Genetics
Genetics underlies all of biology and much biological inquiry. We build on our rich history in genetics, in which Caltech geneticists such as Morgan, Beadle, Delbruck, Benzer, Wood, Lewis and Hood laid down the foundations of our understanding of genes, gene function, genetic pathways and genome sequences, to modern developmental and behavioral genetics using flies, worms, mice, yeast, Arabidopsis and zebrafish to elucidate the genetic control of development, physiology and behavior. In addition to these model organisms, modern genomics and genome editing methods allows almost any organism to be amenable to genetic analysis. The goal of Genetics education at Caltech is to train students to understand and apply the range of genetic concepts from genome informatics to pathway and network analysis. We use genetics to study development, cell biology, organismal physiology, behavior and ecosystems.
Sample Courses
- Bi 8. Introduction to Molecular Biology: Organization and Expression of Genetic Information
- Ch/Bi 111. Biochemistry of Gene Expression
- Bi 122. Genetics
- Bi/BE 129. The Biology and Treatment of Cancer
- Bi 188. Human Genetics and Genomics
- Bi 190. Systems Genetics
- Bi 206. Biochemical and Genetic Methods in Biological Research
Application for the Biology PhD Option and any of the tracks is through the Caltech Graduate Studies Office.