Course Description
This course emphasizes the critical analysis of manuscripts and solutions to experimental problems in molecular genetics. This approach is coupled with exposure to an array of major topics in genetics and molecular biology. The course is split into five sections needed to understand the function of a specific molecular machine: Chromosome Structure, Recombination, DNA Replication, Transcriptional Control, and Post-Transcriptioinal Control.

Typically, one basic lecture on the topic will be followed by a discussion of one related paper/session on a related area using multiple approaches and different model systems. The class will be divided into discussion groups with the course instructor acting as a facilitator and moderator. Each group will be given an assignment and will need to meet individually to organize and discuss the question. Subsequently, individual members of the group will present a part of the assignment to the class. All students are also expected to participate in each discussion.

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All students are required to purchase the book "Scientific Reasoning" from the bookstore. All background text will be provided at no cost from chapters available from specified texts at PubMed http://www.ncbi.nl.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?db=Books and will be assigned with the paper. Students are responsible for background material. Instructors are fully available for assistance.

Seminars
The course will be supplemented by related seminars on Monday at 4 pm. These include seminars by Dr. Sharon Dent, Dr. Robert Kamakaka, and Dr. James Haber.

Exams
Each section of the course will be followed by a take-home exam consisting of analysis of a paper or the results of laboratory experiments. The exams constitute 75% of the course grade with the remaining 25% derived from a final discussion grade.