Since Drosophila are the organism used in most cases, on occasion it will be necessary for students to come in at times other than the regularly scheduled hours. Laboratory experiments using living organisms illustrate genetic principles and techniques. Development of major organ systems in representative vertebrate species examined with emphasis on genetic and environmental factors involved in congenital malformations. Designed for science majors. BY52 or permission of instructor.
Content varies from year to year.
Emphasizes development of laboratory skills and includes issues of social interest such as bioethics of genetic cloning, discussions on use of engineered organisms for ecological control by elimination of pesticide use, gene therapy and disease control, and application of genetically engineered crops for mass food production. Emphasizes techniques used in fields of biotechnology, recombinant DNA, forensics and molecular genetics, especially as they pertain to medicine, agriculture and the environment. Emphasis placed on laboratories in basic DNA extraction and purification, restriction enzyme analysis, polymerase chain reaction, DNA fingerprinting and bacterial transformation. Provides students with an intimate comprehension of techniques used in today's emergent biotechnology industry. Lectures and field trips explore fundamental properties which underlie oceanic phenomena.