Biology: Adv Genetics Laboratory

Laboratory experiments to provide experience with modern genetic techniques. Bench work and data analysis emphasized. Prerequisite: BCOR 2300.

Prereqs enforced by the system: BCOR 2300. Recommended: NSCI 2100/2105. PACE students with permission and override Course fee: $30.00

This is a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE). In this course, students will design and conduct experiments using genetic tools in the model organism C. elegans to answer research questions related to the neurobiology of learning behavior. The class will focus on building and utilizing genetic tools to induce tailored reconfiguration of the salt-sensing neuronal circuit, and assay the impact on salt preference of the animal. Collectively we will explore the relationship between the plasticity of neuronal circuit and learning behavior. Students may work in pairs or small groups for laboratory data collection, but all assessments will be produced and evaluated individually.

This hands-on, laboratory-based course requires regular attendance and active participation. Student may be asked to make short preparation work for experiment out of class hours. Resources for working with C. elegans and primary scientific articles related to the research questions will be provided by the instructor

Assessments will include participation, quizzes, short written assignments, lab reports, short oral presentations, and a final paper.