Course Detail

Students will be introduced to fundamental concepts in understanding the structure and function of DNA, RNA, proteins, eukaryotic gene regulation and the basis for the phrase, “Genomics to Proteomics.”  The course is designed to provide students with current concepts and trends in molecular biology, on the molecular basis of health and disease, and on the latest developments in novel molecular approaches for detection and treatment of disease.

Text books: 

• “Molecular Biology of the Gene” (5^th edition), by Watson, Baker, Bell, Gann, Levine, and Losick.  Benjamin-Cummings, Pearson, and CSHL Press, ISBN 0-8053-4635-X
• "Biochemistry" (Fifth Edition)   by Berg, Tymoczko and Stryer
• "Molecular Cell Biology" (Sixth Edition) by Lodish, Berk, Kaiser and Krieger

Molecular biology – biotechnology overview
Molecular biology and the genomic revolution
Flow of genetic information; DNA, RNA structure, DNA topology
Exploring genes; new tools for predicting the course of cancer
Chromatin structure, histones, DNA replication and repair
Control of prokaryotic gene expression; lac operon, trp operon
Control of eukaryotic gene expression
Recombinant DNA technology I, PCR, primers, vectors
Recombinant DNA technology II, restriction enzyme mapping, RNA splicing,growth hormone
Proteins—structure, function
Enzyme kinetics, enzyme regulation
Transcription and translation
TOPO cloning vectors
Mid-term exam
Sequencing genomes, understanding a gene sequence
Genome mapping. RFLP, SNP, FISH
Gene silencing by RANi in research and therapeutics
Techniques of protein and nucleic acid purification
Signal transduction overview
Signal transduction and diseases
Uses of recombinant proteins
High throughput analysis, yeast two hybrid
Microarrays, chiP-chip
Guest speaker: Signal transduction and drug development
HIV AIDS and drug discovery
Final exam

• Gain an understanding of the concepts and techniques currently being utilized in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. 
• Be sufficiently familiar with basic biochemistry and molecular biology principles to understand various contemporary areas of research and their applications
• Be able to communicate with associates in various areas of biochemistry and molecular biology.

Mid term exam  25%
Assignments/quizzes 50%
Final exam   25%