Genetics 133: Genetics in the Media
Many societal issues today are related to genetics, which is often featured in the news. This course delves into the fundamental principles and methodologies of genetics to provide a deeper understanding of the science behind the headlines, allowing us to make more well-informed decisions as citizens. Through popular media, we will explore basic genetic concepts, experimental science practices, and ethical considerations. Open to Freshmen, science and non-science majors. Offered in Fall and Spring. 3 credits
Genetics 155: Freshman Seminar
A comprehensive overview of genetics and strategies for success as a student. Meets CALS first-year seminar requirement. Open to Freshmen. Offered in Fall. 1 credit
Genetics 289: Honors Independent Study
Exclusive to CALS Honors Program students who are Sophomores or Juniors. Prerequisite: InterAg 288. Offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer. 1-2 credits
Genetics 299: Independent Study
Permission required via completion of Independent Study Form. 1-3 credits
Genetics 399: Internship/Cooperative Education
Requires permission from Student Services Coordinator. Offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer. 1-3 credits
Genetics 400: Study Abroad in Genetics
This course provides credit equivalency for courses taken in Madison Study Abroad Programs that do not align with existing UW courses. Prerequisite: Current registration in a U.W.-Madison Study Abroad Program. Offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer. 1-6 credits
Genetics 466: Foundations of Genetics
A course designed for non-majors, covering genetics in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. Topics include Mendelian genetics, genetic mapping, molecular genetics, genetic engineering, cytogenetics, quantitative genetics, and population genetics. Examples will be drawn from viruses, bacteria, plants, fungi, insects, and humans. Prerequisites: (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). Offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer. 3 credits
Genetics 467: General Genetics I
A course designed for majors, covering genetics in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. Topics include Mendelian genetics, probability and hypothesis testing, genetic mapping, molecular genetics, gene expression, and genetic engineering. Examples will be drawn from viruses, bacteria, plants, fungi, insects, and humans. Students cannot enroll in both Genetics 466 and Genetics 467/468. Prerequisites: (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). Offered in Fall. 3 credits
Genetics 468: General Genetics II
A course designed for majors, focusing on genetic analysis, population genetics, evolution, and quantitative genetics. Topics include 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 cannot enroll in both Genetics 466 and Genetics 467/468. Prerequisite: Genetics 467. Offered in Spring. 3 credits
Genetics 520: Neurogenetics
This course explores the genetic basis of brain development, function, and diseases, as well as the model organisms and tools used to study these aspects of neuroscience. Examples will be used to inspire interest in this captivating field. Prerequisites: Genetics 466, 468, Biocore 587, Zoology 523, or Psych 454. Offered in Fall. 2 credits
Genetics 522: Evolution Seminar Series-Undergraduate
The Evolution Seminar Series exposes students to various topics in contemporary evolutionary biology. Each week, guest lecturers present their own primary research on specialized topics in evolutionary biology. The seminars cover perspectives from genetics, ecology, geoscience, zoology, botany, microbiology, systematics, molecular biology, and integrative research. Some weeks may also feature discussions on pedagogical, legal, outreach, or other issues in evolutionary biology. Students will learn critical thinking skills by reading and analyzing primary and secondary literature, attending seminars, engaging in discussions, and preparing written reports. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in Zoology 410. Offered in Fall and Spring. 2-3 credits
Genetics 525: Epigenetics
An introductory course on epigenetics, the layer of chemical information that affects gene expression. Topics include the role of the epigenome in regulating biological processes, cell fate determination, and the impact of lifestyle, diet, and environmental factors on epigenetic modifications. Prerequisites: Genetics 466, Genetics 468. Offered in Spring starting Fall 2021. 3 credits
Genetics 527: Developmental Genetics for Conservation: Building an Organism
This course explores the molecular genetic techniques used for animal biodiversity preservation in the face of human-induced factors such as land use changes and climate change. Topics include maternal factors in early animal development, interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer, developmental, phylogenetic and ecological considerations for biobanking, as well as gene editing and synthetic biology. Students will apply their knowledge of animal population status, developmental genetics, and phylogeny to address real-life problems in the conservation of threatened animal populations. Prerequisites: Genetics 466, Genetics 467, Biocore 381. Offered in Fall. 3 credits
Genetics 528: Banking Animal Biodiversity: International Field Study in Costa Rica
This study abroad course provides firsthand experience in biobanking and oocyte-mediated cloning as last-resort methods for the preservation of endangered species. Students will engage in research activities and biodiversity preservation efforts in Costa Rica’s biodiversity-rich ecosystems. The course includes on-site seminars, demonstrations, and exposure to local culture. Prerequisites: Genetics 466, Genetics 467, Biocore 381, or Zoology 470. Recommended: Genetics 527. Application required. Offered during Spring break. 1 credit
Genetics 548: The Genomic Revolution
This course offers a broad survey of the field of genomics, highlighting the transformative advancements made possible by genomic data and thinking. Prerequisites: Genetics 466, 468, or Biocore 587. Offered in Spring. 3 credits
Genetics 545: Genetics Laboratory
This course provides hands-on experience in studying biological problems using genetic strategies. Students will work with Drosophila and S. cervisiae to learn transmission genetics and molecular genetics. Prerequisite: Genetics 466 or equivalent. Offered in Fall and Spring. 2 credits
Genetics/Horticulture 550: Molecular Approaches to Crop Improvement
An introduction to plant molecular biology concepts and techniques used in crop improvement. Topics include the organization and regulation of plant genes, gene cloning and analysis, plant transformation, and molecular methods for crop improvement. Prerequisites: Biochem 501 and Genetics 466 or equivalent courses. Offered in Fall. 3 credits
Genetics 564: Introduction to Genomics and Proteomic Analysis
This course covers the basic principles of genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics through a semester-long project of the student’s choice. Students will develop problem-solving skills through various active-learning techniques, including reading primary literature, giving group presentations, engaging in peer review, conducting bioinformatic lab exercises, and practicing science communication through writing, visualization, and website creation. Emphasis is placed on effective science communication. Topics include genomic sequencing, phylogeny, domain analysis, transcriptomics, CRISPR screens, chemical genomics, quantitative proteomics, and protein networks. Capstone course. Recommended: Biochem 501 and Microbio 303. Prerequisites: Genetics 466, Genetics 468, or Biocore 587. Not open to Graduate Students. Instructor consent required. Offered in Spring. 3 credits
Genetics/MD Genetics 565: Human Genetics
An overview of the principles, problems, and methods of human genetics. Topics include medical genetics, biochemical genetics, molecular genetics, cytogenetics, quantitative genetics, and variation as applied to humans. Prerequisites: Genetics 466 or Genetics 468. Offered in Fall. 3 credits
Genetics 566: Advanced Genetics
This course delves into classical and modern genetic analysis through readings in scientific literature and group projects. Capstone course. Prerequisites: Declared in Genetics undergraduate program and Genetics 466, Genetics 468, or Biocore 587. Offered in Spring. 3 credits
Genetics 567: Research Companion Seminar
Student-led discussions on scientific, societal, and professional topics relevant to senior research, as well as selected presentations on original research. This seminar complements independent research and fulfills the Genetics major capstone requirement. Prerequisites: Completed Genetics 466, 468, or Biocore 587 in previous semesters. Concurrent enrollment in Genetics 699, Genetics 681, or Genetics 399 is required. Instructor consent required. Offered in Fall. 1 credit (3 total credits with concurrent enrollment)
Genetics/Microbiology 607: Advanced Microbial Genetics
This course covers molecular genetic methods and related aspects of prokaryotic and lower eukaryotic biology, with a focus on critical analysis of scientific literature. Prerequisites: Genetics 466 or equivalent, Biochem 501 or equivalent, and Graduate standing or instructor consent. Offered in Fall. 3 credits
Genetics/Microbiology/Biochemistry 612: Prokaryotic Molecular Biology
This course explores the molecular basis of bacterial physiology and genetics, with an emphasis on molecular mechanisms. Topics include nucleic acid-protein interactions, transcription, translation, replication, recombination, and regulation of gene expression. Prerequisites: Biochem 501 or equivalent, or instructor consent. Microbiology 470 or equivalent recommended. Offered in Fall. 3 credits
Genetics 620: Eukaryotic Molecular Biology
This course focuses on the molecular mechanisms that regulate DNA, RNA, and protein metabolism in eukaryotic organisms. Designed for advanced undergraduates and first-year graduate students with a strong background in basic biochemistry. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or Biochem 501 or 508. Offered in Spring. 3 credits
Genetics 627: Animal Developmental Genetics
An advanced Genetics course that explores the genetic mechanisms of animal embryonic development, with a particular emphasis on central molecular circuitries that control development and genetic analytical tools used to uncover them. Through lectures and student-led seminars based on primary research literature, topics covered include 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. Recommended: Completion of Zoology 470. Prerequisites: Genetics 466, Genetics 468, or Biocore 587. Offered in Spring (odd years). 3 credits
Genetics 631: Plant Genetics
This course focuses on the basic concepts of genetics and genomics as applied to plants. Topics include breeding systems, linkage analysis, genome structure and function, and methodologies used in the analysis of these processes. Designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of plant genetics to enhance their research projects and communication skills. Based on lectures and in-class discussions of assigned readings. Prerequisites: Genetics 466, Genetics 468, or Biocore 587. Offered in Fall (odd years). 2 credits
Genetics 633 : Population Genetics
A graduate-level (and upper-level undergraduate) course in population genetics, preparing students for research in this field. Topics include genetic variation, mutation, recombination, population size changes, migration, and natural selection. Undergraduates who have completed Genetics 468, Genetics 466, or Biocore 587 may contact the instructors regarding course suitability. Prerequisites: Graduate standing. Offered in Fall. 3 credits
Genetics 662: Cancer Genetics
With cancer as a major health concern, this course focuses on the genetic and epigenetic alterations underlying cancer development. Topics include DNA sequencing of human cancers, personalized medicine, and critical evaluation of cancer genetics literature. Prerequisites: Genetics 466, Genetics 468, or Biocore 383. Offered in Fall. 2 credits
Genetics/Medical Genetics 677: Special Topics
This course covers various special topics in genetics. Topics and credits may vary. Prerequisites: Genetics 466, Genetics 468, Biocore 383. Offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer. 1-3 credits
Genetics 681: Senior Honors Thesis
For students in the Honors program. Prerequisite: Honors candidacy. Offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer. 2-4 credits
Genetics 682: Senior Honors Thesis
Continuation of Genetics 681. Prerequisites: Honors program candidacy and Genetics 681. Offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer. 2-4 credits
Genetics 699: Special Problems
Advanced work not covered in regular courses. Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer. 1-3 credits. Requires completion of Independent Study Agreement Form
