BIOGENETICS: CODES FOR LIFE

INSTRUCTOR(S): Todd Sandrin, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology & Microbiology, UW-Oshkosh
GRADE LEVEL: 10-12

Resent technological developments are allowing scientists to explore mysteries of life once thought unsolvable.  What causes cancer?  Can a vaccine for HIV b developed soon?  How do toxic substances affect the innermost workings of our bodies?  This course will allow high school science instructors to enhance their curricula to state-of-the-art, cutting edge levels.  Advanced Biology instructors will be brought up-to-date with these new technologies using tools that do not require the significant costs of instrumentation that have prohibited other programs from including these technologies in their curricula.  Participants will complete the course confident in their knowledge of these technologies as well as with a set of virtual laboratory exercises in which students can learn the practical aspects of these technologies.  This course will empower participants to kindle interest, integrate content covering state-of-the-art life science research, and impart student aptitude to allow students to serve as the next generation of life scientists employing these technologies.  Specific hands-on activities include:

	making DNA with a "DNA-Xerox" machine,
	weighing DNA and proteins,
	decoding DNA,
	Seeing the big picture: Looking at ALL of the genes in an organism at once, and
	studying what does all of the work: proteins!