3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

Errors in DNA replication and damage response pathways are the source of many pathologies, including cancer. In this literature-based discussion course, students will have the opportunity to examine our current understanding of DNA damage and repair mechanisms, as well as the many strategies cells employ to ensure fidelity during DNA replication and chromosome segregation. Students will examine various repair mechanisms have evolved with the emergence of complex organisms and gain a comprehensive knowledge of DNA double stranded break repair by nonhomologous end joining and homologous recombination. This course will leave students with a complete understanding of both internal and external sources of DNA damage, as well as the many different ways organisms have adapted to maintain genome integrity and the health consequences when these adaptations do not work as designed. Prior completion of genetics is required for this course, as well as a basic comprehension of the principles of transcription and translation.