BIO 151: Cell and Molecular Biology I Course Syllabus

FALL 2013 - Section C Professor: Carol Chaia Halpern

Lecture Time: Tuesday and Thursday 5pm-6:15pm, White 204 (Reed Hall) Office Hours: Held TTh 6:15 7:15 in the lecture hall, or by appointment.
Since I am on campus only in the afternoons/evenings of our class, appointments outside scheduled office hours can only be before class. email: carol.halpern@mcphs.edu

Course Description: This course focuses on understanding the basic aspects of cellular and
molecular biology as contributing to the interconnectedness of all life and matter. Both an experimental approach, and an understanding of structure/function relationships will be included. Topics covered include: molecular components of cells, essential membrane and inner cell characteristics, metabolism, expression of genetic material, inheritance, biotechnology.

Required Course Materials:

Course textbook: Campbell and Reece: BIOLOGY Pearson, 8 or 9 edition. Clickers: While clickers will not be used during the first few weeks of classes, they will likely be incorporated with time. Therefore, when informed that this transition will take place, students will need to bring the TurningPoint CRS Clickers to class. Consulting the course website on Blackboard (ilearn.mcphs.edu). This is where lecture power points, assignments, announcements, and any other information will be posted.

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Learning Outcomes: After successfully completing this course, students should be able to:
Recognize the general structure, and know the functions of the major biological macromolecules discussed Identify intracellular structures and describe their unique functions and their interactive relationships Explain basic features of and processes in cells including: membrane characteristics, enzymatic action, metabolism and the role of ATP, the relationship between genetic information and cellular/organismal function, the cell cycle and its regulation Differentiate between mitosis and meiosis. Describe the structural features of chromosomes and how alterations in their numbers relate to specific conditions/disorders Explain the various patterns of genetic inheritance in eukaryotes, including the use of Punnett Squares to analyze monohybrid and dihybrid crosses. Describe the molecular basis and pattern of inheritance of several human genetic disorders and be able to interpret and create human pedigrees. Explain the significance of Sociopolitical aspects of genetics and genetic testing. Describe the process of DNA replication, transcription, and translation. Discuss the implications of genetic mutations and gene regulation on human health and disease. Explain certain methods and application of recombinant DNA technology including cloning, genetic testing, and various techniques in DNA analysis.

Course Assessment and Grading Scheme:

There will be 4 hourly exams (during regular class time) and a required cumulative final exam at the end of the semester (as scheduled by the college 12/9-12/13). Best 3 out of 4 hourly exams will count for 60% of your grade (20% each) and the required final will count 25% of your total grade. The remaining 15% of your grade will be based on your homework and clicker responses. If an hourly exams is missed for any reason, that will become the dropped exam.

Homework assignments to be completed and submitted at the course website. These will be posted on blackboard and are due by the end of the week indicated in the course schedule. It is your responsibility to back-up your work and to submit your work on line by the deadline. No late assignments will be accepted. If you experience difficulties turning in your assignment online, it is your responsibility to provide me with an email or hard copy of the assignments before the deadline. Therefore, do not wait till the last minute to complete such work. If and when clickers will be used, points will be awarded towards your grade for participating.

Summary of overall grading: 3 Hourly Exams 60% Cumulative Final Exam 25% Homework (and Clickers) 15%

Exam Policy: As stated above, students are required to take 3 of the 4 scheduled hourly exams. If a student elects to take all 4 exams, the lowest grade will be dropped. I understand that sometimes students cannot attend a class session, be it for familial, medical, religious, or other reason. That said, if you miss an exam for ANY REASON (even if it is an excused absence), the missed exam will automatically count as the dropped exam no make-up exams will be provided in this course. The final exam is required and cannot be missed or used as the dropped exam grade. You are required to wear your college ID to all exams. Hats, cell phones, earbuds, and any other electronic devices are prohibited during exams. Please note that due to the nature of the seating arrangement in the lecture hall, the class will be divided into two lecture halls for exams. This will give me easier access to answer potential questions. I will circulate between the two rooms. Attendance Policy: Because of the fast-paced nature of this course, attendance is expected at all class sessions; even one absence can cause you to fall behind significantly. My PowerPoint slides that are posted on Blackboard are only an outline of what you need to learn and do not substitute for lecture attendance and note taking. It is recommended that you print out the PowerPoint slides in a way that will allow you to take notes on them in addition to having a notebook available during class. If you are absent from a lecture, it is your responsibility to obtain notes from a classmate in order to catch up. Please do not email me to let me know you will be absent from lecture unless there are extenuating circumstances that will hinder your performance. Students must abide by the Academic Policies set forth in the MCPHS College Catalog. Important information regarding Excused Absence Approval, Disability Support Services for students, Academic Honesty and Plagiarism and other academic policies is set forth in the Academic Policies and Procedures section of the MCPHS Catalog. http://my.mcphs.edu/CollegeCatalog. Students must read, understand, and comply with all of these policies and procedures.

Coarse Schedule (subject to change)

Week 1 2 3 4 Date T Sept. 3 Th Sept. 5 T Sept. 10 Th Sept. 12 T Sept. 17 Th Sept. 19 T Sept. 24 Topic/s Intro and Chemistry of Life I Chemistry and Molecules of Life Nutritious Macromolecules More Beautiful Macromolecules Miracle Workers Enzymes HOURLY EXAM I Spectacular regulators: Membranes Readings Chapters 2-5 Chapters 2-5 Chapter 8 Chapter 7 Homework 1 Due Assignments

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Th Sept. 26 T Oct. 1 Th Oct. 3 T Oct. 8 Th Oct. 10 T Oct. 15 Th Oct. 17 T Oct. 22 Th Oct. 24 T Oct. 29 Th Oct. 31 T Nov. 5 Th Nov. 7 T Nov. 12 Th Nov. 14 T Nov. 19 Th Nov. 21 T Nov. 26 Th Nov. 28 T Dec. 3 Th Dec. 5

The Cell Interior and the ECM What powers us Metabolism The ultimate source - Photosynthesis We need the Sun and Each Other HOURLY EXAM II How cells talk molecular signaling The Cell Cycle Regulation of cell cycle and Mitosis Chromosome Structure and Meiosis Gametes and Genetics Intro HOURLY EXAM III Genetics continued The mystery of inheritance - DNA DNA replication Transcription Translation HOURLY EXAM IV Regulation of Gene Expression THANKSGIVING NO CLASS Viruses and Biotechnology Continued

Chapter 6 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Homework 2 Due Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Ch. 13,15.4 Chapter 14 Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter 15 16 16 17 17

Homework 3 Due

Homework 4 Due

Chapter 18 Chapters 19,20 Homework 5 Due

Tips for Success in Bio 151

Welcome to College! One of the biggest transitions you will be making at this time is coming to the realization that YOU are ultimately responsible for your own success and mastery of the material in this course. My goal is to give you the tools to succeed while making the course as interesting and educational as possible. I am very open to questions, comments, and feedback at any time during lecture, during office hours, or via email. There is no such thing as a dumb question! The following are some suggestions that will help you develop effective study skills for the course and beyond. Time Management This is truly the key to college (and life) success. As a college student, most of your learning time is spent OUTSIDE of the classroom. For every hour you spend in class, you should be spending 2-3 hours outside of class in a CONCENTRATED ACTIVE STUDY SITUATION. Spending this time in one or even two sittings is not likely to be effective as your mind is likely to be wandering to other places: a concert, a conversation, other preoccupations. Therefore you need to be realistic about the length of each sitting you call studying. In this and other courses, you are dealing with an enormous amount of complex information. You need time to allow the information to settle, for you to work with it, practice explaining it, see how it fits with other topics covered, see how it relates to your life, approach it from different angles, in order to master it . Seek out help if you need it. The more effective and well managed your study time, the more you can truly enjoy all of the great activities and extracurricular events that MCPHS and Boston have to offer and the less stressed you will feel. Note-Taking and Study Habits Sitting passively in class and not taking notes is a recipe for disaster. Sitting passively as you look over your notes after class will also be of little help when exam tie comes. Instead, consider doing the following:

Spend a few minutes before lecture familiarizing your self with the topic of the day by looking over the slides that have been posted on Blackboard. Look up vocabulary that is unfamiliar. If the textbook helps you, read the section that relate to my slides before class. If the textbook feels too complicated, try waiting until after class to read the relevant sections. Experiment to figure out what way the textbook works for you. Try to take notes in your own words (dont just write down what is on my slides ). Set up a margin to take notes on the notes and/or to indicate where something is unclear. Write down the page and figure number if there is a diagram in the book you find useful. Consider preparing flash cards with terms and processes on one side and definitions or explanations on the other side. Use these to test yourself both in and out of context. Study the cards in the order the topic was presented and when you feel ready, pull out random cards to test yourself when the information is out of its usual context. This will allow you to access the information from different points of view. Since everyone learns differently, get to know what is most helpful to you: visual, auditory, or combinations of both. Looking at pictures and diagrams, drawing such on your own, and listening closely during class are all potentially helpful. While there is no magic formula that works for everyone, some of the following approaches have been scientifically proven to enhance student performance. Two general principles are: o Spread out your studying: this means DO NOT CRAM! By that I dont mean dont study the night before an exam; I mean dont start preparing a week before the test. Study some every day, or at least several times a week. You need time to absorb, digest, and assimilate the material. o Repeated Practicing: in order to succeed on exams, you need to actively engage with the material. Explaining a process out loud to yourself or to a friend, can be a good diagnostic. You will know quickly if you understand the process well, or if you get stuck and need to look something up. In addition to flashcards, use the homework questions, end of chapter questions, as well as quizzes on the publisher web site, or the study guide that can be purchased from the publisher.

Homework This component is an easy 15% of your grade if you take it seriously. Research each question, double check your answers, and save your work. Consider homework assignments as practice for exams. Can you work on it with others? Of course, but the more you rely on others, the less practice you will have for exam situations where you are under pressure and dont have any help. I recommend working on a homework assignment by yourself first and then you can discuss your answers with a buddy after you have done your best by yourself. Do NOT robotically enter an answer when you submit your homework and do NOT wait until the last moment to submit it! If you have technical difficulties with submitting your assignment, you must contact me BEFORE THE DEADLINE and, as a last resort submit your answers in an email. Remember, I do not accept late work. Getting Help If you feel that you are struggling in the course, the most important thing you can do for yourself is to SEEK HELP RIGHT AWAY! There is very little that I can do for a student who approaches me with two weeks left in the semester wanting to know how they can improve their grade. There are numerous resources available to you and the key is TO USE THEM! Your professor: one of the most rewarding aspects of my job is to support students in accomplishing their goals. I am available to meet with individuals and/or groups of students after lecture, or by prearranged appointments, to discuss concepts covered in lecture that need further clarification, studying strategies, or other issues that interfere with your learning. The Academic Resource Center (ARC): Located in white Hall 110, the ARC has academic advisors and academic counselors on-hand to assist you with study strategies, time management, stress managements, curriculum planning, etc. They also run extensive peer tutoring programs and can help you find a tutor that matches your needs.

Supplemental Instruction: This course will have weekly supplemental instruction session that will be held in the evenings. These sessions are run by upper-class students who had excelled in this course. During these sessions, the instructor will RE-TEACH concepts taught during my lectures, as well as take questions for clarification. I encourage you to attend as the word on the street is that these are very helpful.

Classroom Etiquette
It is my goal to promote and environment that is conducive to learning, and in order to achieve this goal, we need to work together to show courtesy and respect to one another. Rude and disruptive behavior makes the classroom un-enjoyable for all, and is not befitting a college environment. To that end, please follow these house rules: 1. You can address me in one of 3 ways: Professor Halpern, Dr. Halpern, or Carol 2. Please arrive to class on time. It is very disruptive to me as well as your classmates when all heads turn to watch your entrance. Furthermore, the seating arrangement in the lecture hall may not allow you to get to a seat without serious disruption of numerous others. 3. Plan to stay for the whole class time. Leaving in the middle is disruptive to all and suggests that you dont respect the learning that is taking place. Furthermore, do not start putting away your notebooks and packing before I have completed my lecture and have dismissed class. 4. Smart phones and other electronic devices that are nor being used for active note-taking are prohibited. Texting is not allowed during class! Laptops and tablets are to be used for notetaking purposes only, and their usage will be monitored. Failure to comply with these policies will result in removal from the classroom. 5. The most disruptive behavior is classroom chatter. Your fellow classmates and your professor deserve a quiet learning environment and resentment builds among students who feel that their peers are not taking class seriously. Chatting during class will not be tolerated; this behavior will result in removal from the classroom.