Course Information (pdf) - Genome Sciences

GENOME 372 GENE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
Winter 2005
In the field of molecular genetics, years of basic research on a variety of genetic organisms has
led to significant understanding of many cellular processes. The development and use of
recombinant DNA technology has resulted in a rapid rate of acquisition of new knowledge. We
are now at a stage at which this understanding and technology is allowing researchers to
approach the genetics of disease and to develop new disease diagnoses and treatment approaches
that were unimaginable a short time ago. In this course, we will cover a number of topics in
molecular genetics, many in considerable depth. These topics will include areas such as
eukaryotic gene regulation and the cell cycle, as well as recent knowledge gained from human
studies, such as the cloning of disease genes and the genetics of cancer. Students are expected to
come into this course with an understanding of basic genetics (for example, Mendelian genetics,
recombination analysis) and molecular biology (DNA replication, transcription, translation).
There will be an emphasis on how experimentation leads to our understanding of the various
areas. Students will be expected to think about experimental approaches and the mechanisms of
cellular processes.
Prerequisites
Genetics/Genome 371 (or the equivalent)
Lectures
TTh, 2:30-4:20, Condon Hall 105
Quiz Sections
AA, Tuesday, 11:30-12:20, More Hall 219
AB, Wednesday, 11:30-12:20, Law 213
AC, Thursday, 11:30-12:20, Mechanical Engineering 102
Quiz sections will reinforce topics covered in lecture, go over problems, and introduce material
NOT covered in lecture. ATTENDANCE AT QUIZ SECTIONS IS REQUIRED.
Professor
Janet Kurjan, 202E Hitchcock Hall, 221-6394, jkurjan@u.washington.edu
office hours: Tuesday 12:30-1:30, Thursday 1:30-2:20, 202E Hitchcock, or by
appointment
Teaching Assistant
Joshua Veatch, jveatch@u.washington.edu, office hours: Tu,Th, 1:00-2:00, location TBD
Course Web Page
www.gs.washington.edu/courses/kurjan/37205/index.htm

Textbook
The textbook is:
Genetics: From Genes to Genomes, by L.H. Hartwell et al., 2 nd edition (2004), McGraw
Alternative textbooks (if you happen to have them) are:
An Introduction to Genetic Analysis, 8 th ed., by A. Griffiths et al. (2005), W.H. Freeman & Co.
Modern Genetic Analysis, 2 nd edition, by A. Griffiths et al. (2002), W.H. Freeman & Co.
Hill
Examinations
The two midterm exams will be planned for a one hour length. However, the full hour and fifty
minute class time will be provided. Staying for the extra time is optional. The exams will cover
material from lecture, quiz sections, and the textbook. Approximately half of the final will
cover material from the second exam to the end of the course. The remainder of the final will be
cumulative. If you must miss an exam for a (non-emergency) reason that you feel meets the
university handbook guidelines, it must be discussed and approved by me at least one week in
advance of the exam.
Problem Sets
Study questions for practice (not for credit) will be provided and answers will be discussed in
Quiz Sections.
Grading
This course will be graded on a curve. The median grade will most likely fall somewhere within
the 2.7-2.9 range. If you feel that an error has been made in the grading of any exam, state your
case in writing and submit it along with your unaltered exam to the Department of Genomic
Sciences office, K-357 Health Sciences Center, no later than one week after the graded exams
are returned in class.