Advanced Molecular Genetics-Biology 566 Syllabus
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Topic Schedule

Date	Topic	Reading
Jan. 24	Introduction, Central Dogma	Review
26	Prokaryotic b-galactosidase regulation	G&S 1-26, 177 - 181
31	Prokaryotic - Lambda Phage gene expression	G&S 26-42
Feb. 2	Prokaryotic - Polymerase Activation, Promoter Activation, Silencing	G&S 42-57
7	Yeast regulation, Gal	G&S 59-92
9	Yeast silencing	G&S 92-114, Ann. Rev. Biochem. 2003. 72:481–516
14	Yeast silencing	Ann. Rev. Biochem. 2003. 72:481–516
16	Exam 1
21	Signal Transduction	Signals and Receptors
23	"	Signal Transduction Cytoplasmic Domains, G-proteins
28	"	Effector proteins, Calcium ion signaling
Mar. 2	"	Phosphorylation and Dephosphorylation
7	"	Signal Pathways for RPTKs
9	"	Signal Pathways for non-RPTKs
14	"	Phosphoinositide 3P Kinase regulation
16	"	Cell Adhesion and signal transduction
21, 23	Spring Break
28	Exam 2
30	Dosage Compensation for X Chromosome	Chromatin Remodeling in Dosage Compensation Xist RNA and the Mechanism of X Chromosome Inactivation Silencing of the Mammalian X Chromosome
Apr. 4	"	"
6	Stem Cells	Molecular Mechanisms of Germline Stem Cell Regulation
11	T-Cell Development	Molecular Genetics of T Cell Development
13	RNA Regulators	An Abundance of RNA Regulators
18	Abhishek Srivastava Tia Highes
20	Bryan Mason Vipula Petluru
25	Eva Ngulo Julie Shuck
27	Karen Ambrose Michael
May 2	Natalina Elliott Ali Wright
4	Prions	Prion Genetics: New rules for a New Kind of Gene
May 4	Final Exam, 8-10 AM

Prerequisites: Biology 495 or consent of instructor.

Consideration of the molecular mechanisms for gene expression and regulation. 3 hr. credit.

Instructor: Claire Rinehart Office: 121 TCNW Phones: 745-5997, 843-9028 (h)

Required Texts

Genes and Signals by Mark Ptashne and Alexander Gann, Cold Springs Harbor Press, 2002. ISBN 0-87969-633-8

Signal Transduction by B.D. Gomperts, I.M. Kramer, and P.E.R. Tatham, Elsevier Academic Press, 2003. ISBN 0-12-289632-7

Papers and Reviews listed in reading assignments. (.pdfs available on web)
 
 

Participation

Students are expected to read the assignment before attending class and participate in the class discussions. Lack of preparedness and participation will result in loss of up to 50 participation points.

Exams

There will be three exams given, each worth 100 points. Exams will be comprehensive over the material covered since the last exam.

Student Presentations

Each student will be required to present the contents of a journal article published within the last year that describes the advancement of knowledge in one of the areas of molecular genetics. The paper must be pre-approved by the instructor and a copy should be made available to the instructor by April 1. During the presentation the student should present sufficient background (perhaps out of other papers or reviews) so that the class will understand the nature of the question being answered and the general methods used to derive that answer. Each student will have 30 minutes for their presentation and 5 minutes for questions. The presentation will be worth 50 points. Points will be assigned for: thoroughness of the introduction, clear presentation of the purpose of the work presented in the paper, concise presentation of experimental evidence supporting the papers conclusions, a good summary of the conclusions and how they relate to the general body of knowledge in the field, and the demonstration of a thorough grasp of the subject as exhibited by the student's ability to answer questions (10 points for each area).

Point Summary:

Exam 1 100

Exam 2 100

Final Exam 100

Participation 50

Student Presentation 50

Total 400

Grades: A = 90-100%, B = 80-89.99%, C = 70-79.99%, D = 60-69.99%, F = 0 - 59.99%.

Policies

Academic Integrity - It is expected that each student will do his/her own work at all times and contribute equitably in all group projects.

Academic Misconduct - Dishonesty, in any form (cheating on quizzes or exams, plagiarism, copying another's assignment answers, etc.) will result in a failing grade.

Disabilities: "Students with disabilities who require accommodations (academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids or services) for this course must contact the Office for Student Disability Services, Room 445, Potter Hall. The OFSDS telephone number is (270) 745-5004 V/TDD. Please DO NOT request accommodations directly from the professor or instructor without a letter of accommodation from the Office for Student Disability Services." 

Withdrawals: If you wish to withdraw from the course you should do so by the dates mandated by the University. Be sure you are aware of these dates because credit for the course will not be changed after the university designated time. You also cannot drop the class or Withdraw after the designated time. Be aware that it is YOUR responsibility to drop the class. Do not assume that I will do this for you. 

*** When you have finished reading this syllabus, you must send a signed email to your instructor and indicating whether or not you will abide by this syllabus and the prescribed policies. ***