The DNA Sequencing Certificate program offers a unique opportunity to study DNA. The central emphasis of this certificate is mastery of sample preparation, equipment operation and analysis of DNA targeted for technologies such as Illumina and emerging DNA sequencing platforms. A Certificate of Proficiency will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of the courses specified below.
Genomics Theory
BIOSC 30: 4 units, 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: Biol 10 or equivalent
Introduction to genetics and genomic technologies: Principles of genetics and data collection (DNA and RNA structure, mitochondrial DNA, nucleic acid replication, protein synthesis, mitosis-meiosis, Mendelian principles, mutation, molecular character alignment, evolution and phylogenetic reconstruction), combined with data handling (bioinformatics mining using GenBank data), and scientific writing; includes guest speakers and on-site tours of genomics institutions and labs.
Good Laboratory Practices in Genomics
BIOSC 32: 1 unit, .5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours laboratory (GR)
Recommended preparation: Biol 10, and CIS 200 or 205
Introduction to good laboratory practices in genomics: EPA and FDA regulatory protocols and standard operating procedures for designing experiments; recording observations, analyzing and reporting results; safety, instrumentation, and equipment maintenance; and documenting and presenting project/experiment results.
Research Design in Genomics
BIOSC 33: 1 unit, 1 hour lecture
Biological research including investigation and development of a research question, and crafting a research plan to answer the question; literature searches and other research tools, critique of published research, and presentation of a research proposal.
Writing for the Scientific Journal
BIOSC 34: 1, 1-3 hours lecture
Prerequisite: Biol 36 and Biosc 30. Recommended preparation: Engl 1A
Writing, editing, and reviewing other’s work; comparison of private publications with that of society-based and openaccess publications; using the Internet for data collection and analysis, copyright issues, and data-based referencing such as PubMed Central; deposition of data in archived web sites such as GenBank; writing a scientific manuscript, editing, the peer-review process, and interpretation of reviews.
Principles of Long Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
BIOSC 37: 1 unit, .5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours laboratory
Recommended preparation: Biosc 31
Theoretical and practical methodology for the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR): Strategies for optimizing long-PCR performance including amplification of long fragments of DNA.
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR )
BIOSC 38: 2 units, 1 hour lecture, 3 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: Biosc 37
Real-time PCR in a laboratory setting: Issues and protocols for troubleshooting, analyzing and interpreting data, and application for next-generation DNA sequencing library preparation.
DNA Shearing Techniques for Shotgun Sequencing in Genomics
BIOSC 40: 1 unit, .5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours laboratory
Shotgun sequencing and techniques using Covaris and the Hydroshear in DNA preparation.
Microfluidic Electrophoresis
BIOSC 41: 1 unit, .5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours laboratory
Recommended preparation: Biosc 31
Modern techniques that replace gel electrophoresis for separating nucleic-acid samples: Troubleshooting and use of appropriate instrumentation such as the Bioanalyzer.
DNA Sequencing Using Bridge Amplification for the Illumina HiSeq
BIOSC 72: 3 units, 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory (GR)
DNA sequencing with the Illumnia High Seq: Techniques in bridge amplification, sample preparations and troubleshooting.
Internship in Genomics
BIOSC 90: 1 unit, .5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours laboratory
Study of the specific competencies required in the Genomics Internship program: Assessment, development, practicum, and evaluation of individual skills in a genomics work setting.
Total: 16 units
