Course Description

A discovery-based course with an integrated lecture and laboratory and a strong experimental component. Students will do two term-long research projects addressing different aspects of genetics. This year the overall theme will be an experimental investigation of what is needed to make a new species. The lectures will be tailored to the research project and the focus will be on
hands-on research and independent experiential learning (learning by doing).
The research projects will involve new research rather than short laboratory
exercises where the expected outcome is already known. The experimental
organism will be Drosophila melanogaster. These projects will provide
experience with a variety of experimental techniques including genetic crosses,
transgenic strains, bioinformatics, PCR and gel electrophorsesis, as well as
practice in independent work, keeping thorough laboratory notes and writing
laboratory reports. This course would be particularly suitable for 3rd year
students who enjoy hands-on laboratory work and are interested in gaining
research experience.