Fungal Genetics and Genomics

4.0 credits · Undergraduate

Fungi play a vital role in our ecosystem but are also responsible for devastating crop infestations that threaten global food supplies and diseases that result in the deaths of millions of individuals each year. This course explores fungal biology through the lens of molecular genetics and genomics, including epigenetics, genome defense mechanisms, metabolism, and signaling pathways. We will cover the use of genetic tools in fungi ranging from molecular genetics to CRISPR to high-throughput sequencing. This course will cover data literacy through analysis of genetic and genomic data using Python and publicly available sequencing analysis software. The course will emphasize the development of professional skills, including critically reading scientific literature and data analysis. No prior coding experience necessary.