Biology

The structures and functions of all biological entities are dependent upon regulated gene expression. In this course, we will explore selected topics in gene expression from a molecular genetic and biochemical perspective. Topics may include: genome and gene structure, the processes of transcription and translation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, the structures and functions of RNA polymerase and the ribosome, the fine scale structures of gene promoters, and a detailed mechanistic examination of how gene expression is regulated in the cell. Note: Students will download and use a free molecular modelling program in this course; a laptop computer is strongly recommended.