Course Format: Lecture: 9:30A-10:45A, TR, JH 440.

Prerequisites: Familiar with basic concepts of microbiology, genetics, and
molecular biology as seen in Biol L211, M310 and M315.

Course Description:  Genetics and molecular genetics of bacteria.
Molecular basis of mutagenesis and DNA repair.  Methods for the isolation
and use of mutations in the analysis of biological processes.  Suppressors.
Transmission of genetic material:  transformation, conjugation
transduction.  Gene mapping.  Transposition.  Homologous recombination.
Plasmids and their use in molecular genetics.  Gene fusion.
Restriction-modification.  Cloning. DNA sequencing.  Site-directed
mutagenesis.  Polymerase chain reaction (PCR).  Protein overproduction.
Current topics section including adaptative mutation, bacterial
differentiation, pathogenesis, antibiotic resistance, and gene regulation.

Required Text:  "Molecular Genetics of Bacteria" by L. Snyder and W.
Champness. ASM Press.

Weekly Assignments: Reading of research articles, homework, questions on
the articles.

Exams/Papers: Three-four exams (including final), homework.