A laboratory course that focuses on modern methods and instrumentation used in molecular genetics- based research. Students will gain experience through extensive research projects involving recombinant DNA technology, gene expression, DNA sequencing and bioinformatics/genomics.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400 Introduction to Biological Inquiry, BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology, CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I .
Corequisite(s): BIO 3800 Molecular Genetics.
BIO 1400 Introduction to Biological Inquiry (4 hours)
.Students will be introduced to biology by actively engaging in research on a variety of biological topics. This inquiry-based and student-centered approach will expose to students to the methods of scientific inquiry and asociated content in an engaging and meaningful way. Specific topics will vary across years and among offered sections but can include such diverse areas as: antipredator behavior, plant viral gene expression, belly button biology, and bacteriophage genomics. Using the research topic as a guide, students will also explore traditional introductory biology content areas.
(Normally offered each semester.)
BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology (4 hours)
This course emphasizes molecular mechanisms associated with intracellular structures, metabolism, genetic information transfer, heredity, and evolution in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.
Three lectures per week with one three-hour lab per week.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400 Introduction to Biological Inquiry, CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I , CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I .
(Normally offered each semester.)
CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I (3 hours)
A study of fundamental principles of chemistry including structures of atoms and molecules, periodicity, stoichiometry, reactions, solutions, gases, and thermochemistry.
Three classes per week.
BIO 3800 Molecular Genetics (3 hours)
A study of the systems, mechanisms, and methods of molecular genetics with a particular emphasis on the analysis of the genetic material--mutagensis, replication, regulation, transcription, and translation--and its protein products and their biological function. Recombinant DNA/genetic engineering and other modern technologies will be discussed.
Prerequisite(s): BIO 1400 Introduction to Biological Inquiry, BIO 2200 Genetics and Cell Biology, CHEM 1110 Chemical Principles I , and CHEM 2100 Organic Chemistry I .
