4.0

credits

Average Course Rating

This course is a literature-driven exploration of current topics and methodologies employed in molecular & cell biology research. By closely examining both fundamental and innovative experimental approaches, as well as cutting edge technologies, we will explore a broad range of cell biology & biochemistry topics, many of which most students have previously encountered, at least at some level, in the core courses. The particular subjects and technologies discussed will vary from semester to semester. Potential topics include: “-omics” (any/all varieties), RNAi, gene editing (CRISPR/Cas9, ZFNs, TALENs), transgenic and knock-out mice, microscopy (epifluorescence, confocal, EM, super-resolution), single-cell/molecule analyses, optogenetics, nanotechnology, immunotherapy, stem cells & pluripotency, cancer, aging, neurobiology. Students enrolling in this course are expected to already have some experience in critical reading and evaluation of the primary scientific literature.