The Yeast Genetics & Genomics course is a modern and intensive laboratory course that teaches students the full repertoire of genetic and genomic approaches needed to dissect complex problems using the yeast Saccharomy cescerevisiae. Both of classical and modern 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 Saccharomyces Genome Database, yeast genome sequences, 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 combine classical approaches with whole genome sequencing to gain experience in identifying and interpreting genetic interactions, including suppression and synthetic lethality. 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 colony arrays and whole genome 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 and genomics 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

  

Support & Stipends

 Major support provided by the National Science Foundation

Stipends are available to offset tuition costs as follows:

       

US applicants (National Science Foundation)
Interdisciplinary Fellowships (transitioning from outside biology)  & Scholarships (transitioning from other biological disciplines) (Helmsley Charitable Trust)
International applicants (Howard Hughes Medical Institute)

Please indicate your eligibility for funding in your stipend request submitted when you apply to the course. Stipend requests do not affect selection decisions made by the  instructors.