Overview
The goal of this class is to provide students with direct experience with current research methods in genome editing and genome sequence analysis, and familiarity with cutting edge research topics.
- Learn how to use CRISPR-Cas9 to knock out genes involved in early development of zebrafish.
- Generate and analyze genome sequence data to characterize targeted and off-target mutations of CRISPR-Cas9.
- Learn about cutting edge research in genetics and genomics performed at UW- Madison.
Both UW-madison students and students from other universities are encouraged to apply to this course.
"Coming from a small college,
being able to go through the CRISPR-Cas9 workflow at a major research
university was an incredibly valuable experience that prepared me for
conducting genetics research."
-Non-UW-Madison student, summer 2021
Class Structure
Lab and discussion sessions will each be held Tuesdays and Thursdays for 8 weeks from June 20th- August 14th.
Lab (9:30 am – 1:30 pm)
The lab section is designed around a maternal crispant screen for genes that are involved in early embryonic development of the zebrafish, Danio rerio. The course will include both molecular skills such as gene editing and a bioinformatics component. As a member of this class, you will be working in teams to design/inject new CRISPRs and screen for phenotypes in zebrafish embryos. The teams will also identify targeted and off-target mutations in injected zebrafish using Next-generation sequencing and computational analysis.
DISCUSSION (2:00 pm – 3:00 pm)
Each week of this course, you will explore a different cutting-edge research topic in genetics and genomics. Tuesday’s session will feature a guest lecture, usually a UW faculty member, highlighting a notable area of active discovery and future potential in genetic and genomic research. Thursday’s session will feature a discussion of the same topic, based on Tuesday’s lecture and assigned reading. This discussion will be enriched by the presence of a relevant expert, often a postdoctoral researcher or Ph.D. student from the same laboratory as the preceding faculty lecturer. We will also be discussing career-focused topics, such as academic or non-academic careers, and how to apply to graduate school.
Prerequisites
- UW-Madison students should have taken Genetics 466, Genetics 468, or Biocore 381.
- Non-UW-Madison students should have taken an introductory genetics course. Minimum 2.0 GPA.
Applications
Note that this is a 3 credit course (for tuition, see: https://bursar.wisc.edu/tuition-and-fees/tuition-rates). Check with us if a non-credit option might be better for you.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and class size is limited, so applying sooner may be beneficial.
UW-Madison Students
1: Register for the class normally.
Non-UW-Madison Students
1: Fill out and submit the class-specific application HERE.
2: Once approved, register for UW summer term.
Questions
Please write to both of the instructors:
Cara Moravec – cmoravec@wisc.edu
John Pool – jpool@wisc.edu