kal-hybrid-diana-Fall 2007- Molecular Genetics & Genomics-1
CURRICULUM COURSE REVIEW FORMAT
THIS FORM IS FOR USE WHEN ALTERING THE COLLEGE CURRICULUM BY
ADDING OR COMBINING COURSES
1. Course Title/Number: Molecular Genetics & Genomics 23-xxx/23-xxx and 29-xxx/ 29-xxx
2. Number of Credits: 4 (3 hours lecture + 1 hour lab)
3. Curriculum Program Title: Bachelor or Master’s degree in Plant Sciences and/or Natural
Resources/ Bachelor in Biotechnology/Biology and
Master’s in Biology
4. Curriculum/Course is:
X
New
Required Course
x
Revised
Elective Course
5. List Prerequisites: On advisement: Biology 102 or equivalent (AGNR students), Molecular
Biology/Microbiology (Biology students)
6. List replaced or changed: N/A
7. List courses being deleted:
N/A
8. Need Statement: (give a brief statement explaining the need for the new course or for
combining courses) Does this course adjustment alter the nature of the curriculum
program or the degree to be awarded?
In the past, genetic and molecular applications of biology have concentrated on the
individual study of single genes or their protein products. Developments of modern biology
have produced tools that enable the study of many thousands of genes that can be studied
together on a global scale. These applications also enable the comparison of genes or gene
systems across different organisms representing different species, genera or kingdoms. The
“Molecular Genetics & Genomics” course is new and is planned for Fall 2007. It is intended
for undergraduate students in their junior or senior years and for graduate students. The
course will provide an overview of the current molecular genetics and genomics literature,
methods and technology used in a variety of biological organisms representing plants,
mammals, fish and microbes.
Students who take this course will gain the ability to comprehend basic biological methods
in molecular genetics and genomics, and this will help in the development of their education
and/or career.
9. Catalogue description of the program:
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An overview of molecular genetic and genomics methods across a variety of biological
organisms. Overview of literature, methods, and technology in studying biology on a global
scale and understanding the similarities and differences between organisms.
10. List Objectives of the course:
Upon completion of this course students will be able to:
 Explain basic concepts in molecular genetics and genomics
 Understand basic methods of manipulating DNA, RNA and protein
 Discuss methods of application of knowledge gained in the students biological species of
interest
On a global scale, students will understand:
 Understand the unifying concepts of biology while appreciating the differences in various
biological organisms
 Transfer of tools across biological organisms
11. Course Outline (Attach Typical Course Outline):
Textbook:
Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics 7th edition, A. Malcolm Campbell and Laurie J.
Heyer, (second Ed.) 2006, Benjamin-Cummings-: CSH Press, NY.
The course will meet twice per week for a total of 4 hours in a computer equipped classroom
so that students are able to access and utilize DNA and protein sequence databases for
analyses. Three hours lecture and one hour lab will be the format of the weekly classes.
Each session will be used for explaining the theoretical need and/or basis for the topic at
hand, followed by hands-on analyses. A broad understanding of the molecular genetic &
genomic tools available in a variety of biological organisms will be discussed.
Course Outline:
Introduction to DNA, RNA and Protein
Refresh/review Gene expression and regulation
Overview of genomics projects
What are Expressed sequence tags (ESTs)
EST Genomics projects
Major plant EST projects
Major mammalian EST projects
Fish EST projects
Microbial EST projects
Genome analysis: Data-mining, Prediction of open reading frames, Characteristic sequence features,
and regulatory sequences; Familiarity with whole genome browsers
Genome sequencing projects
C. elegans (nematode) sequencing project
Drosophila(fruit fly) sequencing project
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Human genome sequencing project
Plant genome sequencing projects-Arabidopsis, rice
Zebrafish genome sequencing project
Plasmodium falciparum (malaria parasite) genome sequencing project
SNPs and Variation
What about genomes that cannot be sequenced?
Development of molecular maps of genomes
Development of genetic maps
Development of physical maps
Integrative Genomics
- Metabolomics
Gene Expression: Gene-chips/Microarrays, Technical methodology and analyses of microarray data;
brief overview of proteomics
Use of Genomics in biomedicine: Mutations, alleles and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs),
Genetic testing
Ethical, social and philosophical considerations: The Ultimate Genomic Phenotype—Death, Aging
and the hidden costs for a prolonged life, Patent Law and Genomics, Genetically Modified Organisms
Conclusion
12. Show how the proposed course fits into the curriculum or course sequence.
Attach course descriptions and list course numbers.
This course will serve as a sequence course for students who take the Plant Genetics &
Breeding 29-311/29-511 course as well as for students from
Biology/Chemistry/Biotechnology. This course will be a useful elective for undergraduate
and graduate students in the Plant Science and Natural Resources majors who wish to gain
knowledge in molecular genetics & genomics. Likewise, the course will also be an
important component of the Biology and Biotechnology Curricula as it will cover an
overview of molecular genetics and genomics from an array of biological organisms and
model systems.
13. Are comparable courses in other departments? If so list all comparable courses here.
No
14. How will students be affected by this course change? Will this course improve
students’ professional competence, employability, and ability to pass professional
examinations? Does this course increase the number of credit hours required for
graduation? Does the course prerequisites increase the total number of semester hours in
this curriculum program?
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Students graduating with degrees in plant sciences, natural resources, biology and
biotechnology should have a general understanding of the novel fields of molecular genetics
and genomics and of the tools and resources used in these fields because of their relevance in
the study of modern biology. Along with other courses, this course may increase the
employability of students as well as provide opportunities for furthering their education and
career.
No, it does not increase the number of credit hours for graduation.
No, it does not increase the number of semester hours in this curriculum program.
15. What effect will this new course have on College resources? No significant effect; most
resources already exist in the Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Biology.
Will this course require new or additional resources or staffing? No. The course will be
taught by existing faculty in the university.
16. How will it benefit the college?
This course may attract students from other colleges and departments who have an interest in
molecular genetics and genomics. Students will be able to demonstrate in their academic
transcripts that they have a general understanding of molecular genetics & genomics, which
may increase opportunities in education and research careers.
17. How will the change affect the program?
Change will not impact the program.