Molecular Genetics

Track Representative: Jeffrey Chen

Molecular Genetics examines in molecular terms, how genetic information is inherited, changed over time and expressed in a regulated fashion. It has provided the foundation of our understanding of diverse fields of biology ranging from cellular processes including DNA recombination, regulation of gene expression and control of the cell-division cycle, to molecular mechanisms of development as well as human genetic disease. With the advent of new tools for whole genome analysis and the birth of new disciplines such as bioinformatics, the field of Molecular Genetics is poised for an explosion of discoveries in the new millennium. The Molecular Genetics Track provides specialized Ph.D. training for graduate students interested in entering this exciting field.

Faculty affiliated with this track represent a broad range of research interests and experimental systems. Areas of interest include DNA recombination and replication, transcription, RNA processing and post-transcriptional gene regulation, development, pathogenesis, immunology and virology. Model systems range from phage, and bacteria to yeast, plants, flies to mice and humans.

Course Requirements: After completion of the two-semester Core courses, students in the Molecular Genetics Track are required to take two of the following courses:

FALL:
• BIO 384K - PHYOGENETIC PERSPECTIVES IN EVOLUTION, ECOLOGY, AND BEHAVIOR - David Hillis
• BIO 394 - MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY - Philip Tucker
• BIO 3895M - ADVANCED GENOMICS - James Walker

  SPRING:

• BIO 368 - TECHNIQUES IN MOLECULAR GENETICS - Richard Meyer
• BIO 384K - GENOMICS - Jeffrey Chen
• BIO 384K - PHYOGENETIC PERSPECTIVES IN EVOLUTION, ECOLOGY, AND BEHAVIOR - David Hillis
• BIO 388M - PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY - David Herrin
• BIO 391M - TUMOR BIOLOGY - Jon Huibregtse
• BIO 391P - ANIMAL VIROLOGY - Jaquelin Dudley & Christopher Sullivan
• BIO 393M - SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION IN MICROORGANISMS - Rasika Harshey