PLBRG 3250 - Plant Genomic Approaches

Spring (weeks 8-15). 1 credit. Student option grading.

Prerequisite: at least one semester of introductory biology and chemistry (or AP credit). Basic knowledge of DNA and inheritance from previous or concurrent registration in PLBRG 2250/PLBRG 2253.

M. Mazourek.

This course provides students with a focused study of cutting edge approaches in plant genomics with a foundation in their core principles. Topics include a review of molecular biology tools; genome and transcriptome analysis and how this is utilized in plant breeding for understanding diversity, as well as for studies that target gene identification; genomic selection as an alternative to phenotypic selection; quests for diversity from TILLing to CRISPR. Weekly readings will be assigned from the primary literature that demonstrate applications of these approaches. The final exam will involve synthesizing these methods toward an approach to address a current topic of interest in plant science. Students are encouraged to enroll in this course concurrently or after taking PLBRG 2250.

Outcome 1: Describe how genetic mechanisms create diversity in natural and managed ecosystems.

Outcome 2: Be able to evaluate and extract biologically useful information from large genetic and genomic datasets.

Outcome 3: Describe how genetics and genomics provides an experimental framework to study all aspects of plant biology.

Outcome 4: Appreciate how an understanding of genetic mechanisms has been translated into advances in crop production and plant breeding.