HUM-MOLGEN events: Yeast Genetics & Genomics

The Yeast Genetics & Genomics course is a modern, state of the art, intensive laboratory course designed to teach students the full repertoire of genetic approaches needed to dissect complex problems in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Combinations of classical and modern genetic approaches are emphasized, including the isolation and characterization of mutants, tetrad analysis, and complementation. Synthetic biology is explored through CRISPR/Cas9-directed engineering of heterologous biosynthetic pathways in yeast. Students will learn genome-based methods of analysis facilitated by the yeast genome sequence, the gene deletion collection, and other genomic resources available to the community. Molecular genetic techniques, including yeast transformation, gene replacement by PCR, construction and analysis of gene fusions, and generation of mutations, are also emphasized.

Students will use classical approaches and modern whole genome sequencing to gain experience in identifying and interpreting different kinds of genetic interactions, including suppression, synthetic lethality, and chemical-genetic interactions. Students will perform genome-scale screens using the synthetic genetic array (SGA) methodology. Students will be immersed in yeast genomics and perform and interpret experiments using DNA arrays, colony arrays, whole genome sequencing, and multiplexed DNA barcode sequencing. Computational methods for data analysis are introduced. Students will gain first-hand experience in modern cytological approaches such as epitope tagging and imaging yeast cells using fluorescence microscopy with GFP-protein fusions and fluorescent indicators for different subcellular structures and organelles. Lectures on fundamental aspects of yeast genetics will be presented along with seminars given by prominent experts in the field on topics of current interest.

Please note that students are expected to attend the entire course, which spans evenings and weekends, with the exception of a day off on Sunday August 5.

Applications are especially welcome from:

Professors and instructors who wish to incorporate yeast into their undergraduate genetics classrooms
Scientists trained in mathematical, computational, and/or engineering disciplines who are transitioning into bench science
Researchers from small labs or institutions where it would otherwise be difficult to learn the fundamentals of yeast genetics/genomics