COURSE SYLLABUS
BME 5030: Introduction to Molecular Biology for Engineers
Section No: 56136
Time: 3:30 - 5:20 Tues, Thurs
Room: 2220 Bioengineering Center
Instructor: John Cavanaugh
Office location: Room 2206, Bioengineering Center
Phone number: 313-577-3916 Fax: 313-577-8333
E-mail address: cavanau@rrb.eng.wayne.edu
Web page: http://ttb.eng.wayne.edu for the Bioengineering Center, then click on "John Cavanaugh."
Office Hours: 2:00 - 3:30 Tuesday and Thursday or by appointment
Course objectives: The objectives of this course are for the student to attain the following:
1. An appreciation of how genetic engineering and biotechnology will influence health care in the next century.
2. A basic understanding of the structure and function of cells.
3. Knowledge of the types of chemicals in a cell and their function.
4. A working knowledge of genes and how genes are expressed (DNA to RNA to protein)
5. A familiarity with the tools used in genetic engineering and molecular biology.
6. An understanding of how the various techniques of molecular biology are applied.
7. The ability to synthesize objectives 1 through 6 into an oral and written report addressing a major topic or application in molecular biology.
Course Prerequisites: Required: None.
Recommended: Engineering Physiology (BME 5010). An undergraduate course in chemistry and an undergraduate course in biology are also recommended.
Student responsibilities:
The student's ability to meet objectives 1-7 will be evaluated as follows:
The percent of the total grade for each evaluation is shown in parentheses.
Objective 1: Written homework assignment and class participation (15%)
Objectives 2 - 4: Closed book examination (20%)
Objectives 5 - 6 : Open book examination (30%)
Objective 7: Final report (10% oral version, 25% final written version)
Required text:
Molecular Biology Made Simple and Fun
by David P. Clark and Lonnie D. Russell
Cache River Press, 1997
Material fee requirements:
$10 for handouts that are in addition to the course textbook.
Grading Policy:
The final grade will be divided as shown under student responsibilities.
The following is the grade range for graduate students:
A 93-100
A- 86-92
B+ 81-85
B 76-80
B- 71-75
C+ 66-70
C 61-65
C- 56-60
F less than 55
The above grading scale applies to undergraduate students except as follows:
D+ 51-55
D 46-50
D- 41-45
F 40 or less
Homework assignment and class participation in week 2: The student is to read the 1/11/99 issue of Time Magazine from page 42 to page 91. (Reading the ads is not required)! Each student is to write a short outline for each article. The outline should be divided into three areas as follows:
1. Major issues
2. What are the key techniques in molecular biology discussed in each article?
3. What else do you want to know based on this article (technical and otherwise?)
The outline for each article need not be longer than one-half page. They may be handwritten or typed. The purpose of this exercise is for you to read the article critically. The issues presented in these articles will introduce you to some of the major technologies we will be discussing in this course.
IN SHORT, EACH STUDENT IS TO TURN IN TEN OUTLINES, ONE FOR EACH OF THE TEN TOPICS SHOWN BELOW. THESE ARE DUE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE CLASS PERIOD OF JANUARY 18. KEEP AN EXTRA COPY FOR YOURSELF TO USE IN CLASS DISCUSSIONS ON JANUARY 18 AND 20.
The following are articles (and pages) to be discussed:
44-51, 54-55 Mapping our DNA **
56-60 Genetic testing for diseases **
62-63 DNA technology in criminal cases *
64-67 Testing and manipulating the genes of potential offspring **
68-73 Gene therapy to treat diseases **
74-77 Cloning **
79-83 New drugs based on genetic your profile **
84-85 Eugenics *
86-88 Genetically engineered food **
89-91 Genetic engineering in the future *
The articles will be presented by the students in the class periods on January 18 and 20. Articles labeled ** will be a shared presentation by two students. Articles labeled * will be by one student. You have 20-25 minutes for each presentation labeled ** and 10-15 minutes for those labeled *.
Exam and quiz policies:
The first examination will be closed book. The format of the exam will be multiple choice and short answer.
The second examination will be open book and open notes. The format of the exam will be short answer and essay questions.
Final report: The final written report is due Thursday, April 27th. It can be turned in prior to that date. The report will consist of 15-25 pages of text (double spaced) plus tables, figures and references. The report will be on a particular topic of your choice that focuses on an area of molecular biology. The report should go into some depth on a specific area and should not be just a repeat of material covered in the course. EACH REPORT WILL BE PUT TOGETHER BY A TEAM OF TWO TO FOUR STUDENTS. A report should be about eight pages per student, double spaced.
Examples of topics:
-The potential for joint regeneration using genetic engineering.
-Restoring cardiac blood flow with DNA.
-Molecular biology techniques for studying spinal cord injury.
-Various ethical issues in genetic engineering.
Late work and make-up examination policy: Taking examinations or giving reports other than on the days listed in the attached schedule will only be allowed for exceptional personal reasons. These must be discussed with the instructor at least two weeks prior to the exam or report date except in the case of unforseen emergencies. An unforseen medical emergency must have written documentation with the physicians signature. Attending a work meeting is not a valid reason for postponing an exam or delaying a report.
Attendance policy: Attendance at lectures is not mandatory for this course but regular attendance can help grades in borderline cases, as in adjusting a high C+ to a B-.
Due Dates for all major assignments: See attached schedule.
Dates of all exams and reports: See attached schedule.
Cheating policy:
There will be no talking between students during any examination or copying material from one exam to another. In the closed book exam, no materials, including computers, calculators or printed materials, are allowed. In the open book exam, all materials are allowed. The consequences of cheating on an examination will be a failing grade for the course.
Each written report must be the work of the students assigned to that report. No two reports can be on an identical topic.
Take-home exams and written reports must be in your own words.
Policy on withdrawal:
Please note that the LAST day to drop a class with a tuition refund is Monday, January 24.
Also note that the College of Engineering DOES NOT ALLOW Withdrawal from courses after the FIFTH week of classes except under exceptional circumstances. FAILING of a class is NOT an acceptable excuse for withdrawal after the 5th week.
Policy on deferred grades:
A grade of 'I' will only be assigned if the student IS NOT currently failing the class and if there is NOT a substantial quantity of work yet to be completed. An 'I' grade MUST be made up within one year of assignment of the grade.