BIOS 5630 - Biology of Human Genetic Diseases

Explores how human genetic diseases are identified and studied. A primary goal is to understand the molecular basis of information flow in the cell: how a change in the DNA sequence of a gene leads to a specific human disease phenotype. In addition to topics covered in lecture, each student chooses a genetic disease for a research project, and searches the primary scientific literature to find out how the disease-causing mutation alters the biology of the affected cells, tissues or organs to cause disease. Some class time will be spent in the library during which students receive training in researching biological literature.

Prerequisites & Corequisites: Prerequisites: Junior standing and at least 12 credits in biology, including BIOS 2300 and BIOS 2500; with grades of “C” or better in all prerequisites, or instructor approval.

Credits: 3 hours

Notes: Open to upperclass and graduate students.