Environmental and Comparative Genomics - Teaching
Faculty
Dr. Acacia A. Warren (course director), Dr. Joann Lindenmayer, Dr. Charles Shoemaker, Dr. Sandra Ayres, Dr. Lawrence Silbart.
Goal
The overall goal of this course is to provide students with some understanding of basic principles of cellular organization and function, control of gene expression, and recent innovations and discoveries in biotechnology, and what implications these discoveries will have for future research and medicine. The specific aims are to familiarize students with basic principles of cellular organization and function, from the molecular to the tissue levels, and fundamental principles of molecular biotechnology and the application of molecular genomics tools to maintain biodiversity, prevent animal diseases and protect public health. Eukaryotic gene structure and expression of nuclear and mitochondrial genes will be covered to provide students with a better perspective and appreciation of cellular process and functions based on the knowledge obtained of Anatomy, Biochemistry, Histology, Developmental Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology. Major emphasis is placed on including veterinary medicine use of biotechnology tools in the maintenance of biodiversity, differential diagnosis of emerging diseases, and the importance of basic laboratory support for understanding disease pathogenesis.
Pre-requisite
A reasonable understanding of general principles of genetics and molecular biology (chemical and molecular foundations) is essential. A sound understanding of molecular genetics (mechanisms of gene regulation) and genomics is desired.
Learning objectives
At the end of the course, students should:
- Have reinforced basic molecular genetic and genomics concepts and techniques learned in previous courses to lectures in class.
- Have a thorough understanding of current state-of-the art biotechnologies.
- Articulate theoretical concepts and applications of molecular genetics and genomics tools to understand health and disease.
- Be able to understand the involvement of genomics in conservation of ecosystems and animal genetic resources.
- Be able to apply biotechnology tools to address food safety and public health issues.
- Demonstrate awareness of the ethical, legal, and moral issues surrounding biotechnology, and be capable of intelligently defending their point of view regarding such issues particularly with transgenic technology and manipulation of the genome.
- Be acquainted with general resources and training in biotechnology.
- Be capable of discussing scientific papers and write reports on biotechnology issues.
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Selective Course
Environmental and Comparative Genomics, Food Safety and Biotechnology: A Hands-on Laboratory Experience
Peabody Pavilion, Grafton
Phone: 508-839-7990 or x87990
Contact: Dr. Acacia A. Warren (Director)
Goal
The goal of this selective is to familiarize students with the terminology and the application of genomic technologies to veterinary medicine, with special emphasis on application of state-of-the-art biotechnologies to address population and conservation genetics, ecosystem and animal health, food safety, and public health issues.
Description
The selective is offered yearly to first and second year students (Fall and Spring). It includes weekly Journal Club-style sessions, and hands-on laboratory experiential learning. Students are expected to review and discuss selected papers on topics related to population and conservation genetics, molecular and quantitative genetics, ecosystem health, environmental genomics, translational research, food safety, toxicogenomics, molecular diagnostics, genetic epidemiology, public health issues, among others. Selected students will be allowed to perform independent research during the summer or to complete work already initiated by other students. No previous experience on molecular genetics or genomics is required. In the laboratory, students will learn basic molecular genetic techniques including:
- purification of DNA and RNA from fresh and frozen tissues of wild and domestic animals (muscle, blood, feces, feather, fur, etc.)
- amplification of DNA and RNA using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
- analysis of genetic diversity of wild and domestic animals using molecular genetic techniques such as RAPD, RFLP, AFLP, microsatellites and SNPs
- application of genomics technologies to identify genes for fitness traits, map disease susceptibility genes, develop molecular diagnostics tools, and search for biomarkers of toxicant exposure.
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Research Opportunities for TCSVM Students
Available Research Projects
These research opportunities are for students looking to perform research on basic science while applying genomics and other biotechnologies towards their own projects. A list of currently available research projects can be obtained directly from the Selective Course director Dr. Acacia Warren (acacia.warren@tufts.edu). Funding for these projects can be obtained by applying to NIH Summer Training, Tufts Institute for the Environment, and Tufts Center for Conservation Medicine. An example of past student projects is shown below.
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