Prerequisites: BISC 302 and BISC 331. Recommended prerequisites: BISC 333, BICH 221.

Course Description:

In this course we will examine basic molecular and cell biological processes, and how the molecules involved were elucidated through genetic analyses. The course will consist of 6-7 weeks of lectures, followed by student presentations on research papers. The emphasis will be on the power of model systems in asking questions about basic biology.

Topics to be covered:

1. Introduction to model systems
2. Cell cycle and cell division
3. Cytoskeletal reorganization and cell movement
4. Signal Transduction
5. Control of Gene Expression
6. Membrane trafficking
7. Other topics may be added by popular demand

Evaluation:

Grading will be based on a midterm exam (40%) and an oral presentation (30%) and written report (30%). The midterm will cover the lectures described above and will emphasize various genetic techniques and the information they can provide. Students will deliver oral presentations on research papers that focus on using genetic approaches to dissecting molecular and cellular processes. After the presentations the students will be expected to write a 3-5 page report on the topic of their presentation.