Course Information:

WebCT login (For class use only.  You must login to access the material.)

Tentative Class Schedule (check WebCT for updates)

Text and Readings
 The text is The Molecular Biology of the Gene, fifth edition.  Watson, et al, 2004.

Course Description:
This course is the second half of a year long course in biochemistry.   After completion of this course students should be able to:  1)  describe the principles of molecular biology and the nature of the gene,  2)  chose appropriate experimental approaches to answer questions in molecular biology, 3) solve standard textbook problems in molecular biology, and 4)  read and analyze primary literature in molecular biology, including the ability to evaluate primary data.  The principal topics are:  the structure of DNA and RNA, ribozymes, DNA replication, repair and recombination, transcription and post-transcriptional modifications, protein biosynthesis, regulation of gene expression, and special topics including differentiation and development and the application of molecular biology to medicine.

Class Meetings and Attendance

The lecture portion of the class meets at 10 MWF in CNS 115.
The problem solving/paper reading sessions will meet Tuesday at 4pm in CNS 333.

While PDFs of the powerpoint presentations will be posted on the class website, attendance at the lectures will be very important.  Some of the figures used are from other sources and the figures will be supplemented with detailed notes during class.  Therefore absence will be a significant disadvantage.  Students are strongly encouraged to print out the slides before coming to class.  Problem sets and papers for the 4pm class meetings will be posted in advance of class.  These should also be printed out and brought to the class meeting.  Cell phones must be turned off while class is in session.  Use of earphones during class periods and exams is also not allowed.  Students should arrive on-time to class.  Excessive and perpetual tardiness is not acceptable.

Achievement of learning objectives will be assessed by multiple methods.  Fluency in molecular biology and understanding of the general nature of the gene will be assessed by three exams and a final..  Makeup exams are not a right and will be given only when a student has a legitimate excuse for missing a scheduled exam.  Problem solving skills will be developed during the problem solving sessions and proficiency will be assessed by a number of problem sets requiring students to apply the principles they have learned.  One or two of the problem sets will also require reading a primary literature paper and summarizing the major conclusions from the paper.  The approximate distribution of points is as follows:

Late Work and Make-up:

Missed and make-up work of any sort as a result on NON-ILLNESS related events may be accepted without penalty only if (1) there is documentation to substantiate the reason for missing the work; (2) I have been notified significantly in advance of the absence, and (3) I agree that the student should be exempted from penalty.  Missed and make-up work as a result of ILLNESS related events may be accepted without penalty only if I am provided with documentation to substantiate the reason for missing the work.

Academic Integrity

Students are responsible for their own work, therefore cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated.  While students are encouraged to work together on the homework problem sets, the final written work you turn in must be your own!  Additionally, when summarizing scientific papers, direct quotation from the papers is not acceptable.  All writing must be in your own words!  In cases of academic misconduct, the policies of the College will be followed.

Students with Disabilities

In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation will be provided to students with documented disabilities on a case by case basis. Students must register with the Office of Academic Support Services and provide appropriate documentation to the college before any academic adjustment will be provided.