This journal club is a one-hour, weekly course with student-led presentations on timely topics in this rapidly evolving field. The intent is to raise the academic interest and scholastic skills of students through critical review of the literature and presentations. The series encourages life-long learning, critical analysis of the literature, and serves as preparation for capstone projects and development of presentation skills. This course will continue for two years, giving first and second-year students the opportunity to increase interaction, learn from each other, hear varied perspectives, and build professional and collegial bonds. The colloquium is not graded but students will be evaluated on their active participation and attendance.(GENE 348D)