An introduction to genetics

In 1957 Francis Crick proposed the Central Dogma of molecular biology describing how genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein. You will explore how this information is organised, stored, replicated and turned into something useful.

We are defined by the information in our genetic material. Our genes provide a blueprint for the production of proteins that allow our cells and bodies to perform a diverse range of complex functions. In 1957, Francis Crick proposed the Central Dogma of molecular biology and described the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.  

Despite their apparent complexity, humans have only around 20,000 protein-coding genes, about two-thirds the number found in grapes. At the simplest level, viruses contain only a handful of genes - influenza virus has 11 - and rely on the ability to hijack the function of genes in the infected host. Bacteria normally have a few thousands genes and the geneticists favourite, the fruitfly Drosophila, has around 15,000.  

This course will focus on how this genetic information is stored and how it can be moved from one form to another, ie from DNA to RNA to protein. In particular we will look at how genes are organised, how genetic information is packaged into a cell; how DNA is replicated; how RNA transcription occurs; and how functional proteins are translated. Throughout the course the molecular processes being discussed will be highlighted using examples from both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms.

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes for this course are:

• Develop an appreciation of what genes are, how they are organised and how the genetic material fits into a cell.  
• Gain an awareness of some of the key experiments and investigations that underpin our understanding of how genes are organised and how they function.  
• Be able to describe the basic processes through which the information in genetic material is converted into functional protein molecules.
• Be able to describe how gene expression is regulated and why this is important. 

Classes

1. DNA organisation and packaging
This session will introduce the importance of genes and their organisation in the genetic material and how the DNA is packaged into a cell. It will also provide a brief historical perspective of how our understanding of the role and functions of genes has developed.  

2. The art of DNA replication  
This class will introduce the basic principles of DNA replication using examples from both eukaryotes and prokaryotes (bacteria). It will describe some of the key experimental works that underpin our understanding of the processes involved.

3. RNA transcription  
In this session we will explore how the information in the DNA of a cell is transformed to RNA, the middle piece of the Central Dogma, through the process of transcription.  

4. Protein translation  
The last step of the Central Dogma, is the production of protein by the ribosome through the process of translation. We will see how three types of RNA are critical for this process.  

5. Controlling gene expression  
The course will finish by looking at why it is important that gene expression is controlled and how this can be done in a properly regulated way. We will look at mechanisms unique to, and shared between, eukaryotes and prokaryotes.  

Typical week: Monday to Friday

For each week of study you select a morning (Am) and an afternoon (Pm) course, each course has five sessions, one each day Monday to Friday. The maximum class size is 25 students. Your weekly courses are complemented by a series of two daily plenary lectures, exploring new ideas in a wide range of disciplines. To add to the learning experience, we are also planning additional evening talks and events.

Evaluation and Academic Credit 

If you are seeking to enhance your own study experience, or earn academic credit from your Cambridge Summer Programme studies at your home institution, you can submit written work for assessment for one or more of your courses. 

Essay questions are set and assessed against the University of Cambridge standard by your Course Director, a list of essay questions can be found in the Course Materials. Essays are submitted two weeks after the end of each course, so those studying for multiple weeks need to plan their time accordingly. There is an evaluation fee of £65 per essay.

For more information about writing essays see Evaluation and Academic Credit.

Certificate of attendance

A certificate of attendance will be sent to you electronically within a week of your courses finishing.