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Bulletin Archive

This archived information is dated to the 2008-09 academic year only and may no longer be current.

For currently applicable policies and information, see the current Stanford Bulletin.

Graduate courses in Genetics

Primarily for graduate students; undergraduates may enroll with consent of instructor.

GENE 202. Human Genetics

Theoretical and experimental basis for the genetics of human health and disease. Molecular, chromosomal, biochemical, developmental, cancer, and medical genetics, emphasizing the last. Clinical case discussions. Prerequisites: biochemistry; basic genetics.

4 units, Aut (Ormond, K; Hudgins, L)

GENE 203. Advanced Genetics

(Same as BIO 203, DBIO 203.) For graduate students in Bioscience programs; may be appropriate for graduate students in other programs. The genetic toolbox. Examples of analytic methods, genetic manipulation, genome analysis, and human genetics. Emphasis is on use of genetic tools in dissecting complex biological pathways, developmental processes, and regulatory systems. Faculty-led discussion sections with evaluation of papers. Students with minimal experience in genetics should prepare by working out problems in college level textbooks.

4 units, Aut (Stearns, T; Barsh, G; Sidow, A)

GENE 206. Epigenetics

(Same as PATH 206.) For graduate students; undergraduates by consent of instructor. Mechanisms by which phenotypes not determined by the DNA sequence are stably inherited in successive cell divisions. From the discovery of position-effect variegation in Drosophila in the 20s to present-day studies of covalent modifications of histones and DNA methylation. Topics include: position effect, gene silencing, heterochromatin, centromere identity, genomic imprinting, histone code, variant histones, and the role of epigenetics in cancer. Prerequisite: background in genetics and molecular biology.

2 units, alternate years, not given this year

GENE 211. Genomics

Genome evolution, organization, and function; technical, computational, and experimental approaches; hands-on experience with representative computational tools used in genome science; and a beginning working knowledge of PERL.

3 units, Win (Cherry, J; Myers, R; Sidow, A; Sherlock, G)

GENE 212. Introduction to Biomedical Informatics Research Methodology

(Same as BIOE 212, BIOMEDIN 212, CS 272.) Hands-on software building. Student teams conceive, design, specify, implement, evaluate, and report on a software project in the domain of biomedicine. Creating written proposals, peer review, providing status reports, and preparing final reports. Guest lectures from professional biomedical informatics systems builders on issues related to the process of project management. Software engineering basics. Prerequisites: 210, 211 or 214, or consent of instructor.

3 units, Aut (Altman, R; Cheng, B; Klein, T)

GENE 214. Representations and Algorithms for Computational Molecular Biology

(Same as BIOE 214, BIOMEDIN 214, CS 274.) Topics: algorithms for alignment of biological sequences and structures, computing with strings, phylogenetic tree construction, hidden Markov models, computing with networks of genes, basic structural computations on proteins, protein structure prediction, protein threading techniques, homology modeling, molecular dynamics and energy minimization, statistical analysis of 3D biological data, integration of data sources, knowledge representation and controlled terminologies for molecular biology, graphical display of biological data, machine learning (clustering and classification), and natural language text processing. Prerequisites: programming skills; consent of instructor for 3 units.

3-4 units, Spr (Altman, R)

GENE 215. Frontiers in Biological Research

(Same as BIOC 215, DBIO 215.) Literature discussion in conjunction with the Frontiers in Biological Research seminar series hosted by Biochemistry, Developmental Biology, and Genetics in which distinguished investigators present current work. Students and faculty meet beforehand to discuss papers from the speaker's primary research literature. Students meet with the speaker after the seminar to discuss their research and future direction, commonly used techniques to study problems in biology, and comparison between the genetic and biochemical approaches in biological research.

1 unit, Aut (Harbury, P; Tan, M; Villeneuve, A), Win (Harbury, P; Tan, M; Villeneuve, A)

GENE 221. Current Issues in Aging

(Same as DBIO 221, NENS 221.) Current research literature on genetic mechanisms of aging in animals and human beings. Topics include: mitochondria mutations, insulin-like signaling, sirtuins, aging in flies and worms, stem cells, human progeria, and centenarian studies. Prerequisite: GENE 203.

2 units, Spr (Kim, S; Brunet, A; Rando, T)

GENE 222. Method and Logic in Experimental Genetics

For graduate students only. How experimental strategies are applied to biological questions irrespective of discipline boundaries. Examples include purifying activities from complex mixtures, localizing molecules in space and time, discovering macromolecular interactions, inferences from sequence similarity, using structure to elucidate function, and applying genomics to biological problems. Weekly discussion of two representative papers selected by faculty and a student presentation of a third paper which illustrate principles of biochemistry and cell and molecular biology, and the historical context of important scientific advances.

3 units, Win (Baker, J; Calos, M)

GENE 233. The Biology of Small Modulatory RNAs

(Same as MI 233, PATH 233.) Open to graduate and medical students. How recent discoveries of miRNA, RNA interference, and short interfering RNAs reveal potentially widespread gene regulatory mechanisms mediated by small modulatory RNAs during animal and plant development. Required paper proposing novel research.

2 units, alternate years, not given this year

GENE 235. C. Elegans Genetics

Genetic approaches to C. elegans, practice in designing experiments and demonstrations of its growth and anatomy. Probable topics include: growth and genetics, genome map and sequence, mutant screens that start with a desired phenotype, reverse genetics and RNAi screens, genetic duplications, uses of null phenotype non-null alleles, genetic interactions and pathway analysis, and embryogenesis and cell lineage. Focus of action, mosaic analysis, and interface with embryological and evolutionary approaches.

2 units, alternate years, not given this year

GENE 238. Current Concepts and Dilemmas in Genetic Testing

(Same as INDE 238.) Issues arising from the translational process from research to commercialization. Diagnostic inventions and applications, community implications, newborn screening, cancer genetics, and pharmacogenomics. Guest experts. For M.D., biomedical graduate, and genetic counseling students.

2 units, Spr (Tobin, S; Schrijver, I; Cowan, T; Magnus, D)

GENE 244. Introduction to Statistical Genetics

Statistical methods for analyzing human genetics studies of Mendelian disorders and common complex traits. Probable topics include: principles of population genetics; epidemiologic designs; familial aggregation; segregation analysis; linkage analysis; linkage-disequilibrium-based association mapping approaches; and genome-wide analysis based on high-throughput genotyping platforms. Prerequisite: STATS 116 or equivalent or consent of instructor.

3 units, alternate years, not given this year

GENE 245. Computational Algorithms for Statistical Genetics

(Same as STATS 345.) Computational algorithms for human genetics research. Topics include: permutation, bootstrap, expectation maximization, hidden Markov model, and Markov chain Monte Carlo. Rationales and techniques illustrated with existing implementations commonly used in population genetics research, disease association studies, and genomics analysis. Prerequisite: GENE 244 or consent of instructor.

2-3 units, Spr (Tang, H; Zhang, N)

GENE 260. Supervised Study

Genetics graduate student lab research from first quarter to filing of candidacy. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

1-18 units, Aut (Staff), Win (Staff), Spr (Staff), Sum (Staff)

GENE 271. Human Molecular Genetics

For genetic counseling students, graduate students in genetics, medical students, residents, and postdoctoral fellows interested in the practice of medical genetics. Gene structure and function; the impact of mutation and polymorphism as they relate to developmental pathways and health and human disease; population based genetics; approaches to the study of complex genetic conditions, and gene therapy, proteomics, stem cell biology, and pharmacogenetics. Undergraduates require consent of instructor and a basic genetics course.

4 units, Aut (Ormond, K; Francke, U)

GENE 272. Introduction to Medical Genetics

For genetic counseling students, graduate students in human genetics, medical students, residents, and fellows; undergraduates with consent of instructor. Principles of medical genetics including taking a family history, modes of inheritance, and mathematical principles of medical genetics (Bayes theorem, population genetics). An additional paper is required for 3 units.

2-3 units, Aut (Hudgins, L; Ormond, K)

GENE 273. Introduction to Clinical Genetics Testing

For genetic counseling students, graduate students in genetics, medical students, residents, and postdoctoral fellows; undergraduates with consent of instructor. Principles of cytogenetic, molecular, and biochemical laboratory analysis. How to select the appropriate laboratory for testing and laboratory quality assurance, including the CLIA process. An additional paper is required for 3 units.

2-3 units, Aut (Ormond, K; Cowan, T; Cherry, A; Schrijver, I)

GENE 274A. A Case Based Approach to Clinical Genetics

For genetic counseling students, graduate students in genetics, medical students, residents, and post-doctoral fellows. Case-based scenarios and guest expert lectures. Skills in case preparation, management, and presentation.

2 units, Win (Staff)

GENE 274B. A Case Based Approach to Clinical Genetics

For genetic counseling students, graduate students in genetics, medical students, residents, and post-doctoral fellows. Case-based scenarios and guest expert lectures. Skills in case preparation, management, and presentation.

2 units, Spr (Hudgins, L; Ormond, K)

GENE 275. Role Play and Genetic Counseling Observations

Observation includes genetic counseling sessions in prenatal, pediatric, and cancer settings, and medical genetics procedures and testing settings.

2 units, Aut (Ormond, K)

GENE 276. Genetic Counseling Clinical Rotations

For genetic counseling students only. Supervised clinical experiences. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: GENE 275.

4-7 units, Aut (Ormond, K), Win (Ormond, K), Spr (Ormond, K), Sum (Ormond, K)

GENE 278. Prenatal Genetic Counseling

Internet-based course for genetic counseling students, graduate students in genetics, medical students, residents, and postdoctoral fellows; genetic counseling students should take this course in conjunction with their initial prenatal genetics rotation. Topics include prenatal genetic screening and diagnosis in the first and second trimesters, ultrasound, teratology, and genetic carrier screening.

1 unit, Aut (Ormond, K), Win (Ormond, K), Spr (Ormond, K), Sum (Ormond, K)

GENE 279. Pediatric and Adult Genetic Counseling

Internet-based course for genetic counseling students, graduate students in genetics, medical students, residents, and postdoctoral fellows; genetic counseling students should take this course in conjunction with their initial general genetics rotation. Topics include: common genetic conditions; assessment of child development and medical history in the context of a genetic workup; dysmorphology; development of a differential diagnosis; and resources for case management and family support.

1 unit, Aut (Ormond, K), Win (Ormond, K), Spr (Ormond, K), Sum (Ormond, K)

GENE 280. Metabolic Genetic Counseling

Internet-based course for genetic counseling students, graduate students in genetics, medical students, residents, and postdoctoral fellows; genetic counseling students should take this course in conjunction with their metabolic genetics rotation. Topics include: overview of metabolic diseases; common pathways; diagnosis, management, and treatment of metabolic disorders; and newborn screening.

1 unit, Aut (Ormond, K), Win (Ormond, K), Spr (Ormond, K), Sum (Ormond, K)

GENE 281. Cancer Genetic Counseling

Internet-based course for genetic counseling students, graduate students in genetics, medical students, residents, and postdoctoral fellows; genetic counseling students should take this course in conjunction with their initial cancer genetics rotation. Topics include: cancer cytogenetics and genetic principles; diagnosis and management of common cancer genetic syndromes; predictive testing; psychology of cancer genetic counseling; and topics recommended by ASCO guidelines.

1 unit, Aut (Ormond, K), Win (Ormond, K), Spr (Ormond, K), Sum (Ormond, K)

GENE 282. Genetic Counseling Research Seminar

For genetic counseling students only. Facilitated discussions on identifying a topic and mentor for genetic counseling departmental research projects. Corequiste: GENE 299.

2 units, Win (Staff)

GENE 282. Genetic Counseling Research Seminar

For genetic counseling students only. Facilitated discussions on identifying a topic and mentor for genetic counseling departmental research projects. Corequiste: GENE 299.

2 units, Win (Ormond, K)

GENE 283. Genetic Counseling Research

Investigations sponsored by individual faculty members. Students complete an approved research project. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite:GENE 282.

1-8 units, Aut (Ormond, K), Win (Ormond, K), Spr (Ormond, K), Sum (Ormond, K)

GENE 284. Medical Genetics Seminar

Presentation of research and cases. Students enrolling for 2 units also attend and report on external seminars. May be repeated for credit.

1-2 units, Aut (Ormond, K), Win (Ormond, K), Spr (Ormond, K)

GENE 285A. Genetic Counseling Seminar

Year-long seminar primarily for genetic counseling students. Autumn: basics of medical communication; crosscultural and disability sensitive communication about genetics, and principles of providing genetic counseling. Winter: the impact of chronic illness and genetic disease in a developmental manner. Spring: applying therapeutic counseling approaches to the practice of genetic counseling. Undergraduates may enroll in Autumn Quarter with consent of instructor.

2-3 units, Aut (Ormond, K)

GENE 285B. Genetics Counseling Seminar

Year-long seminar primarily for genetic counseling students. Autumn: basics of medical communication; crosscultural and disability sensitive communication about genetics, and principles of providing genetic counseling. Winter: the impact of chronic illness and genetic disease in a developmental manner. Spring: applying therapeutic counseling approaches to the practice of genetic counseling. Prerequisite: 285A.

2-3 units, Win (Ormond, K)

GENE 285C. Genetic Counseling Seminar

Year-long seminar primarily for genetic counseling students. Autumn: basics of medical communication; crosscultural and disability sensitive communication about genetics, and principles of providing genetic counseling. Winter: the impact of chronic illness and genetic disease in a developmental manner. Spring: applying therapeutic counseling approaches to the practice of genetic counseling. Prerequisite: 285 A/B.

2-3 units, Spr (Ormond, K)

GENE 286A. Advanced Genetic Counseling Seminar

For genetic counseling students only. Psychosocial issues associated with genetic counseling cases through cases that students have seen throughout their training. Professional development topics including: the expanding roles of genetic counselors; billing, reimbursement, and licensing; the role of genetic counseling in the changing healthcare system; the incorporation of genetics into all areas of medicine and public health; and implications of direct-to-consumer genetic testing. Prerequisites: GENE 285 A,B,C and 276.

2 units, Aut (Ormond, K)

GENE 286B. Advanced Genetic Counseling Seminar

Continuation of GENE 286A. For genetic counseling students only. Psychosocial issues associated with genetic counseling cases through cases that students have seen throughout their training. Professional development topics including: the expanding roles of genetic counselors; billing, reimbursement, and licensing; the role of genetic counseling in the changing healthcare system; the incorporation of genetics into all areas of medicine and public health; and implications of direct-to-consumer genetic testing. Prerequisites: GENE 285 A,B,C and 276.

2 units, Win (Ormond, K)

GENE 286C. Advanced Genetic Counseling Seminar

Continuation of 286A/B. For genetic counseling students only. Psychosocial issues associated with genetic counseling cases through cases that students have seen throughout their training. Professional development topics including: the expanding roles of genetic counselors; billing, reimbursement, and licensing; the role of genetic counseling in the changing healthcare system; the incorporation of genetics into all areas of medicine and public health; and implications of direct-to-consumer genetic testing. Prerequisites: GENE 285 A,B,C and 276.

2 units, Spr (Ormond, K)

GENE 299. Directed Reading in Genetics

Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

1-18 units, Aut (Staff), Win (Staff), Spr (Staff), Sum (Staff)

GENE 399. Graduate Research

Investigations sponsored by individual faculty members. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

1-18 units, Aut (Staff), Win (Staff), Spr (Staff), Sum (Staff)

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