Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2016 - MBB 308 D100

Molecular Biology Laboratory (3)

Class Number: 1621

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 9 – Aug 8, 2016: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MBB 231, and MBB 331 as a co- or pre-requisite (the latter is recommended), with a minimum grade of C.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Modern molecular biological and recombinant nucleic acid methods will be covered. Examples are DNA and RNA isolation, plasmid preparation, restriction enzyme digestion, DNA cloning and polymerase chain reaction. Students with credit for BISC 357 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course will introduce students to recombinant nucleic acid methods. Lab time will involve one full afternoon per week of lab work, for which attendance is mandatory—unexcused absences will be penalized. There will be additional open lab time required before and/or after your lab slot to setup and analyze results. Lecture time will cover theory relevant to the lab work.

Laboratory Exercises:

  • Introduction: safety, equipment, microbiology and sterile technique, using micropipettors.
  • mCherry Promoter Swap: Plasmid miniprep, restriction digestion, DNA gel electrophoresis, phosphatase treatment, DNA ligation, and plasmid transformation.
  • mCherry Colour Change: Site directed mutagenesis.
  • Splicing analysis: Preparation and characterization of genomic DNA and total RNA, reverse transcription, PCR, and gel electrophoresis.
  • Ribosomal Sequence Analysis: Gel purification of DNA, TOPO TA cloning, DNA sequencing, DNA sequence analysis and alignment.

Experiments are subject to change or rearrangement.

Grading

  • Lab reports 20%
  • Lab notebooks 20%
  • Lab performance 20%
  • Lab quizzes 10%
  • 2 in-class exams 30%

NOTES:

There will be a lab the first week of classes.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Safety goggles and a lab coat are required. 

A laboratory notebook which can be purchased from the Bookstore is required.
Description: LAB BK LAB NOTES BL
Item Number 6547919101

A non-refundable fee of $12.50 will be assesssed for the laboratory manual.

REQUIRED READING:

Weaver, R.F. (2012) Molecular Biology, (5th Ed.) McGraw Hill.  Students should have this text from having taken MBB 331.
ISBN: 978-0-07-352532-7

RECOMMENDED READING:

The following text is strongly recommended: Dale, Jeremy W. and Malcolm von Schantz. (2012).  From Genes to Genomes and Applications of DNA Technology, (3rd Ed.). Wiley.
ISBN: 9780470683859

Department Undergraduate Notes:

  • Students are advised to review the plagiarism tutorial found at
    http://www.lib.sfu.ca/help/tutorials/plagiarism-tutorial
  • For help with writing, learning and study strategies please contact the Student Learning Commons at
    http://learningcommons.sfu.ca/
  • Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability, must contact the Centre for Students with Disabilities (778-782-3112 or e-mail:  csdo@sfu.ca)

Registrar Notes:

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site contains information on what is meant by academic dishonesty and where you can find resources to help with your studies.  There is also a section on tutoring.  

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS