03-115 / 03-116 Phage Genomics Research Course Information
The department of Biological Sciences will be offering a two semester research course in bacteriophage genomics. If you are interested in biological research, this course may be ideal for you. Genomics research combines experimental and computational approaches for large-scale analysis of the biological information contained in DNA sequences. The most abundant biological entities are bacteriophages. Their enormous diversity and number make bacteriophages important models for the study of gene structure, function and regulation, population genetics and evolution. Your application must be submitted by July 7th.
- Course Numbers: 03-115 (6-units fall semester) and 03-116 (6-units spring semester)
This is a two semester course. If you are accepted for the first semester, you will be required to take it in the spring semester. - Prerequisites: none
- Class size: Limited to 20 students
- Work required: Two 3-hour lab sessions per week, with no additional work to be completed outside of the lab sessions
- Fall semester: Students will collect environmental samples. From these samples you will identify and purify bacteriophages. The bacteriophages will be characterized structurally by electron microscopy, and their DNA will be purified and sequenced.
- Spring semester: The DNA sequences will be analyzed with bioinformatic tools and compared with those of phages isolated at other locations to identify genes, their organization, the differences that may characterize different phage groups, and how these have arisen during evolution.
- How to apply: Admissions to the course will be based on a written application. You must submit an essay (approximately 400-500 words) describing why you want to participate in the program. Selection criteria will include an interest in doing discovery-based science, a willingness to carry a major responsibility for your own learning and an attitude of independence of thought and action.
Call (412) 268-5482 if you have any questions about the application process.