10007124Molecular Biology 1
Course Information
Description
This is the first course of a two-part series. This course will teach modern molecular biology techniques including: basic recombinant DNA techniques and DNA analysis and purification. The polymerase chain reaction and DNA fingerprinting will also be introduced. This course will include classroom instruction to appreciate the importance of these techniques in life sciences research.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
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1.1 Describe the historical developments that led to modern recombinant DNA technologyAssessment StrategiesWritten Product, ExamCriteriadescribe the work of scientists discussed in their textbook and in computer animations
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2.1 Apply basic concepts of recombinant DNA technologyAssessment StrategiesFormal Lab Report, ExamCriteriadiagram the relationship between DNA, RNA and proteinexplain the basic Boyer-Cohen cloning experimentdefine all basic components of cloning including vectors, restriction enzymes, host transformation and electrophoresisapply these concepts to a simulated application
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2.2 Perform a DNA cloning exerciseAssessment StrategiesLab Activities, Written ProductCriteriaclone a gene for antibiotic resistance into a vector so that transformed E. coli acquire antibiotic resistanceprepare written documentation (report) on cloning exercisecorrectly answer questions in DNA Science text
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2.3 Perform a DNA mapping exerciseAssessment StrategiesLab Activities, Written ProductIndividual Proficiency ProjectCriteriatransform plasmid DNA into an E.coli strainperform plasmid purification from a transformed E. coli strainperform restriction digest and electrophoresisprepare a graphuse results to correctly determine the molecular weights of fragments
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3.1 Perform exercises involving PCR to study forensic analysisAssessment StrategiesLab Activities, Written ProductCriteriaDNA is successfully isolated from cheek cell swabsgel is prepared with correct patternexplain gel correctly in a written report
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3.2 Perform an exercise involving PCR to study genetic modification of foodsAssessment StrategiesLab Activities, Written ProductCriteriaDNA is successfully isolated from food productsgel is prepared with correct patternexplain gel correctly in a written report
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4.1 Apply PCR to a cloning exerciseAssessment StrategiesLab Activities, Written ReportCriteriaDNA is successfully amplified from a bacteriophage genomeamplified DNA is successful inserted into a plasmid vectorrecombinant plasmid is successfully transformed into E. colicolony screening and PCR amplification is used to verify successful insertionexplain results in a written report
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4.2 Apply the concepts of screening, genetic expression, expression vectors, and genetic librariesAssessment StrategiesGroup Oral PresentationCriteriaexplain concepts in the context of a commercial molecular biology kit