Spring 2021 - MBB 331 D100
Molecular Biology (4)
Class Number: 2487
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 27, 2021
Tue, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Peter Unrau
punrau@sfu.ca
1 778 782-3448
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Prerequisites:
MBB 231, and BISC 202, with a minimum grade of C.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
The study of DNA and RNA in relation to gene structure and expression: DNA replication and the regulation of gene expression in bacteria and higher organisms. Introduction to recombinant DNA and cloning theory; natural vector structures and recombinant vector construction.
COURSE DETAILS:
Molecular biology has transformed the life sciences over the last half century and continues to advance rapidly, bringing with it profound implications for the future of biology, medicine, and agriculture. Our look at molecular biology will extend from its early history and basic principles through to recent developments and future directions. In our consideration of the current status of molecular biology, the emphasis will be placed on examining recent findings from primary scientific journals. Textbooks can only supply information that is current up to several years ago, and we must consider the primary literature to learn about recent advances. The tutorial project is designed to familiarize you with reading and evaluating research papers. You will choose a recent paper from any area of modern molecular biology and write a short essay on this topic. Draft essays will be evaluated by a small subset of your classmates so as to develop your writing and critical evaluation skills further.
Lecture Topics:
- Introduction: Overview of molecular biology and its history
- Structure and function of nucleic acids
- Recombinant DNA methods
- Replication, recombination and repair
- Prokaryotic gene organization, expression and regulation
- Bacterial viruses
- Eukaryotic gene organization, expression and regulation
Grading
- 3 midterms (20% each) 60%
- Online weekly quizzes 10%
- Short Essay 20%
- Tutorials (5% participation and 5% essay evaluation) 10%
NOTES:
- Lectures: blended (synchronous lectures, attendance is not mandatory; recorded and available online for asynchronous viewing)
- Tutorial: synchronous (students are expected to attend scheduled tutorials remotely)
- Assessments: synchronous midterm exams (students must take exams during scheduled class time)
- Final exam: synchronous (held during exam period)
- Remote invigilation: possibly
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
- Access to high-speed internet
- Computer with Webcam
- ability to scan and upload exams
REQUIRED READING:
Molecular Biology: Principles and Practice, 2nd edition, by Michael M. Cox, Jennifer A. Doudna, Michael O'Donnell, W.H. Freeman & Company, 2015. eText also available.
ISBN: 9781464126147
Department Undergraduate Notes:
- 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 Accessible Learning (778-782-3112 or e-mail: caladmin@sfu.ca)
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site 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
TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2021
Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.
Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).