Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology

Biomedical Sciences 507 – Advanced Molecular Biology

Time and Place: 2:15-3:45, MWF, BRF118.

Course Coordinator:       Scott Ness, Dept. of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology

Optional Text: Molecular Biology of the Gene, Fifth Edition by Watson et. al. - available from Amazon.com.

Participating Instructors:

Course Description:

This course in advanced molecular biology is designed as a rigorous introduction to the topics, terminology, techniques, methodologies and approaches of modern molecular biology. The course serves as an introduction for first year graduate students and to help students make the transition from lecture-based, text book-oriented courses common in undergraduate training to independent learning organized around current research papers and seminars that are the hallmarks of advanced studies.  The course has some lectures, but is focused on problem-based learning, with the latter organized around the understanding and analysis of current scientific papers.  Students will take an active role in their own education by helping to identify and design learning issues that will be resolved in small group and in-class discussions. Grading will be based on in-class discussions and class participation, homework assignments, take-home problems and some exams.

BioMed 507 is an advanced course and is taught with the assumption that all students have had previous courses in biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics and that many have already had significant laboratory experience.

In addition, BioMed 507 is taught primarily as a discussion-based course, not as a typical lecture course. Participation in classroom discussions and student presentations is essential. Consequently, attendance is mandatory. There is no mechanism for making up discussion material or classes that are missed and no credit will be given for classes that are missed.

BioMed 507 Class Schedule, Fall 2008:

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