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This is a Spark Lab Research stream course and it is recommended students have a minimum overall average of 85%-90%. Course Description Genetics plays a crucial role in the biological functions of all animals. In fact, scientists use fruit flies to learn more about how our bodies function, including excretion, and how our hormones control different processes. Even though fruit flies are tiny, they actually share about 60% of their genes with humans and have 14,000 genes in total! This makes them an excellent model for learning about physiological systems like the excretory and endocrine systems. In this course, you will dive into the fascinating world of genetics and see how small changes in genes can affect an organism's health and behaviour. You will get to work with specialized tools that scientists use to explore genes, like the GAL4/UAS system, which allows them to turn genes on and off in fruit flies. This method allows researchers to test different gene functions and observe the effects of genetic modifications. Plus, you will gain hands-on experience by dissecting fruit flies and conducting experiments to see how their genes affect things like hormonal regulation and survival in different situations. We will also explore how genetics plays a role across all living organisms and how it contributes to their optimal functioning. About the Instructor Marishia Agard is currently pursuing a PhD in biology at York University. Her research focuses on how the neuroendocrine system regulates the excretory system, utilizing the model organism Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) genetics to gain insights into the function of hormones in animals. She also has extensive experience in teaching laboratory techniques and conducting STEM activities, having served as an Instructor at Science Engagement Programs for four years. Currently, Marishia is the teaching assistant coordinator for undergraduate biology courses in animal physiology at York University.
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York University Keele Campus
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4700 Keele Street
Toronto, ON, Canada
M3J 1P3
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