TEACHING
Fall Semester
BICH/GENE 431.502 “Molecular Genetics”.
This is an upper level undergraduate course that is a required course for majors in biological sciences.
Course Objectives
1. To provide an in-depth knowledge and discussion of Molecular Genetics with emphasis on the principles and mechanisms of gene expression, stressing the conservation of these phenomena throughout evolution from microbes to humans. This section is designed for students in the molecular life sciences. Lectures and assignments will integrate the principles of classical molecular genetics with recent scientific developments based on the course main textbook and additional sources.
2. To exercise problem-solving skills individually and as a group by answering problems from textbooks, handouts, quizzes, bonus point questions and exams.
3. To provide a solid basis in Molecular Genetics expected for those pursuing studies at the graduate level, job positions or further training in medical, biomedical and biotechnological areas.
Text book: Molecular Biology: Principles and Practice by Jennifer Doudna, Michael Cox, and Michael O'Donnell. Supplementary materials taken from research articles and class handouts will be uploaded on eCampus.
BICH/GENE 431.202 “Molecular Genetics”. Honors section.
Course description
Students in this Honors Section will participate in all activities of the regular Section 431. In addition, Section 202 will meet 4 times during the semester to discuss current literature in molecular genetics that connects central topics covered in our regular section with cutting-edge developments in scientific research.
BICH 656 “RNA Biology”. Elective: 3-credit hours (undergraduate level).
BICH 489 “RNA Biology”. Elective: 3-credit hours (graduate level).
These are advanced level elective courses for majors in biomedical sciences.
*Both courses are co-taught with Dr. Xiuren Zang.
Course description
RNA is an essential macromolecule in almost every biological system. In the central dogma of molecular genetics, RNA bridges the flow of genetic information from DNA to protein. However, recent years have seen an explosion in the discovery of RNA-mediated new processes and regulatory roles. This three-credit course in RNA biology, taught by two leading experts in the RNA field, is suitable for graduate students majoring in life sciences. The course emphasizes novel roles and mechanisms of newly discovered RNA species including non-coding RNAs. It covers a wide range of topics in modern RNA biology including RNA silencing, RNA-guided transcriptional regulation, CRISPR/Cas immunity and genome editing, telomerase biogenesis, riboswitches, exosome and editosome. This class also discusses breakthroughs of RNA biology in medicine and biotechnology. For graduate students, the course is a solid platform to understand newly emerging concepts in RNA biology.
Course objectives: This course provides in-depth analysis and discussion of fundamental concepts and methods in RNA biochemistry and molecular biology. Once successfully completed the course, the students will: (I) master basic knowledge and newly emerging in modern RNA biology; (II) develop curiosity and the ability to think critically and understand standard biochemical and genetic methods applied in RNA biology; (III) be able to evaluate the scientific literature critically; and finally, (IV) be able to formulate hypotheses, design experiments and to uncover new knowledge.
