COURSE DESCRIPTION: The aim of the course in this spring is to understand the genetics and genomics of congenital heart disease taking human and mouse approaches. We will discuss recent literature and progress in selected focused areas of human genetics and developmental biology to understand mechanisms of cardiac cell fate acquisition and how they are disrupted in human disease. The class will learn about new methodologies of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics and their application and how they have revolutionized our understanding of development in high resolution. We will provide introduction to concepts, discuss papers that use interdisciplinary biological and bioinformatic approaches. Although there may be some lectures, the primary focus will be class discussion and presentation.

Course Objectives: Students will learn about and discuss emerging areas of current interest in the field of molecular genetics of congenital heart disease. Through in-depth analysis, the student is expected to gain a deeper knowledge of current research, appreciation of the process through which scientific understanding develops, and ability to critically read and analyze the original research literature.

REQUIRED MATERIALS: None.

PREREQUISITES: Molecular Genetics course or equivalent advisable.

SUITABLE FOR 1ST YEAR STUDENTS: Yes with appropriate background.

STUDENT ASSESSMENTS: Grading will be by class presentation and participation.

CREDIT HOURS: 1.0