GENETICS with lab (BIOL213) – Fall Semesters
The 21st century is the most exciting time to study Genetics. Though we have had models for heredity since the mid-1800s and we have known about the structure of DNA since the 1950s, in only the last few years our genome sequencing capabilities have revolutionized the field of genetics. Consequences of this revolution are far-reaching and diverse fields are impacted, ranging from precision medicine to conservation biology. New ethical issues have arisen concomitantly with the unprecedented ability to gather and archive genetic information. In this class we will focus on and apply core concepts of transmission, molecular, and population genetics. We will also discuss modern methodologies related to this field and critical interpretation of data generated by these approaches.
In lab, students carry out authentic semester-long research projects. We isolate new T-DNA knockout mutants in an F-box gene of interest (see Research page) and harness data available from publicly accessible gene expression and sequenced genome databases to guide hypotheses about gene function. Students learn standard genetic tools (ie. PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis), but simultaneously spend considerable time independently determining and quantitatively testing their own hypotheses. This lab integrates classical genetic approaches (ie. model organisms, segregation analysis, and connecting genotype to phenotype) to modern quantitative and computational tools (coding in R and analysis of "--omics" data). We use data from the Arabidopsis 1001 Genomes Project to stimulate thought regarding population genetics.
The 21st century is the most exciting time to study Genetics. Though we have had models for heredity since the mid-1800s and we have known about the structure of DNA since the 1950s, in only the last few years our genome sequencing capabilities have revolutionized the field of genetics. Consequences of this revolution are far-reaching and diverse fields are impacted, ranging from precision medicine to conservation biology. New ethical issues have arisen concomitantly with the unprecedented ability to gather and archive genetic information. In this class we will focus on and apply core concepts of transmission, molecular, and population genetics. We will also discuss modern methodologies related to this field and critical interpretation of data generated by these approaches.
In lab, students carry out authentic semester-long research projects. We isolate new T-DNA knockout mutants in an F-box gene of interest (see Research page) and harness data available from publicly accessible gene expression and sequenced genome databases to guide hypotheses about gene function. Students learn standard genetic tools (ie. PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis), but simultaneously spend considerable time independently determining and quantitatively testing their own hypotheses. This lab integrates classical genetic approaches (ie. model organisms, segregation analysis, and connecting genotype to phenotype) to modern quantitative and computational tools (coding in R and analysis of "--omics" data). We use data from the Arabidopsis 1001 Genomes Project to stimulate thought regarding population genetics.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY with lab (BIOL404) - Spring Semesters
Freedom Education Project Puget Sound (FEPPS) SURVEY OF BIOLOGY - (co-taught with Leslie Saucedo and Peter Wimberger, Biology)
CHEMICAL BIOLOGY (co-taught with John Hanson, Chemistry) - coming Spring 2020