10007125Research Methods in Molecular Biology
Course Information
Description
This course introduces advanced techniques in molecular biology including various applications of PCR, PCR-based cloning, RT-PCR, qPCR, site-directed mutagenesis, RNA isolation, screening techniques, and an introduction to bioinformatics and CRISPR-Cas9 technologies. The course will combine practical laboratory experience with discussion of current research problems and techniques. This course will also include an analysis of contemporary and historical systems that structure and reproduce inequalities within the field of biotechnology.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Perform a self-directed PCR-based cloning exercise
    Assessment Strategies
    Laboratory skills demonstration
    Laboratory notebook documentation
    Criteria
    Skills demonstration verifies success cloning of PCR sequence of interest
    Laboratory notebook clearly outlines cloning strategy
    Laboratory notebook analyzes all data collected in lab and uses data to assess progress throughout plan
    Laboratory notebook documentation follows industry-accepted standards

  2. Assess pipetting accuracy and precision using quantitative PCR (qPCR)
    Assessment Strategies
    Laboratory skills demonstration
    Laboratory notebook documentation
    Criteria
    Skills demonstration verifies successful performance of a simple, preliminary qPCR exercise
    Skills demonstration practices proper set-up of a dilution scheme
    Skills demonstration displays accuracy and precision in micropipetting
    Laboratory notebook documentation analyzes all data collected in lab and uses data to assess accuracy and precision of micropipetting
    Laboratory notebook documentation follows industry-accepted standards

  3. Quantify the level of genetic modification in foods using quantitative PCR (qPCR)
    Assessment Strategies
    Laboratory skills demonstration
    Laboratory notebook documentation
    Criteria
    Skills demonstration verifies successful isolation of DNA from food samples
    Skills demonstration practices proper set-up of qPCR samples and controls
    Laboratory notebook documentation analyzes all data collected in lab and uses data to evaluate the level of genetic modification in food samples relative to standards
    Laboratory notebook documentation follows industry-accepted standards

  4. Analyze gene expression using reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR)
    Assessment Strategies
    Laboratory skills demonstration
    Laboratory notebook documentation
    Criteria
    Skills demonstration verifies successful isolation of RNA
    Skills demonstration practices evaluation of concentration, purity, and integrity of RNA product
    Skills demonstration exhibits successful amplification of PCR product beginning with an RNA template
    Laboratory notebook documentation analyzes all data collected in lab and uses data to evaluate the success of RT-PCR trials
    Laboratory notebook documentation follows industry-accepted standards

  5. Design effective primers to analyze gene expression
    Assessment Strategies
    Laboratory skills demonstration
    Written report
    Criteria
    Skills demonstration verifies use of bioinformatics tools to design primers
    Skills demonstration tests success of primer design in the analysis of gene expression of target genes
    Skills demonstration exhibits successful amplification of PCR product beginning with an RNA template
    Written report clearly explains the reasoning for specific primer design choices
    Written report analyzes RT-PCR data to describe relative levels of target gene expression

  6. Perform site-directed mutagenesis to restore function of a gene
    Assessment Strategies
    Laboratory skills demonstration
    Laboratory notebook documentation
    Criteria
    Skills demonstration verifies use of site-directed mutagenesis to restore gene function
    Laboratory notebook documentation analyzes all data collected in lab and uses data to evaluate the success of site-directed mutagenesis
    Laboratory notebook documentation follows industry-accepted standards

  7. Use the CRISPR-Cas9 system to restore function of a gene
    Assessment Strategies
    Laboratory skills demonstration
    Laboratory notebook documentation
    Criteria
    Skills demonstration verifies use of CRISPR-Cas9 to restore function of a gene
    Laboratory notebook analyzes all data collected in lab and uses data to evaluate the success of CRISPR-Cas9 mediated mutagenesis
    Laboratory notebook documentation follows industry-accepted standards

  8. Analyze contemporary and historical systems that structure and reproduce inequalities within the field of biotechnology
    Assessment Strategies
    Individual reflections
    Group oral presentation
    Criteria
    Reflections exhibit understanding of historical cases of inequity with respect to, and exploitation of, non-dominant groups related to medical advances and human testing
    Reflections relate historical inequities in the biotechnology field to inequities in current technologies and access to therapies
    Group oral presentation identifies future problems with equitable access to cutting edge technologies in the biotechnology field
    Group oral presentation discusses possible solutions to improve equitable access to cutting edge technologies and therapies