BIOL 441 - Adv Research Molecular Genetics

Credit(s): 3
3 hours lecture, 3 hours contact
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 370
In this research course, students will learn rigorous scientific methods by participating in an established original research project to investigate the molecular mechanisms of telomere regulation and chromosomal stability in Drosophila melanogaster, which can shed light on alternative telomere lengthening in cancer cells. Students will have an independent research task and work both independently and collaboratively toward making original findings. Students will culture fruit flies, extract genomic DNA, conduct real-time PCR, and dissect larvae to prepare and stain polytene chromosomes. Additional skills include nucleic acid quantification and image analysis. Students will also be advised on reading research articles, writing research reports, and presenting their research in research conferences.