The Scripps Research Institute

Kellogg School of Science and Technology

Chemical and Biological Principles of Evolution

Spring 2006

Tuesday/Thursday 11:30 am to 1:00 pm

Location:  The Keck Amphitheater, Beckman Building

Course Director:  M. G. Finn

This class is intended for students in both the Chemistry and Biology programs.  It will focus on the molecular mechanisms of biological evolution and how these concepts are being implemented in the evolution of chemical and biological function in the laboratory.  In many ways, the study and creation of evolving systems has become a recognizable and distinct discipline straddling chemistry, molecular biology, immunology, and genetics.  Speakers from TSRI and elsewhere will describe their work in this context.  In addition, students will be required to give a presentation to the class at the end of the semester on any topic from the literature in the general area of evolution.

Outline

1.      DNA Transactions – the mechanisms of molecular genetics
        Replication, transcription, translation DNA repair and cell cycle control
        Recombination and adaptive mutation

2.      Principles of Selection
        Library design, fitness, and statistics

3.      Case studies
        In vitro evolution
        Phage and ribosome display
        Complementation techniques
        Designed enzyme evolution
        Evolution in chemical systems
        Computational models of evolving systems