Section outline


  • Course Description:
    The purpose of this course is to introduce students to molecular biology as a tool used in scientific inquiry. Research scientists increasingly use multiple approaches to address interesting questions. Recent developments in the field of genomics illustrate the emerging need to advance our knowledge of genome organization and gene regulation in order to better understand developmental and cellular processes. In this course, students will learn techniques for nucleic acid manipulation and analysis, and the way these techniques are applied in modern molecular biology. In addition, students will read and critically evaluate primary literature. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the material through written and laboratory work, exams, class discussion and oral presentations.    		 DNA

     

    Course learning goals:

    • To learn about the structure of the genome and some of the many ways by which gene expression can be regulated.
    • To understand and apply basic methodologies used for the manipulation and analysis of nucleic acids.
    • To understand how the tools of molecular biology can be used to address biological questions, such as gene cloning based on homology, identification of cis- and trans-acting factors that affect gene expression and gene therapy.
    • To read, understand and critically evaluate primary literature.
    • To learn scientific writing via the generation of lab reports written in the format of journal articles and a paper reviewing a topic of interest in molecular biology.
    • To learn to communicate scientific information orally via presentation of original research conducted in the lab and presentation of a journal article.

     

    Important information about this course:

    • Classes will be held in Park Science, room to be determined, MWF from 11:10 am - noon.
    • Lab meets in Park Science 126 on Tuesdays from 1:10 - 4 pm.
    • Contact info for Dr. Davis - office: Park Science, room 222; e-mail: tdavis@brynmawr.edu; phone: 610-526-5065
    • Office hours: tentatively Tuesdays, ~4-5:00 pm (after lab); Wednesdays, noon - 1 pm; by appointment.
    • Recommended textbook for the course: Cox, Doudna & O’Donnell, Molecular Biology, Principles and Practice, 2nd edition (ISBN: 978-1-4641-2614-7).