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Johns Hopkins University | AS.020.380

Chromatin, Chromosomes and the Cell Nucleus

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(4.16)

The course will present analysis of the structural basis of the genome organization in a eukaryotic nucleus and the utilization of its genomic content. We start with the analysis of the fluctuations of the structure of the double helix in response to its cellular microenvironment that yield DNA structural and functional polymorphism. Next we will deal with the mechanics of DNA compaction into chromatin and the differentiation of the chromatin structure at the level of the nucleosome via histone variants and posttranslational modifications and chromatin-based epigenetics. We will next move to chromosomal territories, chromosomal imprinting and chromosome inactivation. Finally, a few lectures will focus on selected topics of special interests that bridge current basic discoveries with potential medical applications such as the nature of telomeres and telomerase-related diseases; the role of histone octamer tails in epigenetics; transcription factors and the regulated expression of the genome. Whenever possible. paradigms will be used that correlate chromatin differentiation to certain human diseases.

Fall 2012

(4.08)

Fall 2013

(4.6)

Fall 2014

(3.81)

Fall 2012

Professor: Karen Beemon, E Moudrianakis, David Zappulla

(4.08)

The best aspects of this course included the interesting and engaging class discussions as wel as the cutting edge material students got to learn about. The worst aspects of this course included the weak discussions and inconsistency between professors regarding their lecture presentations and expectations. The course would be improved if the exams and lectures were more consistent between all three professors. Prospective students should know that this is a useful course that requires some previous knowledge of biology and covers a lot of content. Successful students wil be the ones who keep up with the readings and the class discussions.

Fall 2013

Professor: E. Moudrianakis

(4.6)

32Students praised this course for teaching them new ways of thinking about biology. Multiple students had issues with grading, however. Students complained that their grade was determined by two exams, neither of which was returned, leaving them uncertain of what grade they would receive. Suggestions for improvement included a desire for small quizzes or practice problem sets to aid students in preparing for exams and knowing how wel they were doing. Prospective students should know that students enjoyed the course however they found that taking good notes was important as the instructor doesn’t use PowerPoint slides and the exams are mostly based on information given in lectures.

Fall 2014

Professor: Karen Beemon, E. Moudrianakis, David Zappulla

(3.81)

Students appreciated that this course featured multiple professors who shared their own research and experience. Perceived issues with the course largely surrounded the fact the course had several teachers. Multiple students found instruction uneven in this course due to the fact that the professors’ style varied. The differing styles of instructions also made it hard for students to know what to expect on exams. Suggestions for improvement included a desire from some students that the course be instructed by one professor instead of having multiple teachers with their own grading style. Prospective students should know that students found this course built on prior experience from other biology and molecular biology courses. Students also found the course was time consuming, but noted it had amazing content.