DNA in 3D

BIO 100F (Explorations in Biology: Genetic Engineering) is a thematic course exploring five fundamental features of all biological systems, including organization, information flow, energy and matter, interactions and evolution. This course explores the questions “Are we a product of our genes?” and “Can we change our genes?” We will focus on the molecular basis of life: how traits are controlled by genetic information, how this information is inherited, and how it can be manipulated through new genetic engineering and genome editing technologies, including discussion of medical and agricultural applications and their impact on society.

Students in BIO 248 (Genes and Genomes) study the structure and function of genetic material using classical, molecular and genomic analyses. There is a focus on the consideration of the social, medical and agricultural applications of genetic technologies.

Natalie Nannas, Assistant Professor of Biology, is using 3D printing to design and create a 5-foot-long flexible DNA model to demonstrate complex course topics related to DNA, RNA and CRISPR. The model was used in multiple courses including Biology (BIO 100). 

Natalie Nannas, Assistant Professor of Biology, teaches BIO 100F in the fall, and BIO 248 in the spring.