Eukaryotic and Human Genetics Bio 137 Fall

This advanced undergraduate course deals with genetics and its implications for human biology, from Mendelian inheritance to modern genomics. In each class period we discuss specific aspects of genetic transmission or molecular genetics, and consider how defects in these fundamental processes in people can lead to malformations and physiological disorders. A particular emphasis will be placed on developmental genetics, with the goal of better understanding how genetic defects in human embryos can lead to disease.

Development and Disease                    Bio 148          Spring

This upper level undergraduate course deals with the many medical implications of developmental biology, from birth defects to cancer and stem cells. In each lecture we discuss specific organ systems and consider how defects in fundamental developmental processes can lead to malformations and physiological disorders. The goal is to gain a knowledge of the basic genetic and cell biological building blocks of each tissue/organ in order to better understand how developmental defects in both embryos and adults can lead to disease.

Advanced Topics in Cell Biology (Dev and Cell Journal Club)       Bio 206C          Spring

Advanced Developmental Genetics    Bio 210          Spring

This is a graduate level course which introduces students to three of the main genetic model systems used in developmental biology: fruit flies, zebrafish and mice. Lectures cover both classic research papers in these systems as well as modern techniques and new findings on subjects such as early body axis formation, segmentation, patterning of the nervous system and epithelia, and various disease models. Students also read original research articles and submit short NIH style grant proposals which they present orally, in part as preparation for their preliminary Ph.D. exams.

Dev and Cell Bio Seminar                     Bio 290B      Spring