01:447:203 Honors Computational Genetics (Honors) (3) Introduction to the use of computers and computer programming to develop applications for research in genetics and molecular biology. Application topics will include evolutionary genetics, association analysis and genetics mapping, and structural biology.�This course is for freshman Honors students who are thinking of careers at the intersection of life sciences, statistics, and/or computer science, particularly students who are considering majoring in Genetics.� The course fulfills the laboratory requirement for the Genetics major.
Prerequisites: Students must be in their first year at Rutgers in an approved Honors program (e.g., the Honors College or the SAS Honors Program). General Biology I (01:119:115) and be at least co-registered for General Biology II (01:119:116)) or have placed out of these two courses (e.g., through AP credit or approved transfer credit). Credit not given for both 01:447:203 and 01:447:302.

01:447:216 Analysis of Scientific Literature (Honors) (3)

A systematic approach to the reading, analyzing, and understanding of primary literature in genetics; emphasis will be placed on data analysis and experimental design and demystifying the process of reading a scientific journal article.

Prerequisites: 01:119:115-116. Highly recommended: 01:694:215. Open only to freshmen and sophomores in the SAS or SEBS Honors Program. By permission only.

01:447:245 Introduction to Cancer (3) Introduction to the biological and medical aspects of malignancy.� Prerequisites: 01:119:115-116. Credit not given for both this course and 01:447:495.

01:447:302 Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics (3)

Introduction to the use of computers and computer programming to develop applications for research in genetics and molecular biology. Application topics will include evolutionary genetics, association analysis and genetics mapping, and structural biology.

Prerequisites: 01:447:380 or 01:447:384. May be used to fulfill an elective requirement or taken instead of 01:447:315 Introduction to Research in Genetics by students majoring in Genetics. Credit not given for both 01:447:203 and 01:447:302.

01:447:303 Computational Genetics of Big Data (3) The main focus of this course is the application of R programming to the analysis of genetic data, particularly �big data� sets with multiple measurements. The primary data sets considered will contain RNA-seq and/or other expression data for multiple/all genes in a given set of individuals. This course is for junior or senior students who are thinking of careers at the intersection of life sciences, statistics, and/or computer science, particularly students who are majoring in Genetics.� The course fulfills the laboratory requirement for the Genetics major.� Students will learn how to acquire such data, format it for R, plot the data, and perform statistical analyses. In addition, students will learn how to simulate data under different hypotheses, and how to perform power and sample size calculations for different statistical methods applied to real or simulated data.� Each class consists of a mixture of lecture and computer-based demos and/or exercises, as well as time for students to work on assignments. Guest investigators will frequently make short presentations (in person or by skype) to provide illustrations of how programming and informatics is critical for their research. The course provides the introductory skills needed to conduct basic computational research in the life sciences, including many aspects of computer programming and data analysis.
Prerequisites: 01:447:380 or 01:447:384. May be used to fulfill the lab requirement by students majoring in genetics. May be used to fulfill an elective requirement by students majoring in genetics who have already fulfilled the lab requirement with a separate course.

01:447:315 Introduction to Research in Genetics (3) Basic principles and methods of research with microbial model systems used in the analysis and manipulation of genes, followed by a research project in molecular genetics.� Prerequisites: 01:119:115,116, and 117; and 01:160:161-162, 171 (or equivalent) or 01:160:163-164, 171. May be used to fulfill the lab requirement by students majoring in genetics. May be used to fulfill an elective requirement by students majoring in genetics who have already fulfilled the lab requirement with a separate course. Credit not given for both this course and 01:694:315. Open only to genetics majors.

01:447:352 Genome Evolution (3) Major features of eukaryotic genome architecture from the viewpoint of population genetics and evolutionary theory. Topics include sex chromosomes, organelle genomes, introns, and untranslated regions. Prerequisite: 01:447:380 or 384.

01:447:354 Social, Legal, and Ethical Implications of the New Genetics (3) Social, legal, and ethical implications of new modern genetic techniques, for example: genetic screening, stem cells and cloning, forensic genetics, genetic engineering of plants, animals, and humans, genetic enhancement, gene therapy, and the new eugenics. Prerequisites: Genetics (01:447:380) or Genetics Analysis (01:447:384).

01:447:356 Evolutionary Medicine (3)

In this course, we examine human health from an evolutionary perspective, exploring the impact that our evolutionary heritage has on modern human diseases, both chronic and infectious. We will learn how the framework of evolutionary biology and modern genetic tools can inform our understanding of issues relevant to clinical and public health. Rather than focus on the immediate mechanisms underlying disease, we will endeavor to understand the ultimate factors that influence susceptibility, such as past natural selection. The course topics are wide-ranging, but particular attention is paid to emerging infectious diseases, as well as non-communicable diseases that may be exacerbated by facets of modern lifestyles.

Through lectures, critical analysis of the primary literature and popular science news, and class discussions, students will learn how evolutionary principles can be practically applied to medicine. Key readings each session will focus on genetic techniques for understanding evolutionary medicine, while additional readings will incorporate perspectives from diverse fields.

By fully participating in this course, students will be able to appreciate how modern susceptibility to non-communicable and infectious diseases has been influenced by past evolutionary processes; critically evaluate evolutionary hypotheses related to health and medicine, including those found in popular science articles; and know how genetic techniques are applied within an evolutionary framework to understand ultimate reasons for disease.
Prerequisites: (01:447:380 or 384) AND (01:960:401 or 01:960:212).

01:447:370 Developmental Genetics (3) How genes influence the developmental processes of an organism. Topics include gene regulatory networks, signaling pathways, stem cell biology, and the role of developmental genetics in human disease. Prerequisites: Genetics (01:447:380) or Genetic Analysis (01:447:384).

01:447:380 Genetics (4)

Introduction to the mechanisms of heredity and evolution. Mechanisms of Mendelian inheritance, meiosis, recombination, gene mutation, and mapping, and an introduction to modern biochemical, molecular, and population genetics.

Lec. 3 hrs., rec. 1 hr. Prerequisites: 01:119:115-116 and 01:160:161-162 or 01:160:163-164. Credit not given for both this course and 01:447:384-385 or 11:067:328 or 11:776:305.

01:447:382 Genetics Laboratory (1)

Laboratory to accompany 01:447:380. Not accepted for elective credit for Genetics majors.

Lab. 3 hrs. Pre- or corequisites: Genetics (01:447:380) or Genetic Analysis (01:447:384)

01:447:384-385 Genetic Analysis I,II (4,4)

Experimental methods and concepts in genetics, with emphasis on their application to genetic research. Part I covers transmission genetics and breeding analyses, basic molecular genetics, isolation and characterization of mutations, and chromosome structure and function. Part II covers mathematical genetics, recombinant DNA, genomics, and special topics relevant to modern genetic research.

Open only to majors in genetics or by permission of instructor. Credit not given for both this course and 01:447:380 or 11:067:328 or 11:776:305. Prerequisites for 01:447:384 are 01:119:115-116 (General Biology I & II) or 01:160:161-162 or 01:160:163-164 (General Chemistry I & II). Prerequisite for 01:447:385 is 01:447:384.

01:447:390 General Microbiology (4 includes laboratory) This is an upper-level course that focuses on the basic principles of microbiology. The course provides an introduction to the physiology, morphology, pathogenicity, and genetics of microorganisms, as well as their use in medicine and biotechnology. This course is intended for Life Science majors or those with a strong background in the Biological Sciences.
Credit not given for both this course and 11:680:390. Prerequisites: General Biology (01:119:115-116-117), General Chemistry (01:160:161-162, 171), and Organic Chemistry (01:160:305-307 or 315).

01:447:392 Pathogenic Microbiology (3) This course will integrate basic microbiology and infectious diseases. The first quarter of the course will provide the conceptual basis of microbial morphology, metabolism and growth, heredity and variation, pathogenicity and antimicrobial chemotherapy. Then this course will introduce the students to one real life patient case study each week, moving the course toward an understanding of specific human diseases (e.g., pharyngitis, meningitis) as might be expected in a clinical environment. Each case will include a patient history, differential diagnosis, clinical cues, laboratory data, pathogenesis, treatment and prevention, additional points and references. The objective is not to attempt to cover every infectious disease or microorganism, but rather to use examples that would stress the key principles of microbial pathogenesis, differential diagnosis and appropriate treatment and prevention. This course is intended for Life Science majors or those with a strong background in the Biological Sciences.
Prerequisites: General Biology (01:119:115-117), General Chemistry (01:160:161-162-171), and Organic Chemistry (01:160:305. and 01:160:315. Systems Physiology is recommended.

01:447:406-407 Research in Genetics (3) Laboratory research on original problem under the direction of a professor. Written thesis, oral presentation, and defense required.
Prerequisites: Permission of department. Open only to seniors majoring in genetics who meet the requirements for the departmental honors program. Corequisite: 01:447:414 (fall) and 415 (spring).

01:447:408-409 Honors in Genetics (3-6,3-6)

Laboratory research on original problem under the direction of a professor. Written thesis, oral presentation, and defense required.�

Prerequisites: Open by permission to seniors majoring in genetics who meet the requirements for the departmental honors program. Corequisite: 01:447:414 (fall) and 415 (spring).

01:447:410 Research in Genetics - Writing Intensive (3) Research project in the laboratory of a faculty member and intensive instruction in writing a scientific paper in genetics.�Fulfills the writing and communication requirements of the SAS Core Curriculum.
Prerequisites: 01:447:302, 447:315, or permission of department. Registration is by special permission only. Cumulative grade-point average of 2.8 or better. Declared genetics major.

01:447:414 Thesis Writing and Communication in Genetics (1.5) Assists students with their honors thesis; emphasis will be on library/internet research and thesis writing. Students will be expected to write the introduction, methods, and reference sections of their thesis and outline the results and discussion. Corequisites: 01:447:408. For seniors completing departmental honors; by special permission only.

01:447:415 Thesis Writing and Communication in Genetics (1.5) Assists students with their honors thesis; emphasis will be on library/internet research and thesis writing. Students will be expected to write the results and discussion sections of their thesis and prepare for their platform presentation and oral thesis defense.
Corequisites: 01:447:409. For seniors completing departmental honors; by special permission only.

01:447:430 Effective Communication Skills in Genetics (3) Instruction and practice in effectively communicating scientific findings. Includes preparing and revising an introduction for scientific papers, writing a research description for a general audience, and preparing and giving presentations (both oral and poster).
Prerequisites: Declared major in Genetics; must have completed one semester of Research in Genetics, Advanced Independent Study, or Genetic Counseling Rotation. By special permission only.

01:447:451 Genomes (3) This course will focus on Genomics, Proteomics and Bioinformatics from a Genetics perspective. Special attention will be given to the organization and functioning of the human genome.
Prerequisites: Genetics (01:447:380) or Genetic Analysis (01:447:384).

01:447:460 Genetics of Compulsive Behavior (3)

Discussion of primary literature and other scientific publications that deal with the molecular and genetic basis of compulsive behavior. Emphasis will be placed on the development of skills for critical thinking and effective writing.

Prerequisites: Genetics (01:447:380) or Genetic Analysis (01:447:384).

01:447:465 Mutant Isolation and Analysis (3) This class is essentially a journal club of primary research articles involving genetic analysis. The class series will begin with a research article presented by the teacher. During class we will discuss the article in depth: What was the scientific question or problem? What methods and strategies were used to address it? What were the findings and conclusions? What are the alternative interpretations and methods that could have been applied? Students will be graded by quizzes on material covered in class.

During the majority of the class series, students will be divided into groups of 4-5. Each group will be assigned one research article involving genetic analysis and be required to work together to a) interpret, b) critique and c) present the article in the form of an oral presentation to the class. Students will be graded on their ability to perform each of these tasks and on active participation during presentations by other groups.

Prerequisites: Genetics (01:447:380) or Genetic Analysis (01:447:384).

01:447:470 Evolutionary Developmental Biology (3) Examination of the origin of the vertebrate body plan as a classical problem in evolutionary biology. Applications of paleontology, comparative anatomy, developmental biology, and newer genetic and genomic approaches to answer evolutionary questions. Survey of animal diversity. Prerequisites: Genetics (01:447:380) or Genetic Analysis (01:447:384).

01:447:478,479 Special Topics in Genetics (3,3) Directed readings and discussion of selected topics of special interest in genetics.� Topics will vary according to semester and/or instructor.
Prerequisites: Genetics (01:447:380) or Genetic Analysis (01:447:384).

01:447:480 Topics in Molecular Genetics (3)

Current research topics in microbial and molecular genetics. Lectures, discussions, and critical analyses of journal articles.

Prerequisites: Genetics (01:447:380) or Genetic Analysis (01:447:384).

01:447:484 Behavioral and Neural Genetics (3)

Influence of genetics on the nervous system and behavior of various organisms. Overview of field including experimental analysis of behavior, development of the nervous system, and sensory systems. Emphasis on reading and interpreting original research.

Prerequisites: Genetics (01:447:380) or Genetic Analysis (01:447:384).

01:447:486 Evolutionary Genetics (3) Principles of evolution as revealed in DNA sequences. The effects of natural selection, genetic drift, and speciation on DNA; and the inference of histories from comparative DNA sequence data.� Prerequisites: Genetics (01:447:380) or Genetic Analysis (01:447:384).

01:447:488 Genetic Counseling Rotation (3) The goal of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the genetic counseling career. Students will be placed at a local Genetic Counseling clinic to shadow a genetic counselor for one semester. During the semester, the student is expected to spend 8-9 hours a week at the rotation plus meet weekly with course director (attendance is mandatory). Course grade will be based on 1) Case presentation to Genetic Counseling group 2) ten Genetic Counseling case summary logs, and 3) evaluation by the clinical supervisor.
Prerequisites: Declared Genetics major, cumulative GPA of 2.8 or greater, and accepted into the undergraduate Genetic Counseling Certificate Program (GCCP).

01:447:489,490 Advanced Independent Study in Genetics (3,3) Advanced independent study in Genetics is an opportunity for students to complete a scholarly project under the direct supervision of a faculty mentor. Projects are varied; e.g. library research on a topic of mutual interest to both the student and the faculty member, computer simulations, informative website design, or development of teaching materials. This course may not used for laboratory research.
Prerequisites: 01:447:384 and permission of department. Open only to students majoring in Genetics

01:447:495 Cancer (3) Biological and medical aspects of malignancy. Oncogenic viruses, environmental chemical carcinogens, cell growth regulation, tumor immunology, and genetics of cancer. Prerequisites: Genetics (01:447:380) or Genetic Analysis (01:447:384). Credit not given for both this course and 01:447:245.