Theories and mechanisms of evolution, with emphasis on the genetic basis of evolutionary change.

Theories and mechanisms of evolution, with emphasis on the genetic basis of evolutionary change.

This course is designed for students in graduate level degree programs with an interest in developing a strong understanding of core concepts in genetics and omics technologies. It is assumed that students either have familiarity with undergraduate level biology topics, or can quickly catch up to keep pace with the course. We will focus on genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics topics ranging from transcriptomics to transgenic organisms to epigenetics. This fast-paced course will cover both foundational principles, as well as modern applications and developments, offering hands-on active learning opportunities where possible. Students will be expected to engage deeply with the material, and will have the opportunity to develop scientific skills in critical thinking, reading, and communication, culminating in a final group presentation at the end of the semester. Upon completion of the course, students should feel empowered to enroll in any advanced genetics/genomics-based biology course at Penn.

This class explores the evolutionary battles that play out between genes within and across genomes. Pathogens evolve their molecular arsenal to manipulate host cells and enhance their own replication. The host genome fights back with molecular defense mechanisms that evade or suppress the invading bacterial and viral pathogens. Such “molecular arms races” also play out between host genomes and genomic parasites called selfish genetic elements. These selfish elements, like transposons, spore killers, and meiotic drivers, similarly evolve to replicate in their host genomes and the host genome evolves to block proliferation and mitigate the collateral damage. Finally, conflicts over access to mates drives genetic innovations. We will learn about these molecular arms races using the primary literature. During our course meetings, we will discuss assigned articles and engage in small groups around multiple writing assignments. Presentation preparation and writing are two skills that we’ll develop over the semester.

This course will be a focused study of genomes, genomic techniques, and how these approaches are and will be used in diagnosing and treating human disease. Topics will include genome sequencing, analysis of sequences and microarrays, and new techniques including high-throughput sequencing and reverse genetic analysis with a focus on genome-wide mutant collections.

This course will survey the discipline of molecular genetics. Two broad areas will be considered 1) Molecular Biology: DNA replication, transcription, translation, regulation of gene expression in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, and genomics and 2) Genetics: basic Mendelian & molecular genetics.

This course will survey the discipline of molecular genetics. Two broad areas will be considered 1) Molecular Biology: DNA replication, transcription, translation, regulation of gene expression in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, and genomics and 2) Genetics: basic Mendelian & molecular genetics.

This course will survey the discipline of molecular genetics. Two broad areas will be considered 1) Molecular Biology: DNA replication, transcription, translation, regulation of gene expression in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, and genomics and 2) Genetics: basic Mendelian & molecular genetics.

A fundamental goal of neuroscience is to understand how neural circuits in the brain function to influence behavior. The aim of this course is to highlight the neural basis of behavior and discuss modern approaches and novel methods to study the neuronal control of classically studied aspects of behavior. Through a combination of discussions, student presentations, and interactive lectures, we will explore the neural systems that regulate the interactions an animal has with the external world. We will explore sensory systems (such as vision, taste, and olfaction), motor systems, and survival behaviors (such as feeding, drinking, mating, and aggression). The course evaluation will be based largely on written work, participation, and presentations.

Life depends on the propagation of genetic material from one generation to next through cycles of genome replication and cell division. We will focus on chromosomes as discrete entities, rather than collections of genes, that are inherited between cell cycles and across generations. By reading selected primary literature covering several decades, we will build an understanding based on key experiments and insights, focusing on chromosomes and their associated molecular machinery. Topics may include kinetochores and microtubule dynamics, centromeres, the mitotic checkpoint, chromosomal instability and cancer, genetic conflict, chromosome evolution, and artificial chromosomes.