kalavacharla-dhillon-Molecular Genetics & Genomics-23-375/29-375
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 23-375/29-375
2. Number of Credits: 4
3. Curriculum Program Title: Bachelor degree in Plant Sciences and/or Natural Resources/
Bachelor in Biotechnology/Biology
4. Curriculum/Course is: X New
Required Course x
Revised
Elective Course
5. List Prerequisites: Biology 102
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?
Traditionally, the fields of genetics and molecular 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 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:
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:

kalavacharla-dhillon-Molecular Genetics & Genomics-23-375/29-375

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 7 th
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. 2 nd
ed. 2004. SINAUER
Associates Inc.
Each lecture session will be used for explaining the theoretical need and/or basis for the topic at hand, followed by hands-on computer-based laboratory sessions. 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 structure
DNA replication, transcription and translation
Gene expression and regulation
Overview of genomics projects
What are Expressed sequence tags (ESTs)
EST Genomics projects
Major 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
What about genomes that cannot be sequenced?
Development of molecular maps of genomes
Development of genetic maps

kalavacharla-dhillon-Molecular Genetics & Genomics-23-375/29-375
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 of genomics: 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 be a useful elective for undergraduate students majoring in the plant sciences, natural resources, biology, and biotechnology who wish to gain knowledge in molecular genetics & genomics 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?
Students graduating with undergraduate degrees in plant sciences, natural resources, biology and biotechnology should have a general 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.
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

kalavacharla-dhillon-Molecular Genetics & Genomics-23-375/29-375 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.