120.605.01
Genome Integrity
Location
East Baltimore
Term
4th Term
Department
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2024 - 2025
Instruction Method
In-person
W, F, 10:00 - 11:50am
Auditors Allowed
Yes, with instructor consent
Available to Undergraduate
Yes
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Resources
Prerequisite
At every step of the cell cycle, from DNA replication to chromosome segregation, there are safeguards to ensure the integrity of the genome is maintained. However, things go wrong! This course will provide insight into the mechanisms required for genome maintenance, and explain the consequences to human health when genome integrity is compromised.
Provides students with a broad base in fundamental principles of genome integrity. Examines connections between genome integrity, organism fitness, and human diseases and disorders. Addresses 1) Homologous recombination, (2) Non-homologous end joining, (3) Mismatch repair, (4) Transposable elements, (5) Topoisomerases, (6) Structural maintenance of chromosomes and (7) Chromosome segregation.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Consider how exposure to various environmental agents and anti-cancer drugs can lead to DNA damage
- Examine the mechanisms by which DNA repair proteins and enzymes maintain the integrity of the genome
- Illustrate how DNA protection and repair systems function in the context of the cell
- Explain the cellular mechanisms that protect against chromosome missegregation
- Articulate the connections between DNA damage/DNA repair capacity and human diseases and disorders
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
- 10% Participation
- 40% Interim Assessment
- 50% Final Exam