BIOS 744
Distinguished University
Professor Valery N. Soyfer
MOLECULAR GENETICS
Rationale: The aim of this course is to provide an understanding of
the major genetic molecular mechanisms: DNA structure (doublestranded, triple-stranded and more complicated); chromatin
structures; replication; transcription and translation; regulation of
transcription in pro- and eukaryotic cells; RNAi, mitochondrial DNA,
mutation, DNA repair and recombination, mechanisms of
transposition related to the pro- and eukaryotic systems. It is
assumed that all students are already somewhat familiar with these
topics, but prior background in Biology 311, 482 and 483 and
Chemistry 314 and 463 is recommended. Substantial attention will
be paid to reading and discussing recent reviews and research
publications devoted to the above-mentioned topics. Several
lectures will be divided into two parts: the lecturer will present the
basic explanations of the corresponding problem based on the
textbook and recent publications, and then students will present
and discuss recent key publications regarding these topics
(publications will be provided by the lecturer). Such a first-hand
active educational approach will ensure a deeper understanding of
the current status of the subject and active participation of
students in the educational process.
Readings: Students are expected to read the assigned chapters of
the 6th ed. of the textbook by Peter Snustad and Michael Simmons,
Principles of Genetics, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2012.
Course objectives: Students will be involved not only in studying of
the principles of modern molecular genetics but will be better
prepared for future teaching of this subject at the undergraduate
level, as well as for their own research activity in these and related
fields.
Grading: Two mid-term examinations will be worth 30% each of the
final grade. A final exam, one half of which reviews material from
the last third of the course and one half is comprehensive, will be
worth 40% of the final grade. Course grades are assigned using
quantitative scores for every examination, including mid-terms and
will be based on the following brackets: 90 to 100% - A, 80 to 89% B, 60 - 79% - C, 50 and below - F. Make-up mid-term examinations
are not gi