Intro Genome Bio 2013

BIOL 105. Introduction to Genome Biology (Fall 2013) Instructor: Dr Weigang Qiu, Associate Professor of Biology Room: C104 Hunter North (a Computer Lab) Hours: Tuesdays, 12:45-3:15PM Office Hours: Room 839 HN; Tuesday 5-7pm or by appointment. Phone: 212-772-5296. Email: weigang@genectr.hunter.cuny.edu (I will advise students before and after the class as well as during office hours. Emails will be answered only in special situations.)

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General Information

Course Description

• Background: A genome is the total genetic content of an organism. Driven by breakthroughs such as the decoding of the first human genome and rapid DNA-sequencing technologies, biomedical sciences are undergoing a rapid and profound transformation into a highly data-intensive field, which requires familiarity with concepts in both biology and computer science. Genome information is revolutionizing virtually all aspects of biology and medicine and will lead to major advances such as more efficient production of renewable energy, better cures for cancers, and longer and healthier life expectancy.
• Contents: This course will introduce genome-sequencing technologies, explore genome projects online, and discuss both the benefits and challenges (e.g., ethical and legal) of the genomic revolution to society. Each session will consist of lecture instructions and computer-based laboratory practices.
• Learning Goals
  • Human Genome: Knowing the basic structure of the human genome
  • Central Dogma: Understanding the Central Dogma and how genes are regulated (i.e., turned on/off)
  • Genome diversity: Knowing the three major divisions of life, the use of DNA/protein sequences to classify organisms, and mechanisms of genome evolution
  • Bioinformatics: Understanding the importance of computation and statistics in producing, analyzing, and disseminating genome information
• Learning Outcomes
  • Be able to describe the structure and function of the human genome
  • Be able to find chromosomal location, function, disease-association, and variability of a human gene using scientific databases
  • Be able to identify and classify organisms based on their DNA sequences
  • Be able to describe the processes of genome evolution, including mutation, duplication, recombination, horizontal gene transfer, genetic drift, and natural selection
• Textbook: Arthur Lesk (2012). Introduction to Genomics (2nd Edition). Oxford University Press. Amazon Link
• Academic Honesty: Hunter College regards acts of academic dishonesty (e.g., plagiarism, cheating on examinations, obtaining unfair advantage, and falsification of records and official documents) as serious offenses against the values of intellectual honesty. The College is committed to enforcing the CUNY Policy on Academic Integrity and will pursue cases of academic dishonesty according to the Hunter College Academic Integrity Procedures.

Grading Policy

• Treat assignments as take-home exams. Student performance will be evaluated by assignments and three exams. While students are allowed to work in groups for assignments, students are expected to compose the final answers independently. Writings that are virtually exact copies will be investigated as possible cases of plagiarism (e.g., copies from the Internet, text book, or each other). In such a case, the instructor will hold closed-door exams for involved individuals. Zero credits will be given to ALL involved individuals if the instructor considers there is enough evidence for plagiarism. To avoid being investigated for plagiarism, Do NOT copy or let others copy your work.
• Submit assignments in Printed Hard Copies. Email attachments will NOT be accepted. Each assignment will be graded based on timeliness (20%), effort (40%), and correctness (40%).
• Since each session will consist of a web-based practical session, attendance is required and part of the grade.
• Composition of your final grade
  • Assignments: ~9 assignments, totaling 100 pts
  • Mid-term and Final Comprehensive Exams: 3 mid-terms X 50 points each = 150 pts
  • Attendance and active classroom participation (50 pts): 1 unexcused absences = 40 pts; 2 absences = 30pts; More than 2 = 0. Points will be deducted for lack of participation in computer-lab exercises.

Links

• Should human genes be patented? An NYT Op-Ed
• Biological Databases on the Web: 2013 Collection by NAR
• Biological Webservers: 2012 Collection by NAR