Principles and Techniques of Molecular Biology

The course addresses both the fundamental principles and techniques of molecular biology.

Students gain an in-depth knowledge of nucleic acid structure, molecular genetics, and the biochemistry of transcription and protein synthesis.

Other topics include how mechanisms of gene regulation play a role in retroviral pathogenesis and embryonic development.

Each lecture directly relates molecular biology to current laboratory techniques.

Virtual laboratory sessions, using LabXchange, a free Harvard educational platform are included, These virtual laboratory sessions provide students with a broad exposure to several important techniques in molecular biology.

Virtual experiments include current approaches to mutation analysis, protein interaction assays, and recombinant cDNA cloning by PCR.