2009 Courses & Clusters

Cluster 8 - The Molecular Biology Revolution

Instructor:
Mandy Butler, Lecturer, Division of Biological Sciences, UCSD
Stephanie Mel , Lecturer, Division of Biological Sciences, UCSD

Description:
Over the past few decades, a revolution in has taken place in the fields of genetics and molecular biology. The driving force behind this revolution was the development of techniques that enable scientists to analyze and manipulate genetic material. These techniques are now used in many basic research areas as well in commercial applications. Students in this cluster will learn the theory behind molecular biology techniques and how these techniques are being used to answer basic questions in biology. Students will then use molecular techniques in to clone genes into bacteria, generate mutations, and perform DNA sequencing. Applications in Biotechnology will address the technological advances in molecular biology that are being used in various aspects of applied biology such as forensic science, clinical diagnostics, and the biotechnology industry. Students will perform assays used in forensic laboratories and learn how biological drugs and genetically modified organisms are created. The impact of biotechnology on society and related ethical issues will also be discussed.

Prerequisite:
Students must have completed one year of high school biology.

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