Concepts of modern genetics and genomics, including principles of classical genetics; yeast genetics; gene mapping; forward and reverse genetics; structure and function of eukaryotic chromosomes; molecular mechanisms and regulation of transcription, replication, DNA-repair and recombination; analysis of developmental processes; epigenetics and RNA interference.

Water balance, assimilation, transport in plants; developmental biology, stress physiology.

Water balance, assimilation, transport in plants; developmental biology, stress physiology.

Genetics and epigenetics form the blueprints for all life. Understanding genetics is critical to understanding everything from evolution to cancer. This course covers the fundamentals of modern genetics, with an emphasis on molecular mechanisms, and the use of genetic tools to understand biological biological processes in bacteria, model organisms and humans.

The advanced course introduces students to plants through a concept-based discussion of developmental processes that integrates physiology and biochemistry with genetics, molecular biology, and cell biology. The course follows the life of the plant, starting with the seed, progressing through germination to the seedling and mature plant, and ending with reproduction and senescence.

Current topics in Molecular Plant Biology presented by internal and external speakers from accademia.

Current topics in Molecular Plant Biology presented by internal and external speakers from accademia.

Introduction to the diversity of current RNA-research at all levels from structural biology to systems biology using mainly model systems like S. cerevisiae (yeast), mammalian cells.

Introduction to the diversity of current RNA-research at all levels from structural biology to systems biology using mainly model systems like S. cerevisiae (yeast), mammalian cells.

The host laboratory focuses on “RNA silencing”, a universal mechanism of gene regulation mediated by small RNAs. In plants, one key function of RNA silencing is to mediate defense against invasive parasites such as viruses and transposable elements, the latter being the object of this course. The single project will be conducted in parallel by three groups of three students.