Spring 2022

Genetic Analysis of Biological Processes

Listed in: Biology, as BIOL-241

Formerly listed as: BIOL-24

Faculty

Caroline E. Goutte (Section 01)

Description

In this course we will explore genetic analysis as a means of probing the mysteries of the molecular world. Scientists often turn to the study of genes and mutations when trying to decipher the molecular mechanisms that underlie such diverse processes as the making of an embryo, the response of cells to their environment, or the defect in a heritable disease. All of the reading in the course will be from the primary literature, where students will engage with data from genetic experiments that shed light on the workings of a signal transduction pathway. Students will learn from these examples how to use genetic analysis to formulate models that explain the molecular function of a gene product. In the laboratory students will apply these approaches to their own semester-long project, taking responsibility for experimental design and execution as well as data interpretation and analysis. Three hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory per week; the laboratory projects will require time outside of class hours.

Requisite: BIOL 191. Limited to 16 students. Not open to first-year students. Spring Semester. Professor Goutte.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: reading primary literature, data analysis, experimental design, lab work, collaboration, critical thinking, individual exams, semester-end lab report Students with documented disabilities who will require accommodations in this course should be in consultation with Accessibility Services and reach out to the faculty member as soon as possible to ensure that accommodations can be made in a timely manner.

If Overenrolled: Pre-registered juniors and seniors will have priority, then those attending first class, by year.

Offerings

2023-24: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2008, Spring 2010, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2017, Spring 2018, Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Spring 2025