Course: 11:680:480 Microbial Genetics and Genomics (3 credits)

Prerequisites:

General Microbiology 11:680:390

Genetics 01:447:380

Format:

Spring semester

Two 80-min lectures

Mon, Thr, 2^nd period

Description: Advanced course covers the principles of genetics and genomics and their application to the study of fundamental biological functions at the molecular and cellular level in archaeal and bacterial prokaryotes. The first half of the course will be dedicated to the exploration of the key features of expression, regulation and exchange of genetic material in microorganisms and how these processes have been traditionally studied. In the second half of the course we will learn how current genomics tools are being used to investigate genetic processes and how they are contributing to our understanding of microbial life and evolution. Special emphasis will be placed on recent developments in topics such as horizontal gene transfer, quorum sensing, stationary-phase induced mutagenesis and prokaryotic genome evolution.

The course is targeted at students in their junior/senior year majoring in microbiology and is intended to provide them with the fundamental knowledge required to successfully carry out a research project, and also to impart a sound theoretical background in genetics and genomics of microorganisms for those who are interested in pursuing graduate studies.  

Basis for evaluation: Grades will be based on (1) attendance and class participation 10%, (2) two midterms and one final test, 30% each. In addition, graduate students are expected to participate in a project based on their research interests.

Textbook and course material: “Molecular Genetics of Bacteria”, Snyder and Champness, ASM Press, 2nd edition. Supplementary readings will be assigned from “Microbial Evolution.Gene Establishment, Survival, and Exchange”, Miller and Day, ASM Press, from “Microbial Genomes”, Fraser, Read and Nelson, Humana Press, and peer reviewed literature.