Research Topics and Analytical Approaches in Quantitative Biology

An overview of research topics and methods in quantitative biology through reading and discussion of primary literature. Students read two papers weekly, each showcasing how modern experimental and analytical techniques are applied to address basic questions in biology (e.g. What shape is the endoplasmic reticulum? What controls gene expression?) with a strong focus on big data. Students examine the achievements and impact of each study, present context and background, dissect experimental and analytical approaches, and highlight remaining challenges. Topics range from gene regulation and organellar dynamics to virology and cancer genomics.