This course covers the basic principles of genetics at work in human society. The roles of genes and inheritance in the biology of humans and the organisms with which we interact. Introduction to some of the social and ethical consequences of genetic knowledge and practice. This is a science course designed primarily for students in the Arts or Social and Applied Human Sciences.

This course will develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts in genetics, including patterns of inheritance, allelic variation, gene interaction, linkage, gene mapping and changes in chromosome structure and number. This will be followed by in-depth discussions on gene structure, replication, transcription, translation, recombination, mutation and DNA repair, and an introduction to gene regulation.

Fundamental aspects of plant and animal genetics are covered in this course including the chromosomal basis of inheritance, natural and artificial selection, domestication, epigenetics and quantitative traits. Population dynamics and the effect of selection on allele frequencies will be introduced with examples from agricultural crop and animal species and companion animal species. Genomics will be introduced with an emphasis on the development and use of molecular genetic markers in marker assisted selection.

In this course, the structure, expression, control and modification of eukaryotic genes will be discussed with an emphasis on the underlying mechanisms and structure/function relationships. Many topics covered in introductory courses are included but discussed at a more advanced level. Students will have the opportunity to learn current genetic concepts and principles through lectures, as well as the application of this knowledge in the real world through primary literature reading and group research projects.

This course is designed to introduce the student to the study of biological inheritance in humans. The course includes discussion of the genetic basis of human individual differences, gene frequencies in human populations, human behavioral genetics, human cytogenetics, biochemical genetics and developmental genetics, medical genetics and other aspects of human heredity.

This course examines the nature of Mendelian inheritance when extended to quantitative traits that are jointly influenced by the environment and the simultaneous segregation of many genes. Prediction of response to natural and artificial selection in populations will also be studied.

This course examines reproduction in plants, genome organization, organelle and polyploid genetics, and analyses of mutations, genetic variation and linkage with classical and modern approaches.

This course involves laboratory based instruction in the basic methodologies of Molecular Biology. Students will have the opportunity to develop technical skills and practical knowledge sufficient to perform basic procedures independently, and to diagnose and analyze experimental results obtained with these techniques.

This course examines the genomes of eukaryotes and prokaryotes including how genomes are mapped and sequenced, the function of the genome and ethical issues arising from genomic information. How genomic data is used for understanding and treating human disease and for the study of evolution will also be discussed.

This course explores theoretical and applied aspects of breeding programs for performance, pleasure and hobby animal populations to enhance genetic selection and population viability. Case studies are used to explore the theory and practice of designing practical and sustainable breeding programs that integrate molecular genetics, animal breeding and statistical genomics for a variety of single and multiple birth species.

Theoretical and scientific aspects of practical animal breeding programs which lead to genetic improvement of efficiency and profitability of animal production will be presented along with applications to livestock and poultry species. This course integrates quantitative genetics with concepts of statistics, economics, biology and biotechnology and expands into development of practical breeding plans.

This course provides an examination of the genetic mechanisms that underlie organismal development. The molecular biology of cell determination and differentiation and the genetic control of morphogenesis and pattern formation will be emphasized.

Epigeneticists study how chromatin regulates the establishment and maintenance of hereditary tissue-specific gene expression programs. As such, this course will focus on the structure of chromatin and its links to DNA replication and gene expression. A variety of epigenetics phenomena (gene silencing, position effects, transposable genetic elements, whole chromosome inactivation and gene imprinting) will be covered in detail. Other themes will include how the maintenance of the epigenetic landscapes are mediated through non-coding RNAs and how metabolism, stress and the environment can affect the epigenetic control of gene expression. Modern advances in epigenetics will be explored through the analysis and critique of primary literature.

This course examines the application of genetic principles to plant improvement. Topics include breeding objectives, mating systems, selection, testing and germplasm maintenance of horticultural and crop plants.

This course will examine advanced techniques and methods used in molecular biology, medicine and biotechnology such as genome, transcriptome and proteome analysis, contemporary genetic screens, genetic engineering, transgenic organisms and gene therapy. The course will highlight the most recent developments and applications of such techniques.

This course studies the molecular genetics of plants. The topics include: plant genome diversity and synteny; Arabidopsis thaliana genome, hormonal, environmental and developmental regulation of gene expression; chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes; and gene expression and silencing in transgenics. The course will be delivered using a lecture and paper discussion format. Students will learn and use a variety of computer techniques to search and analyze plant genome databases.