Molecular Biology

Course Details

Course Number: 5333  Section Number: 101

Fall 2012

Location: Bolin Hall

Classroom Number: 209

Course Attachments

SyllabusThis is the syllabus for Molecular Biology Graduate section   MB Syl F'12 G-20120921-162754.pdf

Textbooks

Molecular Biology
A basic Molecular Biology textbook
  ISBN: 978-0-12-378594-7
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. William B. Cook   
view Profile »

Course Objectives

The student will demonstrate an understanding of the universal molecular processes underlying biological functions.

The student will use basic bioengineering concepts and models to solve practical problems.

The student will fruitfully engage available bioinformatics tools and resources.

The student will demonstrate familiarity with major model organisms of molecular biology.


Course Expectations

The student will be required to write effectively in responses to essay questions that will constitute a part of each examination as well as in the preparation of a term paper .  Examination questions will assume a level of understanding beyond rote memorization.  The format will include short answer and multiple-choice questions but will emphasize essay-type questions that require a deep understanding of principles and practices.  Lectures should be recognized as opportunities to gain a firm grasp of concepts.  Reading assigned chapters ahead of each lecture will allow the student to identify difficult topics and ask appropriate questions.  Graduate students will be required to answer additional questions or additional parts of questions beyond those required of undergraduate students.

Each graduate student will prepare a term paper reporting on a contemporary process or phenomenon that is not addressed in the course.  The subject must be of fundamental importance to the field of molecular biology or a closely allied field.  The subject will be selected in consultation with the instructor on or before Friday, September 14 (10%).  A (complete) first draft of the paper will be submitted on or before Friday, October 26 (25%).  A final draft may be submitted on or before Friday, November 16.  The final paper will be submitted on or before Friday, December 7 (65%).  To earn full credit, the paper will reflect graduate level research, analysis and writing.  Appropriate incorporation of input from drafts will be considered.  Plagiarism at any stage will not be tolerated.  Any reference to the work of others must be attributed to the author as prescribed in the Graduate Student Handbook, August 2012 edition.

The student will be required to demonstrate competency in fundamental mathematical skills through a variety of exercises and routine calculations.

The student should refer to the MSU Student Handbook (http://students.mwsu.edu/ studentaffairs/handbook.asp) for university policies related to student responsibilities, rights and activities.  For example, review the Student Honor Creed and its supporting four-paragraph explanation on page 4.  For more detail, see page 77 for definitions of academic dishonesty that may be subject to disciplinary action, including plagiarism, cheating and collusion, page 77 for the university policy on classroom conduct, pages 43-45 for statements on class attendance and for an explanation of procedures for authorized absences and grounds for an instructor-initiated drop from the course.

 


Grading Standards

Grades:

The final course score will be calculated from the following components:

 

                              Examination Average                     55%

                              Chapter Thought Questions           10%

                              Weekly Calculation Exercises        10%

                              Weekly Discussion                         10%

                              Term Paper                                    15%

                                                                                   100%

 

     

Letter grades will be assigned according to the following course score scale

 

                                    Course Score                                      Grade

                                         90-100%                                          A

                                         80-89%                                            B

                                         70-79%                                            C

                                         60-69%                                            D

                                         <60%                                               F


Final Exam12/13/2012  8:00-10:00 A. M.

Submission Format PolicyNote: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance will be recorded to satisfy the requirements of the registrar's office, but an attendance score will not be awarded.


Other Policies

The student should refer to the MSU Student Handbook (http://students.mwsu.edu/ studentaffairs/handbook.asp) for university policies related to student responsibilities, rights and activities.  For example, review the Student Honor Creed and its supporting four-paragraph explanation on page 4.  For more detail, see page 77 for definitions of academic dishonesty that may be subject to disciplinary action, including plagiarism, cheating and collusion, page 77 for the university policy on classroom conduct, pages 43-45 for statements on class attendance and for an explanation of procedures for authorized absences and grounds for an instructor-initiated drop from the course.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.