BIOL420

Research in Genes and Development is a project-based studio course that explores the critical role that genes play in cellular and developmental processes. This course will explore key classical discoveries in genetic research as well as more recent innovations, including RNA-mediated interference and CRISPR-Cas9 technology. The bulk of the course will consist of genetic research projects aimed at characterizing the role of unknown genes in development using the genetic model system C. e/egans. From a handful of novel mutations, students will select their gene of interest, design and carryout RNAi knockdown experiments and utilize the CRISPR/Cas9 system to selectively mutate/GFP-tag their gene of interest in an effort to understand its cellular and developmental functions. Students will gain exposure to a variety of cellular and molecular techniques such as gene cloning, RNAi, microinjection, PCR, qPCR, fluorescence microscopy, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, and utilization of molecular databases, tools and software. Lab Fee.