Genomics is a rapidly expanding field, and is a driving force behind many recent advances in biology. It emerges from attempts to simultaneously consider information drawn from throughout an organisms entire genome. The course allows students to examine genomics in the context of fundamental questions in biology and applications to practical problems. We learn genomic techniques in sufficient detail that students can evaluate scientific literature critically, to analyze scientific results portrayed in the popular media, and to discuss societal issues associated with genome science. Success in the course depends on self-directed activities and a willingness to learn from classmates.

The goals of this course are not simply that students become more knowledgeable about genomics. It is a small class intended to foster students' ability to communicate complex scientific ideas. In fact, developing communication skills is a more important goal in this course than gaining any specific knowledge of genomics. We emphasize making presentations, and students work on improving the structure and delivery of presentations given by students. That is, rather than simply using presentations as a graded event, we work to learn principles of effective communication through a series of increasingly sophisticated presentations. In addition, several written assignments provide a platform to sharpen written communication skills. Grades are determined primarily by presentations, written papers, and engaged class participation. The nature of the class requires students to have a substantial foundation in biology, and therefore both BIOL 303: Genetics and BIOL 301: Ecology and Evolution are pre-requisites for the course. Normally, I teach Genomics in the Spring semester.

The topics we cover are largely decided by students in the course. Because nearly all areas of biology have been transformed by genomics in the past decade, we couldn't come close to addressing all of them. In some cases, a cluster of presentations are built around topical themes, such as medicine, infectious diseases, animal behavior, agriculture, and human evolution. Other times, students are entirely free to pick any topic that has been investigated at a genome scale.

Many excellent researchers at USC use genomic approaches in their research programs. We have been fortunate enough to have guest presentations by several of them, and I hope to continue this each time the course is offered. These presenters have included: