Courses

Genetics 133: Genetics in the News
The science of genetics is at the heart of many issues facing our society and, as such, genetics is often in the news. This course explores the underlying genetics and methodologies to gain a deeper understanding of the science behind the headlines so that we can make more informed decisions as citizens. We will use popular media related to genetics as a forum to explore basic concepts in genetics, the practice of experimental science and related ethical issues. Open to Freshmen, science, and non-science majors. Fall, Spring, Summer 3 credits

Genetics 155: Freshman Seminar
Survey of Genetics and student success strategies. Meets CALS first-year seminar requirement. Open to Freshmen. Fall, 1 credit

Genetics 234: Genomes and Society
The sequencing of genomes has transformed our understanding of the evolution of species and human history, our approaches to improve health and medicine, as well as how we tackle global environmental challenges. Explore the many ways in which the sequencing of genomes is revolutionizing our world, and dive into DNA from viral to human genomes. Understand how genomes are expressed, the impact on phenotype, as well as how it can change over time and in different conditions, are processes that are essential for life and the evolution of species. Req: (Genetics 133, Botany/Biology/Zoology 151, Botany/Biology/Zoology 101, or Biocore 381). Fall, Spring, 3 credits.

Genetics 289: Honors Independent Study
Enrolled in the CALS Honors Program, Sophomore or Junior Standing. Req: InterAg 288. Fall, Spring, Summer, 1-2 credits

Genetics 299: Independent Study
Permission required. See Undergraduate Research for details. Fall, Spring, Summer, 1-3 credits

Genetics 335: Genomes in a Modern World
The ability to sequence genomes rapidly has transformed our understanding of the evolution of species and human history, our approaches to improve health and medicine, as well as how we tackle global environmental challenges, and increasingly impacts our modern world. Explore the interdisciplinary connections between genetics- and genomics-based research and important current questions related to ethics, history, and public policy. Req: Genetics 234. Fall, Spring, 3 credits.

Genetics 399: Internship/Cooperative Education
Permission required from Student Services Coordinator. Fall, Spring, Summer, 1-3 credits

Genetics 400: Study Abroad in Genetics
Provides an area equivalency for courses taken on Madison Study Abroad Programs that do not equate to existing UW courses. Req: Current registration in a U.W.-Madison Study Abroad Program. Fall, Spring, Summer, 1-6 credits

Genetics 466: Principles of Genetics
For non-majors. Genetics in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Includes Mendelian genetics, mapping, molecular genetics, genetic engineering, cytogenetics, quantitative genetics, and population genetics. Illustrative material includes viruses, bacteria, plants, fungi, insects, and humans. Req: (Biology/Botany/Zoology 151 or Biocore 381 or Biology/Botany 130 or Biology/Zoology 101 and 102) and (Chem 104 or Chem 109 or Chem 115). Fall, Spring, Summer, 3 credits

Genetics 467: General Genetics I
For majors. Genetics of eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Includes Mendelian genetics, probability and hypothesis testing, genetic mapping, molecular genetics, gene expression and genetic engineering. Illustrative material includes viruses, bacteria, plants, fungi, insects, and humans. Students may not enroll for Genetics 466 and Genetics 467/468. Req: (Biology/Botany/Zoology 151 or Biocore 381 or Biology/Botany 130 or Biology/Zoology 101 and 102) and (Chem 104 or Chem 109 or Chem 115). Fall, 3 credits

Genetics 468: General Genetics II
For majors.Genetic analysis, population genetics, evolution and quantitative genetics. Includes mutant screens, pathway analysis, mosaic analysis, reverse genetics, genomics, Hardy-Weinberg & linkage equilibrium, inbreeding, genetic drift, natural selection, population structure, inheritance of complex traits, domestication and human evolution. Students may not enroll for Genetics 466 and Genetics 467/468. Req: Genetics 467. Spring, 3 credits

Genetics 520: Neurogenetics
This course will cover the Genetic basis of brain development, function, and diseases and the Genetics model organisms/tools for studying brain development, function and diseases. The course will use examples to inspire interest in this fascinating field. Req: Genetics 466, 468, Biocore 587, Zoology 523 or Psych 454. Fall, Spring, 3 credits

Genetics 522: Evolution Seminar Series-Undergraduate
The Evolution Seminar Series exposes students to diverse topics in contemporary evolutionary biology. Most weeks, one or more guest lecturers present their own primary research on a specialized topic in evolutionary biology. Diverse seminars include perspectives from genetics, ecology, geoscience, zoology, botany, microbiology, systematics, molecular biology, and integrative research. Some weeks feature special topics and discussions on pedagogical, legal, outreach, or other issues in evolutionary biology. Students learn to think critically about methodology, experimental design and interpretation, and how conclusions are reached in evolutionary biology by reading primary and secondary literature, attending seminars, discussing topics with speakers and other students, moderating discussions, and preparing a written report. Req: Zoology 410 or concurrent enrollment. Fall, Spring, 2-3 credits

Genetics 525: Epigenetics
Introductory course in epigenetics- the layer of chemical information that sits on top of the genome- that switch genes ‘on’ or ‘off’. Will introduce how the epigenome, in collaboration with the genome, controls versatile biological processes and cell fates. Will also cover the latest advances of how humans can control their own epigenetic destiny by lifestyle, diet and other environmental factors. Req: Genetics 466, Genetics 468. Fall, 3 credits

Genetics 527: Developmental Genetics for Conservation: Building an Organism
Human-induced factors such as changes in land use and global climate are causing rapid worldwide biodiversity loss. Can modern molecular genetics contribute to species preservation? In this course, we will first explore the challenges and potential of molecular genetic methods based on biobanking, gene editing and nuclear transfer for animal biodiversity preservation. The course will consist of weekly lectures/discussions based on primary research literature. Topics covered will include: i) maternal factors and early animal development, ii) interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (isSCNT) and oocyte-mediated reprogramming in animal cloning, iii) developmental, phylogenetic and ecological considerations for biobanking, iv) gene editing and synthetic biology as potential tools to recapture biodiversity. Students will use knowledge in animal population status, developmental genetics and phylogeny to address real-life problems involving the conservation of threatened animal populations. Req: Genetics 466, Genetics 467, Biocore 381. Fall, Spring, Summer, 3 credits

Genetics 528: Banking Animal Biodiversity: International Field Study in Costa Rica
Study abroad course that provides an on-site educational experience where we use developmental genetics concepts to guide projects of biobanking and oocyte-mediated cloning, as a potential last-defense resort for the preservation of living species under risk of extinction. It will provide hands-on experience in current research and activities in biodiversity areas, including visits to biodiversity-rich ecosystems, on site seminars and demonstrations, biodiversity preservation activities, as well as exposure to local culture and social needs. Req: Genetics 466, Genetics 467, Biocore 381, or Zoology 470. Genetics 527 recommended. Application required. Spring break, 1 credit

Genetics 545: Genetics Laboratory
In this course, students will learn to study biological problems using genetic strategies. Students will learn transmission genetics and molecular genetics by studying Drosophila and S. cervisiae. Req: Genetics 466 or 468 and instructor consent. Fall, Spring, 2 credits

Genetics 548: The Genomic Revolution
Provides a broad survey of the field to enhance student appreciation for the profound advances that are now possible thanks to genomic data and thinking. Req: Genetics 466, 468 or Biocore 587. Fall, 3 credits

Genetics/Horticulture 550: Molecular Approaches to Crop Improvement
Introduction of basic concepts of plant molecular biology and molecular techniques in current use. Topics include: organization and regulation of plant genes, gene cloning and analysis, transformation systems for plants and molecular techniques for crop improvements. Req: Biochem 501 and Genetics 466 or 468. Fall, 3 credits

Genetics 564: Introduction to Genomics and Proteomic Analysis
The basic principles of genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics will be taught through a semester-long project of the students choosing. Creative problem solving in science skills will be learned through a variety of active-learning techniques that include reading primary literature, group presentations, peer review, bioinformatic lab exercises, science communication skills (writing & visualization), and creating a website. Emphasis will be placed upon how to effectively communicate science (written, oral and written). Topics include: genomic sequencing, phylogeny, domain analysis, transcriptomics, CRISPR screens, chemical genomics, quantitative proteomics and protein networks. Capstone course. Biochem 501 and Microbio 303 recommended. Req: (Genetics 466 or Genetics 468) or (Biocore 587) and instructor consent required. Not open to Graduate Students. Spring, 3 credits

Genetics/MD Genetics 565: Human Genetics
Principles, problems, and methods of human genetics. Surveys aspects of medical genetics, biochemical genetics, molecular genetics, cytogenetics, quantitative genetics, and variation as applied to humans. Req: Genetics 466 or Genetics 468 . Fall, 3 credits

Genetics 566: Advanced Genetics
Principles of classical and modern genetic analysis taught through readings in the scientific literature and group projects. Capstone course. Req: Declared in Genetics undergraduate program and Genetics 466, Genetics 468 or Biocore 587. Spring, 3 credits

Genetics 567: Research Companion Seminar
Student-led discussions on scientific, societal, and professional topics relevant to Senior research and selected original research presentations. This course is a companion seminar for independent research and together will fulfill the Genetics major capstone requirement. Req: Instructor consent required. Students should have completed Genetics 466, 468 or Biocore 587 in previous semesters. Concurrent enrollment in Genetics 699, Genetics 681, or Genetics 399 is required. Fall, 1 credit (3 credits with concurrent enrollment)

Genetics 588: Immunogenetics
Immunogenetics focuses on the unique genetic phenomena that occur in lymphocytes during development and response to stimuli. It pays particular attention to the processes of adaptive antigen receptor development and maturation, major histocompatibility complex molecule polygeny and polymorphism in the context of current real-life challenges (e.g. COVID-19, influenza, and HIV), immunological evolution, epigenetics associated with autoimmunity, sex differences in immune responses, and some genetic processes involved in cancer of white blood cells. Ultimately, the genetic mechanisms that drive the immunological and clinical differences observed between individuals when confronted with the same challenge will be examined, and explored through the primary and secondary research literature in order to strengthen scientific literacy. Fall, 3 credits

Genetics 605: Clinical Cases in Medical Genetics
The use of genetics in medicine has experienced significant growth over the past 50 years, identifying risk genes, and devising diagnostic tests and therapies based on this knowledge for specific clinical disorders such as cystic fibrosis, achondroplasia, and Retts syndrome. MDs and biomedical scientists from UW Hospital and Clinics, the School of Medicine and Public Health, and other UW units will present lectures in this field followed by question-answers sessions. Other class sessions will be devoted to student presentations and open discussion of research literature. Req: Genetics 466, 467 or Biocore 383. Spring, 3 credits

Genetics/Microbiology/Biochemistry 612: Prokaryotic Molecular Biology
Molecular basis of bacterial physiology and genetics with emphasis on molecular mechanisms; topics include nucleic acid-protein interactions, transcription, translation, replications, recombination, regulation of gene expression. Req: Biochem 501 or 508, Microbiology 470 or equivalent recommended. Fall, 3 credits

Genetics 620: Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
This course focuses on the basic molecular mechanisms that regulate DNA, RNA, and protein metabolism in eukaryotic organisms. This course is intended for advanced undergraduates and first year graduate students with a firm knowledge of basic biochemistry. Req: Graduate standing or Biochem 501 or 508. Spring, 3 credits

Genetics 627: Animal Developmental Genetics
Advanced Genetics course focusing on genetic mechanisms of animal embryonic development, with particular emphasis on central molecular circuitries that control development and genetic analytical tools used to reveal them. Using a combination of lectures and primary research literature reading/student-led seminars, we will address topics including maternal and epigenetic inheritance, the egg-to-embryo transition, pattern formation, organogenesis, coordination of cellular and molecular mechanisms, and animal models of human congenital disorders. Prior completion of Zoology 470 recommended. Req: Genetics 466, Genetics 468 or Biocore 587. Spring, 3 credits.

Genetics 631: Plant Genetics & Development
This Plant Genetics course is targeted to upper-level undergraduate and graduate students. We will cover the basic concepts of genetics and genomics as applied to plants, including discussions on breeding systems (modes of reproduction, sex determination, self incompatibility and crossing barriers), linkage analysis, genome structure and function (structure, function and evolution of nuclear and organellar chromosomes; haploidy and polyploidy; expression regulation and epigenetics), and a description of current methodologies used in the analysis of these processes. Our objective is to instigate in students a broader knowledge and understanding of the principles and methodologies used in plant genetics such that they can adopt them most effectively in their own research projects, and can describe and discuss them more thoroughly with the general public. This course is based on lectures and in-class discussions of assigned readings. Req: Genetics 466, Genetics 468 or Biocore 587. Fall, 3 credits

Genetics 633 : Population Genetics
This is a graduate-level(and upper-level undergraduate) course in population genetics, aimed at preparing students to initiate research in this field. We will explore how genetic variation is influenced by mutation and recombination, population size changes and migration, and natural selection for or against new mutations. Undergraduates who have completed Genetics 468, Genetics 466, or Biocore 587 may contact the instructors to discuss the appropriateness of this course for their curriculum. Req: Graduate standing. Even Spring, 3 credits

Genetics 662: Cancer Genetics
Cancer remains one of the most difficult health issues facing our society. There is hope in the horizon due to an increasing understanding of both genetic and epigenetic alterations in cancer. In particular, DNA sequencing of human cancers is becoming more common in major health care centers, and there is expectation that this technology will allow for personalized medicine. Thus, there has been a rapid increase in this knowledge over the last decade. It is expected that students will become aware of the current major issues in cancer research and will be able to critically evaluate the cancer genetics literature. Req: Genetics 466, Genetics 468 or Biocore 383. Fall, Spring, Odd Summer, 3 credits

Genetics/Medical Genetics 677: Special Topics
Special topics courses. Topic and credits will vary. Req: Genetics 466, Genetics 468, Biocore 383. Fall, Spring, Summer, 1-3 credits

Genetics 681: Senior Honors Thesis
Req: Honors candidacy and permission. See Undergraduate Research for details. Fall, Spring, Summer, 2-4 credits

Genetics 682: Senior Honors Thesis
Continuation of 681. Req: Honors candidacy and permission. See Undergraduate Research for details. Fall, Spring, Summer, 2-4 credits

Genetics 699: Special Problems
Permission required. See Undergraduate Research for details. Fall, Spring, Summer, 1-3 credits