01:694:214 Introduction to Research in Molecular Biology
Prerequisites
General Biology AP credits and General Chemistry 01:160:162 or 01:160:-164 or AP credits
Restrictions
For First year students only.
Course Syllabus
Spring 2024 (Subject to change)
Course Description
Learning Goals: The purpose of this course is to train students in many of the techniques used in modern molecular biology and biochemistry by giving them as much "hands on" experience as possible. In designing this course, we wanted to avoid the problems of lab courses in which the experimental outcome is already known and the aim of the laboratory exercises is to simply reproduce the expected results as closely as possible. We have therefore developed a course in which students will carry out a research project for which the results are unknown.
The project: After some initial training in techniques commonly used in molecular biology, students will start to work on their main research project. The project involves sequencing random clones from a cDNA library. The sequences derived from these experiments will be used to query a database for sequence similarity using the appropriate computer software. When matches are found, students will then search the scientific literature for information on the genes that they have identified. Students have the potential of identifying novel genes.
Course satisfies the following MBB Dept. Learning Goals:
1. Students should demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge that is needed to begin biomedical research and that is required for post-graduate exams and studies.
2. Students should demonstrate the ability to find and evaluate information about specific biological systems or problems.
3. Students should demonstrate the ability to design experiments and critically analyze data.
4. Students should demonstrate the ability to communicate their research and findings orally through seminar and poster presentations and through written research papers.
Core Curriculum Learning Goals met by this course:
NS e. Understand and apply basic principles and concepts in the physical or biological sciences.
NS f. Explain and be able to assess the relationship among assumptions, method, evidence, arguments, and theory in scientific analysis.
Grading
The course grades will be based on the following distribution:
Exams: 40%
Quizzes 40% (10% Chapter Quizzes, 10% Lab Quizzes; 20% Analysis Quizzes)
Assignments (Questions & Homework) 5%
Lab Reports & Sequence Analysis 15%
Course Materials
There is no textbook to buy. We’ll be using Canvas as our Learning Management System, and all lecture and laboratory notes, figures, videos, assignments, and grades will be posted there. You will be required to print out the laboratory protocols for each laboratory session and bring them to the lab.
Students are required to purchase an iClicker brand of personal clickers. You can buy the original iClicker or the i>Clicker+ instead of the iCLicker2.
(Note: We will not be using Web-iClicker)
Course Closed?
All students who want to register for the course must obtain a special permission from Dr. Andrew Vershon (
Faculty
Dr. Bryce Nickels
Waksman Institute, Room 335
phone: 445-6852
Email:
Dr. Gabriel Villegas
Nelson Biological Laboratories A311
Email:
Dr. Andrew Vershon (coordinator)
Waksman Institute, Rm 233
Phone: 445-2905
Email:
Office Hours : 2:00-5:00 PM Tuesdays
Office Hours
This course is designed to provide students with a unique, specialized laboratory experience. Thus, course participants are likely to require individualized attention at irregular and unpredictable intervals. In order to accommodate this unusual situation, the instructors have arranged to be as accessible as possible. Faculty are present during the entire laboratory period to answer questions.
Student Support Services
- Student Success Essentials: https://success.rutgers.edu
- Student Support Services: https://www.rutgers.edu/academics/student-support
- The Learning Centers: https://rlc.rutgers.edu/
- Rutgers Libraries: https://www.libraries.rutgers.edu/
- Bias Incident Reporting: https://studentaffairs.rutgers.edu/bias-incident-reporting
- Dean of Students – Student Support Office: https://success.rutgers.edu/resource/dean-students-student-support-office
- Office of Veteran and Military Programs and Services: https://veterans.rutgers.edu
- Student Health Services: http://health.rutgers.edu/
- Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program & Psychiatric Services (CAPS): http://health.rutgers.edu/medical-counseling-services/counseling/
- UWill: free immediate access to teletherapy; you can choose a therapist based on your preferences including issue, gender, language, ethnicity. http://health.rutgers.edu/uwill/
- Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance: vpva.rutgers.edu/
- Office of Disability Services: https://ods.rutgers.edu/
- Basic Needs Assistance (food, housing, and other essentials): https://ruoffcampus.rutgers.edu/basic-needs
- Rutgers Student Food Pantry: https://ruoffcampus.rutgers.edu/food-pantry
** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.
