Biology 342: Gene Discovery and Functional Genomics

An advanced course providing an introduction to how biologists discover genes and determine their roles in diverse biological processes in both plants and animals. Research literature will provide examples of gene identification by forward genetics, molecular methods, transcriptomics, and genomics. We will discuss genome annotation and functional analysis by reverse genetics and other genome-based methods. Class will include reading and discussion of primary research literature, some lecture to provide background information, student presentations, and some hands-on work with genome or gene expression databases. Conceptual familiarity with recombinant DNA techniques, molecular methods, and sequence databases covered in Genetics and Genetics Lab is expected. Applies to the Molecular/Cell major requirement.