GENE 4006

Advanced understanding and application of the most innovative techniques used in the field of molecular biology and -omics (genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics techniques) in agriculture and aquaculture systems. By having an advanced understanding of the biochemistry of DNA, RNA and protein, students will learn how these molecules can be manipulated for research purposes. Students will leave the course with the ability to modify and manipulate target molecules using a wide scope of techniques including: PCR, Rt-qPCR, Rad-Seq, CRISPR, ELISA and other technologies for the purpose of marker assisted selection, measuring gene expression, metagenomics, gene knock outs, gene silencing, protein function and structure analysis in the fields of agriculture and aquaculture. Students will also learn the international standards for publication of each technique to ensure that experiments meet international standards like MIQUE and ENCODE Guidelines. The lecture portion will ensure students have the theoretical knowledge to understand how each technique manipulates molecules so that students can modify these techniques for their own purpose. The laboratory portion will ensure students have hands on experience with the most innovative technology analyzing DNA, RNA and protein in breeding, genomics, transcriptomics and proteomic studies in the fields of agriculture and aquaculture.