Introductory course in epigenetics - the layer of chemical information that sits on top of the genome - that switch genes 'on' or 'off'. Will introduce how the epigenome, in collaboration with the genome, controls versatile biological processes and cell fates. Will also cover the latest advances of how humans can control their own epigenetic destiny by lifestyle, diet, and other environmental factors. Learning Objectives: Recognize and summarize the difference between genetics and epigenetics, Apply the basic knowledge of epigenetic mechanism and illustrate how their misregulations cause abnormal development and diseases, Critically review and discuss epigenetic literature, Design epigenetic experiments and interpret the results of those experiments.

In this investigative laboratory course, students will be given high-quality, experimentally determined, three-dimensional structural coordinates and will use cutting-edge bioinformatics tools and methods to evaluate and analyze these datasets. Some topics include: structural validation, protein-structure prediction, domain and motif recognition, secondary structure prediction, protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions, protein and structure-based sequence alignments, inferring protein function from structure, electrostatic interactions, and threading and homology modeling. Upon completing their analyses, students will be responsible for writing a manuscript that will be submitted to a scientific journal for publication.

Biochemists

Genetic Engineers

Healthcare Administrators

Physicians

Scientific Editors/Writers

Teachers/Professors