Biology 426 and 426L, Molecular Biology
Syllabus for Spring, 2015

Required Texts:
Molecular Biology of the Gene, 7e (Watson, et al.)

Required Videos:
Your professor will provide you with links to videos of cinematic lectures that cover some material at beginning of the course.

Required hardware:
You must purchase a flash drive and bring it to every lab class on Monday evenings.

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.

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 two mid-term exams. Each will be worth 150 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.