Molecular Genetics

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

BMOL 20090 Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology at UCD; In living cells nucleic acids direct both self-replication and synthesis of proteins. DNA also undergoes mutation and recombination, which ultimately generate biodiversity and allow evolution to proceed. The course will cover the basics of these fundamental biological processes and explain how this knowledge is exploited in recombinant DNA technology. Specific areas include: nucleic acid structure; DNA replication; mutation and repair; transcription and translation; control of gene expression; gene cloning, DNA sequencing and genetic engineering. The lecture course will be assessed by an end-of-semester examination. In addition, students will work in groups to design web-based projects, or "Wikis" that explore selected topics from the course in depth. Students will learn how to design interactive information pages (resembling Wikipedia), and how to incorporate images and animations. Grades will be awarded based on individual contributions to the group project.