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This is a Spark Lab Research stream course and it is recommended students have a minimum overall average of 85%. DESCRIPTION The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is often used as a model organism to provide insight into human physiological systems because the “simple” insect system is considered functionally analogous to human systems. The fly genetics course will explore powerful molecular, genetic, and physiological tools to investigate biological systems. This includes examining the neuroendocrine system that regulates the renal organs of the insect similar to the mammalian kidney using techniques like the bipartite GAL4/UAS system to express or knockdown genes in a tissue/cell-specific manner. In addition, students will also explore other techniques, such as in vitro bioassays to measure urine secretions from the insect renal organs and physiological assays that can measure the percent survival from changes in genetics. Overall, this course is very useful in understanding concepts of animal physiology since the fruit fly is used as a model to study kidney diseases. ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR Marishia Agard is currently pursuing her PhD in biology at York University. Her research focuses on invertebrate neuroendocrinology, using the model organism Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) to gain insights into human renal function and diseases. Marishia has extensive experience in teaching lab techniques and STEM activities, having worked as a camp instructor, camp counsellor, and mentor for the Science Engagement Programs. She has previously taught the Introduction to Genetics course at the Science Engagement Programs Spark Labs, which covered molecular, cellular, genetic, and physiological techniques. Marishia has also served as a teaching assistant and is currently a teaching assistant coordinator for an undergraduate animal physiology course at York University. Her ultimate goal is to continue researching fly genetics in animal physiology and teaching students.
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