BIOL 294 - Topics- Biological Research Methods

Columbia Union College

Fall 2006

BIOL 294: Topics: Biological Research Methods

THF 10:10am - 11:05am (S107)

H 2:05 – 4:50pm (lab)

 

Professor:	Dr. Melinda Ekkens-Villanueva
Contact Info:	301-891-4462
	mvillanu@cuc.edu
Office Hours:	S 102E
	TBA
Textbook:	Acquaah G.  2004.  Understanding Biotechnology: An Integrated and Cyber-based Approach.  Pearson Education, Inc., Prentice Hall Professional Technical Reference, Upper Saddle River, NJ.

 

Course Description: Topics: Biological Research Methods (4):  An introduction to biological research, including the collection and analysis of data, presentation of data, and bioethics. Topics of discussion will include gene therapy, food biotechnology, pharmacogenetics, environmental and industrial applications of biotechnology, and intellectual property. The business of biotechnology, the role of biotechnology in bioterrorism, and other social aspects of biotechnology will also be addressed in this class.

* Three class meetings and one laboratory session per week. Laboratory sessions will emphasize techniques encountered in a basic science research lab.

* Prerequisite: Approval of the instructor.

 

General Objectives:

Upon completion of the course, students will:

1. Have a basic understanding of the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data in a biological research setting.
2. Have an understanding of the responsibilities and duties of a basic science researcher.
3. Have a better understanding of some of the current concerns, interests, and ethical issues facing biological scientists.

 

Course Requirements:

1.       Students are expected to attend and contribute to all classes and labs.

2.       Students are expected to do reading and assignments in a timely manner.

3.       All written assignments must be word-processed, and include citations where appropriate.

 

Grading:

The final grade for the class will be based on lab and lecture as follows:

Lab write-ups	20%
Independent Project	30%
Exams	20%
Quizzes	10%
Bioethics paper	10%
Class Assignments	10%

Grades will be assigned according to the following scale:

 

Please note:  Students whose career goals include professional or graduate school must view a “C” in this course as a partial-passing grade.  A partial-pass will only assist students in progress toward their career goals if it is matched by an “A” in another science course.  In short, a science GPA of 3.0 should be viewed as an absolute minimum for satisfactory progression.

 

Regrade Policy:

Quizzes, exams, or lab reports may be returned for regrading only if the total points were incorrectly totaled, or if your answer can be documented by text materials.  Answers which were misinterpreted due to sloppy handwriting, poor organization, or incorrect terminology will not be considered; be clear and concise the first time.  A paper must be returned for a regrade within one week (7 days) of its return to you.  It must be accompanied by a TYPED concise, brief summary or rebuttal with reference to your textual sources.  Quizzes or exams written in pencil will not be considered for regrading.

 

Academic Integrity:

It is assumed that your work is your own.  Lab projects are joint efforts, but each write-up must be your own interpretation and analysis; this will aid you in establishing collaborative efforts, while learning to interpret and defend your own work.  Science builds on the work of others, so be clear with references and citations, but be sure to give credit where credit is due.  PLAGIARISM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

For further details, please see the CUC policy on academic integrity, as stated in the 2007-2008 College Bulletin.

 

Attendance:

Attendance at all class and lab sessions is required.  Please be prompt, as important announcements are generally given at the beginning of lecture/lab.  Late-comers will not be allowed to take exams or quizzes.  Please note that excused absences do not excuse you from any work or material missed; you are responsible for all material & announcements presented in class/lab whether you are present or not.

Due to limited resources and space, make-up labs will not be allowed.

Make-up exams and quizzes will only be allowed if the absence is unavoidable and documented.  There will be NO MAKE UP EXAMS FOR UNEXCUSED ABSENCES. Excused absences include a serious illness or a death in the immediate family; a doctor’s note or an obituary will be required. If an exam is missed, it must be rescheduled immediately upon return to class, and is generally expected to be taken within 24 hours of your return. Notification before the missed exam is requested.

Please turn off cell phone ringers during class time.

During exams & quizzes, ALL cell phones and beepers must be COMPLETELY OFF, and stored in backpacks, bags, purses, etc. In case of emergency, cell phones may be left with the instructor. 

Late Work Policy:

Assignments are due on time, regardless of whether or not you are present in class or lab. Excused absences do not excuse you from any work or material missed. Overdue assignments will lose 15% per week; assignments more than six (6) weeks overdue will not be graded. These deductions apply if an assignment is turned in late on the due date.

 

Independent Project:

Proposal............................................................................................................................... September 7, 2007

Outline & Specific Aims........................................................................................................ September 21, 2007

Methods, Expected Results, & Financial Statement................................................................... October 5, 2007

Literature review................................................................................................................... November 2, 2007

Final Draft............................................................................................................................... December 7, 2007

 

Paper Schedule:

Proposal.................................................................................................................................. October 12, 2007

Outline.................................................................................................................................... October 26, 2007

Rough Draft............................................................................................................................ November 9, 2007

Final Draft............................................................................................................................ November 21, 2007

 

Additional Resources:

Borém A, Santos FR, & Bowen DE.  2003.  Understanding Biotechnology.  Pearson Education, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ.

Reed R, Holmes D, Weyers J, Jones A.  2003.  Practical Skills in Biomolecular Sciences (2^nd ed).  Pearson Education Limited, Essex, England.

Seidman LA, & Moore CJ.  2000.  Basic Laboratory Methods for Biotechnology: Textbook and Laboratory Reference.  Prentice-Hall, Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ.

Lecture Schedule (tentative):