DNA: The Genetic Material

Course Description

Embark on a fascinating journey into the world of DNA with this intermediate-level biology course offered by RICEx. "DNA: The Genetic Material" is an in-depth exploration of the molecule that encodes our genetic information and forms the foundation of life as we know it. This course will take you through the revolutionary discoveries that led to our understanding of DNA's structure and function, and how this knowledge has transformed the biological sciences.

What Students Will Learn

Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of DNA, from its basic structure to advanced manipulation techniques. The course covers the methods that identified DNA as genetic material, its complex packaging within cells, and the intricate processes of DNA replication. You'll explore fascinating topics such as epigenetics, location-specific DNA expression, and the mechanisms that preserve DNA integrity. Moreover, you'll learn about cutting-edge DNA technologies, including amplification, sequencing, and recombination techniques that are revolutionizing modern biology and medicine.

Pre-requisites

To succeed in this course, students should have a solid foundation in high school chemistry and biology. Additionally, completion of BIOC300.1x or an equivalent understanding of protein structure and function is required. This ensures that students have the necessary background to grasp the more advanced concepts presented in the course.

Course Coverage

  • DNA structure and identification as genetic material
  • DNA packaging and organization within cells
  • Chromatin architecture and epigenetics
  • DNA replication mechanisms and machinery
  • Origins of replication and telomere maintenance
  • DNA damage repair and recombination
  • DNA amplification, sequencing, and cloning techniques
  • Enzyme-based DNA manipulation and fragmentation
  • Methods for introducing recombinant DNA into cells

Target Audience

This course is ideal for biology enthusiasts, pre-med students, aspiring geneticists, and professionals in related fields who want to deepen their understanding of DNA. It's perfect for those who are fascinated by the molecular basis of life and want to explore the cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of biological research and medicine.

Real-World Applications

The knowledge and skills gained from this course have wide-ranging applications in the real world. Understanding DNA is crucial for careers in genetics, molecular biology, biotechnology, and medicine. These skills can be applied in genetic counseling, forensic science, agricultural research, pharmaceutical development, and personalized medicine. Moreover, the course provides a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing advanced studies or research in genomics, synthetic biology, or genetic engineering.

Syllabus

1. DNA Structure

  • Identification of DNA as genetic material
  • DNA characteristics and structure
  • Information encoding in DNA
  • Implications of DNA size and sequence variations

2. DNA Organization

  • Chromatin architecture
  • Histone modifications
  • Epigenetics and gene expression

3. DNA Replication I

  • Mechanisms of DNA copying
  • Asymmetric DNA construction challenges
  • Replication proteins and their specificity
  • Regulation of enzymatic activity in cellular context

4. DNA Replication II

  • Coordination of leading and lagging strand synthesis
  • Initiation of DNA replication at origins
  • Involvement of nucleosomes and histones in eukaryotic DNA replication
  • Termination of DNA replication
  • Telomerase and chromosome end maintenance

5. DNA Manipulation

  • DNA repair mechanisms
  • Recombination and double-stranded break repair
  • DNA amplification methods
  • DNA analysis and "cloning" techniques
  • DNA sequencing technologies
  • Applications and implications of DNA manipulation in biological and biomedical sciences

Course Format

This comprehensive course offers a blend of video lectures, research articles, case studies, and molecular models to provide a rich learning experience. Students will be evaluated through video lecture questions, quizzes, homework assignments, and a final exam, ensuring a thorough understanding of this fundamental aspect of biology.