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 Saccharomyces cerevisiae. 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 computation methods for analyzing genome-scale data.
Students will perform and interpret experiments using PCR-amplicon and whole genome sequencing.
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.
Topics for 2024:
- Transformation & genome engineering
- Microscopy
- Manipulating yeast
- Dissecting tetrads
- Isolating mutants
- Working with essential genes
- Synthetic genetic arrays
- Fluctuation assays
- Whole genome sequencing & analysis
- QTLMapping
2024 Invited Speakers
Laura Burns, Omega Yeast, Chicago, IL
Anne-Ruxandra Carvunis, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Ivan Dedek, Meier's Creek Brewing Company, Cazenovia, NY
Ian Ehrenreich, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Tom Ellis, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
Toni Gabaldón, Institute for Research in Biomedicine Barcelona,
Martin Graef, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
Christina Hull, UW Madison, Madison, WI
Allison McClure, University of Colorado School of Medicine,
Marc Meneghini, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Rob Nash, Saccharomyces Genome Database, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
Helle Ulrich, The Institute of Molecular Biology, 55128 Mainz, Germany
Jolandavan Leeuwen, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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: National Science Foundation
We would like to acknowledge the following companies that provided invaluable support:
Microscopes: Morrell Instruments Co, Inc
Equipment: BD Life Sciences, Singer Instruments, Thermo Fisher Scientific
Donations: GenScript Biotech, Sunrise Science Products, Takara Bio USA
Stipends are available to offset tuition costs as follows:
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.
Cost (including board and lodging): $6,010 USD
No fees are due until you have completed the full application process and are accepted into the course.
Before applying, ensure you have (all due March 31):
- Personal statement/essay;
- Letter(s) of recommendation;
- Curriculum vitae/resume (optional);
- Financial aid request (optional).
More details.
If you are not ready to fully apply but wish to express interest in applying, receive a reminder two weeks prior to the deadline, and tell us about your financial aid requirements, click below: