Molecular Biology Laboratory

Course Details

Course Number: 5331  Section Number: 101

Fall 2012

Location: Bolin Hall

Classroom Number: 329

Course Attachments

SyllabusThis is the syllabus for Molecular Biology Laboratory   MBL Grad F'12-20120921-164958.pdf

Textbooks

None Required
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. William B. Cook   
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Course Objectives

This course has four primary purposes.

  1. Learning fundamental principles, concepts and theories
  2. Gaining factual knowledge
  3. Developing skill in laboratory techniques
  4. Developing skill in scientific communication

Course Expectations
  1. Students in this course will be expected to demonstrate competence in writing in the

      preparation of laboratory reports and on the final examination.

      2.   Students in this course will be expected to demonstrate competence in fundamental math

            skills through routine calculations required in several laboratory exercises.

 

An original research proposal will be prepared that focuses on the sequence of steps required to accomplish a project proposed by the student and approved by the instructor.   The project must involve the cloning of a eukaryotic gene and expression of its polypeptide product.  The proposal will consist of four sections:

      Introduction: A statement of the purpose and significance of the proposed research and an

            overview of the approach to solving the problem addressed in the research.

      Materials and Methods: An explanation of how the proposed research will be accomplished.

     Results: The anticipated results (product) of the proposed research.

     Discussion: A restatement of the purpose and significance of the proposed research

            emphasizing the impact of the anticipated results on the problem.

 

      The topic will be selected on or before September 28 (10%).  A draft of the proposal will be turned in on or before October 26 (25%).  The final proposal will be turned in on or before November 30 (65%).


Grading Standards

Grades:  Course scores will be calculated as follows

 

                              Notebook                                                          25%              

                              Results                                                             15%

                              Lab Reports                                                     15%

                              Poster/Presentation                                          10%                          

                              Research Proposal                                           15%

                              Lab Final Exam                                                 20%

                                                                                                      100%

 

Grades will be assigned as follows:

 

                                    90-100%                                                            A

                                    80-89%                                                              B

                                    70-79%                                                              C

                                    60-69%                                                              D

                                    <60%                                                                 F      

 


Final Exam12/13/2012  1:00-3:00 P.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.