Genetics and Modern Genetic Technologies

Genetics is the study of biologically inherited traits. Thus, genetics is related to all living organisms and more or less to all life science fields. In addition, modern genetic technologies not only have a strong impact on basic research, but on applied research as well, such as medicine and agriculture. This course introduces the key concepts of genetics and modern genetic technologies. In parallel to the lectures, students will see or experience CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing using cultured human cells. Lecturers from outside of OIST may also be invited. The major goal of this course is to learn the key concepts of genetics and modern genetic technologies in order to utilize them and deal with their associated problems.

Students who complete this course will understand the key concepts of genetics and the advantages of modern genetic technologies. In addition, through the exercise of genome editing using cultured human cells, students can realize the power, simplicity of use, and potential risks of genome editing technologies.

Target Students

1. Students who majored in biology or life science, and want to review the key concepts of genetics and learn modern genetic technologies.
2. Students who did not major in biology or life science, but are interested in genetics and its associated technologies.