Course Description
CMB 708 Genetics, Development and Disease (3 credit hours) This project-based component will include studies in DNA repair mechanisms, the basis of selected genetic diseases and pedigree development, study of DNA mutations and treatment options for DNA-based diseases. Students will also explore how alteration of certain metabolic pathways relate to the development and progression of some human diseases. These projects will include the examination of regulations and ethics surrounding treatment and prevention of genetic diseases. Further, students will develop research, writing and presentation skills necessary for the work force.
Course Information
Learning Outcomes
- Explain DNA replication and repair.
- State the central dogma of DNA-RNA-Protein and explain the exceptions.
- Explain the cell cycle, its control mechanisms, and its role in development of cancer.
- Explain cell division and its relation to the cell cycle.
- Describe the molecular biology of gene regulation in animals.
- Describe two protein-DNA interactions.
- Investigate essential properties of specific diseases and their genetic factors and complete a chart that compares the properties and genetic factors.
- Describe current uses of genetic engineering and explain the resulting ethical issues.
- Explain key metabolic pathways and energy balance in specific diseases.
- State the focus of work for biochemists.
- Read and critically evaluate the scientific literature.
- Interpret and communicate experimental data.
- Develop logical steps in a series of experiments.
- Explain the relevance and significance of results in selected scientific literature.
- Communicate research results effectively through written and oral presentations.
- State an ethical issue in the current field of genetics and write a paper that gives possible ethical resolutions.
Course Topics
Topics:** Research Project: Ethical Considerations of Genetic Diseases
| Dates |
Assignment |
| IV.1. Autosomal Dominant and Recessive Inheritance |
Assignment: Pedigree Investigation |
| IV.2. Sex Linked and Nontraditional Modes of Inheritance |
Assignment: Colorblindness Study |
| IV.3 Clinical Cytogenetics and Disease |
Assignment: Karyotype Study |
| IV.4. Immunogenetics and Disease |
Assignment: Case Study: SCID – Baby Joe |
| IV.5. Genetic Basis of Development |
Assignment: Sonic Hedgehog and Holoprosencephaly |
| IV.6. Epigenetics |
Assignment: Smoking and Epigenetics (Collaborative) |
| IV.7. Genetic Variation |
Assignment: Hardy Weinberg Problem Set |
| IV.8. Multifactorial Inheritance and Common Disease |
Assignment: Alzheimer Disease and Schizophrenia |
| IV.9. Genetic Testing and Gene Therapy |
Assignment: CRISPR Study |
| IV.10. Genetics and Precision Medicine |
Assignment: GWAS Living in a Genomic World |
**Assignments subject to change.
Grading
Quizzes: 15%
Projects (2): 30% (Rubrics will be used to grade each project)
Written Paper (1): 20%
Case Studies (4): 30% (Rubrics will be used to grade each case study)
Attendance: 5%
Students must maintain a 3.0/4.0 average in the Certificate Program.
