Phage Genomics Research Initiative
Students accepted into the Phage Genomics Research program will learn how to approach research problems creatively. Research will focus on bacteriophage, rapidly evolving viruses that infect bacteria. Students will isolate new bacteriophage from the environment and sequence and characterize their genomes. A goal is for the results to be published in scientific journals with the students listed as co-authors.
Selected students who participate in the program for all 3 quarters will earn the equivalent of 1 laboratory course and 1 biology elective course toward their degree.
UC San Diego is one of only 12 universities nationwide selected by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) to offer this program to our students through HHMI's Science Education Alliance (SEA).
Course Descriptions
There are four courses associated with the Phage Genomics Research Initiative:
BILD 71 is scheduled for Tuesday, 12:00-1:00 pm during fall quarter 2008.
BIMM 171A is scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday, 1:00-5:00 pm during fall quarter 2008.
BIMM 171B is scheduled for winter 2009 and BIMM 171C is scheduled for spring 2009.
BILD 71 (Genomics Research Initiative) This class will examine the theoretical and practical basis of modern genomics research. Students will learn the theoretical basis of genomics and tools used for the sequencing and annotation of genomic DNA, and computational and molecular methods for the study of evolution.
BIMM 171A (Genomics Research Initiative Laboratory I) Students will isolate bacterial viruses or other organisms from the environment and characterize them by methods including electron microscopy and nucleic acid analysis. The genomic DNA will be purified, and sent for sequencing. Students may not enroll in or receive credit for both BIMM171A and BIEB123 or BIMM171A and BIMM101.
BIMM 171B (Genomics Research Initiative Laboratory II) Students will characterize the genomic sequence of the organisms isolated in BIMM171A and use molecular and computational tools to resolve ambiguities and close gaps. They will then annotate the DNA sequence to identify protein and RNA coding regions. Students may not enroll in or receive credit for both BIMM 171B and BIEB 123 or BIMM 171B and BIMM101.
BIMM 171C (Genomics Research Initiative Laboratory III) Computational methods will be used to characterize the annotated genome sequence produced in BIMM171A-B to study the evolution of genes and their products. Various mechanisms shaping genome evolution will be discussed and the genome evaluated for evidence of these processes. Students may not enroll or receive credit for both BIMM 171C and BIEB123 or BIMM 171C and BIMM101.
Read more about this innovative undergraduate research program at:
Our First Initiative / HHMI - SEA and at: UC San Diego Selected for Nationwide Science Education Program
Learn more about phage genomics:
Gene Weavers
