BIOL 56011 - Genomics: Concepts And Applications

The genome is the complete set of an organism’s DNA, serving as its blueprint of life and guiding the development of single cells to complex and functional organisms. Genomics is how we study this blueprint: decoding, analyzing, and comparing entire genomes. In this course, we explore fundamental genomics principles, integrating molecular genetics with next-generation sequencing technologies to understand genomic information. Through a blend of lectures, discussions of primary literature, and hands-on activities, participants will gain experience with genomic tools and their applications across diverse biological systems. Moreover, ethical considerations and the broader societal impact of genomics will be critically examined.

Preparation for Course
P: BIOL 21800 (or equivalent) and either CHM 25500 or 26100, all with grades of C- or better.

Cr. 3.
Notes
Restricted to Biology and Biochemistry majors. Juniors and Seniors may enroll.

Student Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the principles of molecular genetics and genomics for characterizing the organization, expression, and regulation of genetic information across biological systems.
2. Identify methodologies involved in the analysis of genomic data and the application of these methodologies to diverse biological questions.
3. Utilize bioinformatic and computational tools to analyze genomic data.
4. Analyze critically the experimental design, results, and conclusions of the primary research literature.
5. Discuss the ethical, legal, and societal implications of genomics and high-throughput sequencing technology.