Required
Texts:
How Proteins Work (Williamson); How
To Use Jmol... (Herraez)
Optional
Text:
Molecular Biology of the Gene, 6e
(Watson, et al.)
Required
Videos:
Your professor will provide you with links to videos of cinematic lectures
that cover material in the optional text. You are required and expected to view these
as assigned, prior to coming to class. These "CineLectures"
are available online here: CineLectures
for Molecular Biology: dmflyboy2's YouTube Channel or see below.
You should subscribe to this YouTube
channel in order to be notified of posts of new cinelectures.
Supplemental
Learning Material:
Classic research papers may be handed
out. Additional learning aids are accessible on the WWW. See linked
resources, below.
About
the course:
This course covers
the molecular biology of genes, including transmission of genetic information
between generations and within cells. The central dogma processes of
DNA replication, RNA transcription, RNA processing, and translation
will be covered in depth, as will regulation of gene expression. Since the culmination of expression of many genes is a functional protein product, the structure-function relationships of proteins will be a central component of the course. It
is expected that you are familiar with these topics as covered in an
introductory Biology course such as CLU's Biology 122.
Most of this class will be
delivered in a "flipped" format, specifically a CLIC model
(Cinematic Lectures and Inverted Classes). In this model, most (not
all) lectures will be delivered outside of class as homework in the
form of cinematic lectures, whereas activities that might conceivably
be assigned as homework will be conducted during class time. This in-class,
active learning will comprise projects, in silico investigations, model
building, and discussions in which student participation is essential.
In terms of
CLU Student Learning Outcomes, this class will help you develop critical
thinking skills through learning concepts described above. Your ability
to comprehend disciplinary perspectives will also be improved (see above). Computational skills will also be developed through in in silico bioinformatic applications, web page development, the use of molecular visualization software, and 3-D rapid prototyping.
Grading:
Grades will be determined from the following:
300
points, exams. There will be three mid-term exams. Each will be worth
100 points. There will be no final exam. Exams will be graded on a curve,
with the mean being assigned a B-, 1 standard deviation unit above the
mean being an A-, and 1 standard deviation unit below the mean being
assigned a C-. Each exam will cover material from lab and lecture days
from the last test (or beginning of the class for exam I) up until the
class before the exam.
100 points, Macromolecular Tutorial Project using
Jmol
- see Macromolecular Projects Page
100
points, Macromolecular Physical Model Project
(3-D printing of macromolecule using a rapid-prototyping printer)
- see Macromolecular Projects Page
100 points Class participation,
including participation in active learning and participation in class
discussions/presentations.
600 points total
Academic
Honesty:
You must know the rules and standards for academic
honesty defined in the Student Handbook. We will prosecute any hint
of academic dishonesty to the fullest extent.
Note
on Learning Disabilities:
California
Lutheran
University
is committed to
providing reasonable accommodations to students with various documented
disabilities (physical, learning, or psychological). If you are
a student requesting accommodations for this course, please contact
your professors at the beginning of the semester and register with the
Coordinator for Students with Disabilities (Pearson Library, Center
for Academic & Accessibility Resources, Ext. 3260) for the facilitation
and verification of need. Faculty will work closely together with you
and your coordinator to provide necessary accommodations.
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