BISC411
EXPERIMENTAL MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF THE CELL
Course Objectives and Background
BISC411 is a new course in the Biology majors curriculum stressing laboratory
investigation and critical thinking related to the experimental aspects
of molecular biology. The techniques of molecular biology and biochemistry
are to be learned in a larger context using as a model the bacteriophage
enzyme T4 lysozyme.
Why T4 lysozyme?
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It is very stable.
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It functions as a monomer.
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The 3-D structure of the enzyme has been determined by x-ray crystallography
and is available on public websites.
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Expression constructs have been constructed that allow enzyme production
under the direction of an inducible promoter in time-frames suitable for
undergraduate laboratories.
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Assays for lysozyme activity are straightforward, relatively inexpensive,
and do not require elaborate instrumentation.
Learning Objectives:
It is hoped that upon completion of this course you will have
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gained experience with several laboratory techniques frequently used in
molecular biology.
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learned how to construct a written laboratory report in manuscript format.
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gained the ability to objectively evaluate data.
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developed skills needed for successfully working as a team to solve problems.
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improved your ability to orally communicate about science.
Achievement of these objectives will be evaluated by grades earned on the
written assignment and laboratory reports and by peer assessment from your
team members. Discussions about the procedures will happen frequently throughout
the semester and allow you to gain experience in the final objective, communication.
Progress on that objective will not be formally graded.