Davis Wade Stadium

TOPICS IN GENOMICS

1. CATALOG DESCRIPTION
BCH 8631. Topics in Genomics. (1) 2 hours discussion and presentation.  (Prerequisites: PSS/BCH 8623 or BCH 4713/6713 or BCH 8643 or consent of instructor).  Review and discussion of classic and current genomics literature; individual presentation of a seminar highlighting an area of genomics research. (Same as PSS 8631).

2. DETAILED COURSE OUTLINE
This course meets once a week for 1 hour and 40 min.
    I. Classic Papers in Genomics
        A. Reassociation kinetics and genome size
        B. Genome organization
        C. Physical mapping
        D. Model genomes
        E. The Human Genome Project
        F. Gene expression
        G. Comparative genomics
    II. Current Papers in Genomics
        A. Finding genes & repeat sequences
        B. Genetic diversity
        C. Functional genomics, RNAi, etc.
        D. New and emerging technologies
    III. Student Presentations
        A. Presentations and discussions
        B. Presentations and discussions
        C. Presentations and discussions
        D. Presentations and discussions
        E. Presentations and discussions

3. METHOD OF EVALUATION
Attendance:  5%, 25 points
Participation: 5%, 25 points
Weekly Quizzes: 10%, 50 points
Presentation: 70%, 350 points
Final Exam 10%, 50 points
Total 100%, 500 points

Presentation: Each student will be required to give a class presentation reviewing a particular area of genomics research.  The instructor will assist each student in finding a presentation topic that is both timely and of particular interest to that student.  Each presentation will be roughly 30 min in length with 10 additional minutes for questions and discussion.  Student presentations will be graded based upon the following criteria: organization and clarity, educational content, proper citation of source materials, correct interpretation of data/concepts, quality of presentation, value and appropriateness of audio-visual aids, and effective use of time.   
 
Grading Scale: Students will be assigned grades using a traditional grading scale (A, B, C, D, and F).
 
4. JUSTIFICATION AND LEARNING OUTCOME
This discussion/presentation course will serve as a means by which students interested in pursuing careers in genomics or related fields can be introduced to the genomics literature and can be engaged in discussions of cutting-edge genomic research.  The format of the class will help graduate students gain valuable experience evaluating and summarizing literature on critical research topics and give them the opportunity to educate others through the vehicle of a presentation/seminar.  This format is important as success in academic and professional research is related, in part, to an individual’s ability to (a) distill the key points out of research papers and critically evaluate research results and (b) present information in a logical, succinct, and interesting manner. 
 
The course is a natural “next step” for those graduate students that have taken Genomes and Genomics (see accompanying UCCC proposal) and are interested in more advanced study of genomics.
 
It is anticipated that this discussion course will attract from 5-15 students each time it is offered.  This projected enrollment is based on enrollment in other “topics” courses taught on campus.
 
5. SUPPORT
Resources such as a classroom, PowerPoint projector, photocopier, and Internet access are provided to the instructor by the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences.
 
6. INSTRUCTOR OF RECORD
Dr. Daniel G. Peterson
Department of Plant and Soil Sciences
 
7. GRADUATE STUDENT REQUIREMENTS (SPLIT-LEVEL COURSES)
Not applicable
 
8. PLANNED FREQUENCY
It is anticipated that this course will be offered in the fall semester of every odd numbered academic year (e.g., Fall 2007, Fall 2009, Fall 2011).
 
9. EXPLANATION OF ANY DUPLICATION
There are no other courses at MS State in which students participate in the review of genomics literature. 
 
10. METHOD OF INSTRUCTION CODE
S – Seminar, Workshop, Forum
 
11. PROPOSED C.I.P. NUMBER
26.0802
 
12. PROPOSED 24-CHARACTER ABBREVIATION
Topics in Genomics
 
13. PROPOSED SEMESTER EFFECTIVE
Fall 2007
 
14. OTHER APPROPRIATE INFORMATION
 
15. PROPOSAL CONTACT PERSON
Dr. Daniel G. Peterson
662-325-2747