Fall 2024 - BISC 357 D100
Genetic Engineering (4)
Class Number: 2061
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
BurnabyOct 15, 2024: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Dec 8, 2024
Sun, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Kathleen Fitzpatrick
kathleef@sfu.ca
1 778 782-5611
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Prerequisites:
BISC 202, MBB 222, and MBB 231, all with a minimum grade of C-. Recommended: MBB 331.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
The use of genetic engineering to evaluate and alter gene function is introduced in lectures and practiced in labs. Lectures cover bioinformatics, gene editing, and genome sequencing. Lab projects include a series of cloning techniques from nucleic acid extraction to making novel gene constructs. Students with credit for MBB 308 may not take this course for further credit.
COURSE DETAILS:
There is a demand for people that are skilled in the various techniques associated with genetic engineering. Biomedical companies and institutes regularly search for people with practical experience in genetic engineering. These skills are also useful for an academic career in disciplines ranging from medicine to ecology. First you will learn how to purify DNA and RNA and clone a complementary DNA fragment in a basic plasmid. After that, you will design and generate a DNA construct for CRISPR-based loss-of-function analysis of gene function, followed by Sequence and Ligase Independent Cloning for over expression of genes as well as marker gene-based evaluation of where and when genes are expressed in an organism. The course will also contain a brief introduction to key technologies behind the ongoing revolution in genomics research. Teaching and exams focus on the practical logic of experiments rather than extensive rote memorization. The course is housed on Canvas; we may use a supplementary website with additional resources.
Grading
- Laboratory work (quizzes, lab notebook checks, worksheets, other assessments) 35%
- In-class- iclicker questions 10%
- Bioinformatics exercises 10%
- Midterm Exam 15%
- Final Exam 30%
REQUIREMENTS:
Mode of Teaching
Lecture: synchronous
Laboratory: synchronous
Midterm(s): synchronous; date: TBA
Final exam: synchronous; date: TBA
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
You will need a lab coat and protective eyewear for every lab.
REQUIRED READING:
Lecture: Posted lecture notes and associated reference material
Lab: Provided protocols and lab handouts
Plus: Any supplementary on-line material and links that are provided
Iclickers will be used in most lectures; you can use either a remote or the app
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
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
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.