History of modern biology: On Molecular Genetics

This course begins by asking "what is science?" and responds to this question by exploring the development of biology from antiquity through the Middle Ages and up to Mendel. Next, starting with Mendel's research in the mid-19th century, we review the process of the formation and development of molecular genetics, focusing on the research of Nobel Prize laureates and the historical backgrounds of such work. Finally, we consider possible future developments of such work.

Genetics, genetic diagnosis, genome editing, group work

1) Guidance: Goals, progression, and assessment method
2) Reasons for studying the history of science, views of life up to the Middle Ages
3 to 13) Research trajectories 1-–9: From Mendel to J. Doudna and E. Charpentier. During these sessions, we will consider how to frame the Asilomar Conference, the Cartagena Protocol, human genome sequencing, genetic diagnosis, and so forth.
14) The dawn and future of (molecular) genetics and biology in Japan
15) Science and biology, The future of molecular genetics, course survey

Syllabus (Japanese site only)