kalavacharla-dhillon – M G Genomics-23-575/23-575
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 23-575/29-575
2. Number of Credits: 3
3. Curriculum Program Title: Master’s degree in Plant Sciences and/or Natural Resources/
Master’s in Biology/Neuroscience
4. Curriculum/Course is:
X
New
Required Course
x
Revised
Elective Course
5. List Prerequisites: Genetics, Molecular Biology or by instructor’s approval
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 will provide an in depth discussion of the current
molecular genetic and genomic methods as applied to model and commercially relevant
organisms.
Students who take this course will gain the ability to comprehend advanced 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:
An in-depth discussion of molecular genetic principles and genomic methods as applied to
model and commercially relevant biological organisms. Review of cutting edge technology,
literature, and methods applied on a genomic scale; this course will also investigate
evolutionary relationships between various organisms and utilization of tools from the
genomic era to better elucidate similarities and differences.
kalavacharla-dhillon – M G Genomics-23-575/23-575
10. List Objectives of the course:
Upon completion of this course students will be able to:
 Explain advanced concepts in molecular genetics and genomics
 Understand current 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, and web based resources.
A Primer of Genome Science. Greg Gibson and Spencer V. Muse. 2nd ed. 2004. SINAUER
Associates Inc.
The lecture sessions will be used for explaining the theoretical need and/or basis for the
topic at hand, followed by hands-on analyses. An in depth 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: Bioinformatics, 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
Human genome sequencing project
Plant genome sequencing projects-Arabidopsis, rice
Zebrafish genome sequencing project
Plasmodium falciparum (malaria parasite) genome sequencing project
kalavacharla-dhillon – M G Genomics-23-575/23-575
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Variation
What about genomes that cannot be sequenced?
Development of molecular maps of genomes
Development of genetic maps
Development of physical maps
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
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 students from Biology/Chemistry/Biotechnology.
This course will be a useful elective for graduate students in the plant science as well as
natural resources majors who wish to gain knowledge in molecular genetics & genomics.
This course will also be an important component in graduate programs in the Biological
Sciences 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?
Principles of molecular genetics and genomics are necessary for research in modern
agricultural, biomedical, and basic biological sciences. Students graduating with advanced
degrees in plant sciences, natural resources, and biology need to have an understanding of
modern tools in molecular genetics and genomics because these tools and the resources
available at the present time are relevant to the study of a number of biological problems.
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.
kalavacharla-dhillon – M G Genomics-23-575/23-575
15. What effect will this new course have on College resources? Will this course require
new or additional resources or staffing? No
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.