Biology 332 - Molecular Biology of Eukaryotes and Their Pathogens

Advanced molecular biology of eukaryotes and their eukaryotic (e.g. malaria), viral (e.g. Zika, Ebola) and bacterial (e.g. Tb, cholera) pathogens. Topics may include genomics, bioinformatics, gene organization, regulation of gene expression, RNA processing, retroviruses and transposable elements. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding the molecular mechanisms of resistance in the context of human health, including cancer and infectious disease. We rely almost entirely on primary literature. Participants do in-class presentations, lead class discussion and prepare a final in-depth presentation/paper on a topic of their choice, selected in consultation with the instructor. Enrollment limited to 16. Prerequisite: BIO 230. Laboratory (BIO 333) is strongly recommended but not required.