Yeast Genetics & Genomics course is a modern, state of the art laboratory course designed to teach students the full repertoire of genetic approaches needed to dissect complex problems in the yeast Saccharomy cescerevisiae. Combinations of classical and modern genetic approaches are emphasized, including the isolation and characterization of mutants, tetrad analysis, complementation, and mitotic recombination. Synthetic biology is explored through CRISPR/Cas9-directed engineering of heterologous biosynthetic pathways in yeast. Students learn array-based methods, next generation sequencing, and genome-based methods of analysis facilitated by the yeast genome sequence, the 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 use classical approaches and modern whole genome sequencing to gain experience in identifying and interpreting various kinds of genetic interactions including suppression and synthetic lethality (including SGA). Students are immersed in yeast genomics and perform and interpret experiments using DNA arrays, whole genome sequencing, and multiplexed DNA barcode sequencing. Students gain first-hand experience in modern cytological approaches such as epitope tagging and imaging yeast cells using indirect immunofluorescence, GFP-protein fusions and a variety of fluorescent indicators for different subcellular organelles. Lectures on fundamental aspects of yeast genetics are presented along with seminars given by prominent experts in the field on topics of current interest.

• 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.