Course Goals:

This course is intended to introduce graduate students who have a background in biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics to the molecular genetics of filamentous fungi and yeasts.

Entry Level:

Graduate standing in a biological science; Biological Sciences 103; Biological Sciences 101, Molecular & Cellular Biology 161, Plant Biology 119, Plant Pathology 130, 215X and Microbiology 215 recommended.

Course Format:

The course will deal with the molecular biology and genetics of filamentous fungi and yeasts, including discussions of gene structure, organization and transcription; regulation of gene expression; secretion; control of reproduction; molecular evolution; DNA-mediated transformation and plant pathogenesis. It is intended for graduate students interested in basic problems in genetics, biochemistry and microbiology, as well as students who are concerned with the role of these organisms in animal and plant pathogenesis. It is a three credit hour course, consisting of two lectures 1 1/2 hours per week. Grades will be assigned on the basis of one mid-term examination and one final examination.

A two unit discussion, graded P/NP, is run concurrently with the lectures. The discussion (2 hours per week) includes analysis of recent research papers, and the preparation and review of research proposals.

Subject Outline:

Topics to be covered will include: review of fungal genetic systems; mitotic and meiotic recombination; gene structure; gene regulation; molecular biology and genetics of secretion of extracellular enzymes; control of sexual and asexual reproduction; transposition; DNA-mediated transformation; and genetic engineering and molecular genetics of plant pathogens. The course will highlight current areas of research with fungi and emphasize experimental strategies.