Biology 4417/5417 - Molecular Biology
Course Description
Prerequisites: 19 hours in biology including both Biol. 2401 (Microbiology) and
Biol. 3300 (Genetics); Chemistry 1401 or 1403. Successfully completed either
Biol. 3400 or Biol. 4401 is strongly encouraged. Graduate standing is required
if enrolled in #5417. A study of molecular biology theory and practice. Emphasis is
on the study of model systems to understand the current approaches and laboratory
techniques necessary to answer basic questions in current molecular biology. If taken
for graduate credit, the prerequisites also include a BS in Biology or permission of
the instructor. Graduate students will be expected also to complete a mini-proposal
(NIH/NSF style) which will be defended orally.
TEXTBOOK: Molecular Cell Biology. Lodish et al 4th edition Wh Freeman and Co. 1999
Lecture Syllabus
Introduction
1) DNA Replication/ Organization
2) RNA Transcription/Translation Molecular Biological Techniques
3) Vectors
4) Enzymes used in Molecular Cloning
........................1. Gel Electrophoresis
........................2. cDNA/ Genomic Libraries
........................3. Library Screening
........................4. DNA sequencing
........................5. PCR
........................6. Mutagenesis
Exam #1
Selected Topics in Molecular Biology
...1.Expression of cloned Genes I
...2.Expression of cloned Genes II
...3.Detection of Gene Products I
...4.Detection of Gene Products II
...5.Transcription Regulation I
...6.Transcription Regulation II
...7.Transcription Regulation III
...8.Transcription Regulation IV
...9.Transcription Regulation V
..10. Post-Transcriptional/Translational Regulation
Exam #2
..11. Cell Cycle
..12. Cell Cycle
..13. Programmed Cell Death
..14. Oncogenes I
..15. Oncogenes II
..16. Oncogenes III
..17. Gene Therapy I (Genes in Medicine)
..18. Gene Therapy II (Genes in Medicine)
FINAL Exam
Laboratory Syllabus
Week 1/2
Lab Safety / The Big Picture Tour of the BUSH empire
.........Media Prep/Sterilization/Bacterial Stocks/Tips
.........Autoclave Prep Solutions (TAE / TBE etc.)
.........Pour Gels (Agarose)
........ Pipette Practice
........ Agarose gel electrophoresis. Molecular Weight Estimation
.........Bacterial transformation/plating on LB-Amp plates
Week 3-5
DNA miniprep procedures
.........Isolate DNA and Agarose gel electrophoresis
.........Restriction Digestions
.........Principles of PCR
.........Restriction digest of your miniprepDNA
.........Electrophoresis
START REAL EXPERIMENTS FOR THE BIG PROJECT
Week 5/6
Setup RAB PCR - TM discussion
.........Variables of PCR
.........Run Gel of PCR Rxn
.........Setup Ligation
.........Principles of Vector-Insert Ligations
Week 6/7
Transformation of the Ligation Products
.........Principles of DNA Transformation
.........Vectors
.........Blue/White Selection
.........TA Vector Discussion
.........Antibiotic Selection, etc.
Start Minipreps from Plates.
.........Sterile Techniques
.........Redo transformations and/or PCR
Week 7/8
Minipreps on all Picked Colonies
.........ETOH ppt
.........Speed Vac Minipreps - Resuspend in TE
.........Electrophoresis "uncut" DNA
LAB Take-home Test#1 Given Out (Due in 1 week)
Week 9/10
Review Principles of Restriction Digestion
.........Do Eco RI Digestion on Miniprep DNA (Detect Inserts)
.........Run the digestion products out. Size of Inserts?
.........Sequencing Principles
Week 11/12
Sequencing Principles-Radiation Safety
.........Fetamolar Kit - Setup
.........Sequencing Rxn.
.........Run Sequence Gel - Load
Week 13-15
Principle of Reading a Sequence Autorad
.........Read Gel
.........Darkroom Work
Internet for Biologist
.........Genebank-Submit Sequences to Blast
.........Analysis of the your group’s data
LAB Take-home Test#2 Given Out (Due in 1 week)
LINKS for Molecular Biology Class
NIH Blast
What is Blast?
Blast FAQs
National Center for Biotechnology Information
National Library of Medicine
National Institutes of Health
Virtual Genome Center
Entrez
PubMed
The Dictyostelium Virtual Library
National Science Foundation
Dr. Bush's Latest Grant Abstract: NSF #9734093
*****Special Programs At UALR*****
The Molecular Biotechnology Program
The new degree emphasis in molecular biotechnology is designed for students that want
to pursue a research career in molecular biotechnology at the bachelor’s level. This
concentration will prepare students for technical occupations in basic and applied
molecular biotechnology research.
www.ualr.edu/~biology/biotech.html
Graduate Program in Biotech -Applied Science Department at UALR
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