BIOL 326 - Medical Genetics

4 Credit(s)

A lecture and laboratory course for pre-medical students and biology and biochemistry majors that examines the importance of genetics and model organisms to better understand human disease. Special emphasis is placed on the genetic dissection of homologous genes in model organisms to explore specific defects that cause human genetic disorders and to investigate potential therapies that ameliorate the disease condition. Critical reading of current scientific literature forms the basis of the lectures. Students submit a review paper on a genetic disorder of interest, based on current research using primary literature, policy reviews, and books. Laboratory exercises enable students to use Drosophila melanogaster as a model to investigate the effect of mutations in homologous disease-causing genes and to identify developmental or biochemical pathways that might influence disease severity or progression. Fulfills one cell and molecular biology elective.
3 hours laboratory. 3 hours lecture.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 262, CHEM 255, and CHEM 257.