BIOL 202(F) Genetics

This course investigates the nature of the gene-its structure and its function. We will examine the mechanism of inheritance: how can genetic information be reliably passed from generation to generation without change?; how can genetic information change through mutation and recombination? We will study mechanisms of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes: how does the gene determine the appearance of an organism?; how do mechanisms of gene expression allow an organism to respond appropriately to a changing environment. Lectures will integrate classical approaches of genetic analysis with more recently developed molecular approaches. We will also apply our understanding of genetic mechanisms to humans and address topics such as the molecular basis of inherited diseases, genetic aspects of cancer, sex determination, and the human genome project. The lab exercises will provide an introduction to many of the experimental tools of modern genetics, including linkage analysis and basic recombinant DNA methods such as DNA restriction mapping and bacterial transformation. Evaluation will be based on hour exams, a final exam, and lab reports. Lectures and laboratory: six hours a week. Prerequisites: Biology 101 and 102.

Hour:  ALTSCHULER