Course Descriptions

Description: Genetic screens in model organisms have decoded how numerous cellular processes work. The simple genetics of unicellular organisms has permitted the study of conserved processes of more complex organisms in an informative and often elegant manner. Strikingly, several Nobel Prizes in the last fifteen years have gone to scientists who used yeast as a means to understand fundamental cellular behaviors. Students will gain a working knowledge of the power of genetic screens in defining cellular processes. Required reading will include primary literature and Nobel Lectures. Class sessions will include a short lecture given by one of the instructors, followed by a presentation of an assigned paper (likely done by pairs of students). For the final project/exam, students will be expected to identify a fundamental process for which they might design a genetic screen. They will present their ideas in groups before writing up their screen.