Biology 336 consists of both lab and lecture. The lecture portion of the course will cover a wide range of topics. Some of the topics to be covered include the study of DNA, genetic imprinting, synthesis of recombinant DNA molecules,the synthesis of gene libraries, methods of detecting genes in libraries, DNA sequencing, Nothern/Southern/Western blots, site-directed mutagenesis, eucaryotic RNA processing, the genetic regulation of iron metabolism, transcription factors, DNase footprinting, mobility shift assays, gene organization in eucaryotes, and making transgenic animals.
The lab portion of the course is
fairly extensive and serves to provide a
good foundation for acquiring skills in the science of molecular
biology. Students will construct a restriction site map of an
unknown plasmid. This will enable them to become very familiar
with three basic lab skills: 1. Plasmid DNA isolation from bacteria;
2. Restriction enzyme digests; and 3. Agarose gel electrophoresis.
Some of this work may be conducted outside class time.
In addition, students will also gain hands-on experience with the following techniques during lab:
Introduction to DNA and Proteins
On-Line Molecular Biology Protocals