrid/protein interaction
Genomic Analysis III- proteomic analysis
Paper I (Proteomic analysis)
Genomic Analysis IV- genome-wide mutagenesis projects
Second Exam at 10:30
3/13-3/17
** Proposal
1/31
2/14
3/23
4/20
Spring Break- No class
deadlines:
Proposal topic discussions with instructor must be underway
Aims & Background due
Initial proposal draft due
Final proposal due