Instructor: Dr. James T. Kadonaga
Time: Tuesday and Thursday, 12:30 pm - 1:50 pm
Place: CENTER 214

Course Description

The natural state of DNA in the eukaryotic nucleus is chromatin - a fascinating protein-DNA complex.  Therefore, if you want to know what really happens with DNA in the nucleus, it is necessary to learn about chromatin.  Moreover, chromatin has recently emerged as a major focus of research in molecular biology, biotechnology, and medicine.  BIMM108 will be a journey through the study of chromatin.  We will begin with the establishment of a foundation in the understanding of the structure, assembly, and dynamics of chromatin.  Then, we will examine the functions of chromatin in the cell, with a particular emphasis on gene expression, wherein issues such as genetic vs. epigenetic regulation will be covered.  BIMM108 will enable students to refine and to integrate their knowledge of molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry in the context of some of the most intriguing and important current problems in the biological and biomedical sciences.

Prerequisites: BIMM 100