1
Taught Spring Semesters
Algal Genomics for Environmental and Algal Biofuel
Research
Course Number: 16:215:599:03
ORGANIZER: Debashish Bhattacharya, 102 Foran Hall
PREREQUISITES: By permission of the organizer. Basic training in biology, including
background in fundamental genetics and bioinformatics, is strongly recommended.
COURSE OBJECTIVES AND OVERVIEW:
This course will offer graduate students and post-docs the opportunity to learn about the diversity
of photosynthetic microbial (algal) forms on our planet, their phylogenetic interrelationships, and
the rapidly emerging genomic and functional genomic tools that are available for their
manipulation and study. Having the ability to identify appropriate algal resources and having
knowledge about their evolutionary history and genomic biology are cornerstones for developing
these organisms as alternative sources of oil and starch for renewable and sustainable biofuel
production. Students in this semester-long theory course will be expected to enter with basic
training in biology (particularly fundamental genetics) and bioinformatics. Treatment of modern
genomic tools and their applications will be a central focus of the teaching material. To address
the breadth of the material being taught, the curriculum will be composed of individual modules
that are taught by experts in the field. The overall goal will be a highly coordinated effort that
has as its central goal to provide a common body of knowledge and associated vocabulary for
individuals from diverse backgrounds such as engineering, environmental policy, and chemistry
to understand the biology of algae and their important role of algae as future sources of biofuels.
MODULES:
Diversity of algae (tree of life): Debashish Bhattacharya (DEENR/IMCS)
Overview of modern genomic approaches: Debashish Bhattacharya (DEENR/IMCS)
Algae as biofuel models (photosynthesis, lipid production): Paul Falkowski (IMCS) and Chuck
Dismukes (Waxman)
Insights from algal genome analyses: Debashish Bhattacharya (DEENR)
Functional genomics with algal models: Debashish Bhattacharya (DEENR) and Kay Bidle
(IMCS)
Algal genetics/tools (Chlamydomonas, diatoms): Kay Bidle (IMCS)
EXPECTATIONS:
During the semester, each student will be required to deliver two PowerPoint presentations of
15 and 60 minutes and be prepared to answer questions in the class discussion session that
follows.
Students are expected to work independently and write two papers on the chosen topic.
PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT:
Component
Percentage of
Final Grade
2
Proposal Paper
Project Paper
Proposal Presentation
Project Presentation
Class attendance and participation in discussions
10%
40%
10%
30%
10%
Note: Questions pertaining to the grading of Term Paper I must be brought to the attention of the
instructor within one week of the date when the paper is returned to you.
SCHEDULE:
Meet every Wednesday in Foran 138-B from 2:15-4:15 pm for lectures.
March 21, 2012, Proposal Paper due and Proposal Presentations are done.
Last weeks of classes in April and May, Final Project Presentations are done and all Final Project
papers are due on May 2, 2012.
OFFICE HOURS:
Office hours are by appointment. If you wish to schedule an appointment, please see me after
class or contact me by telephone (848-932-6218; answering machine available)
or e-mail (bhattacharya@aesop.rutgers.edu).
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