Post-Transcriptional Control of Gene Expression - BCH2111H / MMG1362H

Please Note: This course is offered jointly and is administered by the Department of Molecular Genetics. Students must register under the course code MMG1362H

Course Syllabus

This course will cover topics related to the mechanisms underlying post-transcriptional control of gene expression. Topics change yearly, reflecting the most recent state of the field, and may include concepts such as: RNA binding proteins, alternative ribosomes, lncRNAs, phase separated RNA granules, riboswitches, small RNAs regulation, etc.

Students will be organized into 6 groups. Each group will be assigned a topic, develop a ~45 min power point-assisted lecture that would be suitable to teach this topic to a class of first year graduate students, and present the lecture to the class.

Following the presentation the class will discuss a paper related to the topic. Students (either volunteers of chosen at random) who were not involved in that week’s presentation will present individual figures from the paper.

Method of Student Evaluation:

25% In-class participation - We expect all students to participate in all aspects of each class. This includes asking questions of the lecturers and participating in the evaluation and discussion of the methods, data and conclusions, as well as the significance of the results for the field.

35% Paper presentation – Presentation of paper figures – We will ask for volunteers from the non-lecturers to present various figures from the primary research paper assigned that week. If there are no volunteers we will select the presenters.

40% Introductory lecture
Broken down as follows:
Slide and presentation organization/quality 10 %
Ability to answer questions 10 %
Content 20 %

NOTES:
We require that your group arrange a meeting with the coordinators at least one full week prior to your presentation so we can go over your draft presentation and provide feedback.
Each student in a group will be assigned an individual mark and as such it is critical that each presenter contribute equally to the presentation.

Course Coordinator: Craig Smibert

Course Instructors: Julie Claycomb

Enrollment Limit:
This course is offered to both Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics students and 9 spaces will be held for each Department
Minimum 6
Maximum 18