SCI 2950 VIRAL DISCOVERY II - GENOME EXPLORATION
Second-semester of a Howard Hughes Medical Institute and National Science Foundation-sponsored course designed specifically for first-year students. This year-long, hands-on authentic research experience was designed to introduce students to several scientific concepts and the process involved in discovery. As part of this course, students will use computer based "in silico" techniques to explore the genome of novel bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) that they isolated from local soil samples in the fall semester. Students will be introduced to concepts in bioinformatics, microbiology, evolution, and molecular biology. The course is designed to provide instruction in the basic concepts, theories and terms of the scientific method, and focus on major scientific developments and their impacts on society, science and the environment. Students will formulate empirically-testable hypotheses derived from the study of physical process and living things and apply logical reasoning skills through scientific criticism and argument.