BIOC 35400 – Biochemistry: Molecular Biology of the Gene
‘The Central Dogma’
Spring 2014
Ithaca College
Instructor:
Maki Inada
CNS 156
607.274.1274
[email protected]
Class :
MWF 10-10:50 AM in CNS 1A
F 12-12:50 PM Discussion and ‘dry lab’ in CNS 1C
Office Hours:
TR 2-3 PM or email anytime to make an appointment
Textbook:
Molecular Biology of the Gene (7th edition) by J. D. Watson et al. NEW!
Course Description:
Biochemistry is the study of the molecular basis for life processes. This course is an upper level undergraduate
course for students primarily interested in, but not limited to, health professions or research careers. In
Biochemistry : Protein Structure & Function, we cover structures of major biomolecules (proteins, sugars, fats,
nucleic acids), enzymology, and work that enzymes do in living systems, otherwise known as metabolism. In
Biochemistry : Molecular Biology of the Gene, we focus on fundamental processes of genetic flow of
information from DNA to RNA to protein that govern gene expression in all living organisms. We will examine
the details (steps, machinery and regulatory mechanisms) of the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology –
including DNA replication, DNA repair, RNA transcription, RNA processing and protein translation. Modern
molecular biological techniques used to study these areas will be discussed via primary literature. We will
have several guest speakers to expose us to their ongoing research. Students will develop an understanding of
how fundamental biochemical pathways relate to medicine and human disease through a group project
presentation and a review paper.
Course Goals:
By the end of the course, you should be able to:
1. Describe in detail the mechanisms of and macromolecules involved in genome maintenance, gene
expression, and the regulation of gene expression.
2. Describe several modern biochemistry and molecular biology techniques used in scientific research.
3. Interpret data and solve biochemistry and molecular biology problems based on data from primary
research articles.
4. Understand and ask questions about current ongoing research.
5. Demonstrate self-directed learning in biochemistry by reading, understanding and presenting peerreviewed articles from the primary literature.
6. Effectively communicate current issues in biochemistry and molecular biology that relate to human
health and disease in both written and oral forms.
7. Recognize ways in which biochemistry and molecular biology influence daily life at the level of the
organism.
Assessment:
The following are designed to test and ensure consistent progress on all of the stated learning goals:
1. Discussion and Participation (10%) As this is an upper level course, you are expected to come prepared
to class having read the reading and ready to participate and discuss. In preparation, before each
class, email me ([email protected]) any questions you have and I will address as many as I can.
Friday Discussion is also dedicated to addressing any questions that may come up.
2. Assignments and Problem Sets (20%). Daily assignments and problem sets will be assigned to help in
your learning. You are welcome and encouraged to work in groups on these.
3. Exams (40%) both in class and take home exams. This will be your own work.
4. Final oral presentation and review paper (30%). Instead of an in-class final, you will prepare a group
oral presentation and write an individual review paper on a current area of your choosing in
molecular biology. Start thinking of your topic area NOW. Further details will be provided soon.
Attendance:
Lectures and Discussions: It is very important to be present at every lecture and discussion section, or
you will miss information and key material. Although I will make powerpoint presentations available
on Sakai, not all material covered in class is always included. The undergraduate handbook states the
general policy that students are expected to attend classes and that they are responsible for all
material when absent.
Exams: If for a valid reason you cannot attend a scheduled exam, you must contact me a week in
advance. If you are sick or it is an emergency, contact me by email or leave a message on my voicemail
BEFORE the exam begins and provide written documentation with your excuse as soon as possible.
Failure to provide a valid reason for the absence can result in as little as a full letter grade off, or as
much as a zero grade. Please note that traveling early for a vacation is NOT a valid excuse for missing
an exam.
Academic Honesty:
All work that you submit must be your own. For many assignments you are encouraged to discuss and work in
groups, but what you hand in is expected to be your own analyses and interpretation. Please familiarize
yourself with the definition of plagiarism. All review papers submitted for this course will be reviewed by
Turnitin.com for detection of plagiarism. You will have the opportunity to self monitor. Academic dishonesty
can lead to a zero grade on that assignment, a failing grade in the course, academic code probation,
suspension or expulsion from the College depending on the gravity of the violation and the decision of the
judicial board.
Course Evaluations:
Student input is highly valued and is important to maintain high quality instruction. Course evaluations are
required. You may get a ZERO for a homework assignment if not completed by the due date. The evaluation
will be submitted to the department Administrative Assistant online near the end of the semester.
Students with Disabilities:
In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act,
reasonable accommodation will be provided to students with documented disabilities on a case-by-case basis.
Students must register with Student Disability Services with the Office of Academic Support Services (607-2741005, TDD 607-274-7319, [email protected]) and provide appropriate documentation to Ithaca College before
any academic adjustment will be provided.
Biochemistry Topic Schedule:
Week of
TOPIC
Jan. 20
Jan. 27
Feb. 3
Feb. 10
Feb. 17
Feb. 24
Mar. 3
Mar. 10
Mar. 17
Mar. 24
Mar. 31
Apr. 7
Apr. 14
Apr. 21
Apr. 28
May 5
Introduction – The Central Dogma
DNA, Chromatin, Genome Structure
DNA Replication
DNA Mutation & Repair
DNA Recombination & Transposition
Transcription
RNA Splicing and Processing
Spring Break!
Translation
Genetic Code, Evolution of Life
Transcription regulation in prokaryotes
Transcription regulation in eukaryotes
Regulatory RNAs
Regulation in Development
Systems Biology
Finals
General
Readings
(Chapters
in MBOG
Watson et
al)
1-3
4-5, 8
9
10
11, 12
13
14
15
16, 17
18
19
20
21
22
Assignments
Review Paper
PS 1
Exam I
Take Home I
PS 2
Exam II/Take Home II
(PS 3)
Take Home III
Review Paper Topic
Outline and Refs
Rough Draft
Peer Review
(PS4)
Final Review Paper
Take Home IV