BIOL 206T Genomes, Transcriptomes and Proteomes (Not offered 2006-2007) (W)
While determining the complete DNA sequences of organisms continues at an
impressive pace, a sufficient number of eukaryotic and prokaryotic genomes
have been sequenced to consider what has been learned, and, more importantly,
what do we hope to learn in the post-genomic era. This tutorial course, intended
for sophomores, examines the progress and limitations of genome analyses in
enhancing our understanding of biology, as well as more recent investigations
employing DNA, RNA and protein sequence information to gain insights into
fundamental biological processes. Initially in the course, the experimental approaches and tools used to obtain and analyze DNA sequences are considered.
Subsequently, topics based on recent articles exploring (i) comparative genomic
analyses, (ii) genome-wide changes in expression and mRNA levels (transcriptomes), and (iii) efforts to analyze proteomes and protein-protein interactions in
cells are examined.
The format includes two meetings per week, one general group meeting and one
tutorial meeting between two students and the instructor. Evaluation is based on
five tutorial papers (4-5 pages each), five critiques, tutorial presentations and
general participation.
Prerequisite: Biology 202. Enrollment limit: 6 (expected: 6). Preference given to
sophomores.