BIOL150 - Introduction to Genes & Genomes

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Academic Year 2003/2004

Introduction to Genes & Genomes
BIOL 150 SP

This introductory level course will examine genes and genomes from both biological and informatic perspectives. No biology background will be assumed. We will start with the fundamentals of genetics, from the historical development of the concept of the gene as a unit of function and transmission, to the identification of DNA as the hereditary molecule, to the molecular analysis of genes and gene function. We will then proceed to a bioinformatic perspective, considering not only how huge amounts of data, such as DNA and protein sequences, gene and chromosome maps, and protein structures and expression profiles, are being generated, but how they are being stored, organized, made available, analyzed, and integrated. Some discussion of ELSI, the ethical, legal, and social issues surrounding the Genome Project, will be included.

MAJOR READINGS

There will be one main textbook (TBA) supplemented by readings from the web. We will also make use of genomic databases and analysis tools (including Human Genome Project) on the web.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Three exams, several short writing assignments, problem sets, and web database exercises.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

This course is particularly appropriate for those without biological backgrounds who are considering a bioinformatics concentration, or with a general interest in the field. This course is NOT appropriate for those who have already taken Biol/MBB 205, 206, or 190.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: NSM BIOL Grading Mode: Student Option

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Appel,Laurel F.

Instructor's Course Page

Times: .M.W.F. 11:00AM-11:50AM; Location: SHAN201

Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 30)

SR. major: 0 Jr. major: 0

SR. non-major: 7 Jr. non-major: 7 SO: 8 FR: 8

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal: Quantitative Reasoning, Focused Inquiry Course

Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2004