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Introduction to Molecular Biology & Biochemistry Research 694:214

Lecture: H3
Thurs. 12:00-1:20
Waksman, Rm 1001
(Directions)

Lab:
Thurs. 1:40-5:00
Waksman, Room 19

Spring 2010

Introduction • Independent Undergraduate Research • Fellowships
Course Instructor Dr. Andrew Vershon (732) 445-2905
Lab Coordinator Dr. Janet Mead (732) 445-4661
The purpose of this course is to train students in the background and techniques used in modern molecular biology and biochemistry by giving them as much “hands on” experience as possible. Students will conduct a research project for which the results are unknown and the outcome could potentially lead to new and exciting avenues of research. After some initial training in common techniques used in molecular biology, students will start to work on their main research project.  The project involves sequencing random clones from a cDNA library.  The sequences derived from these experiments will be used to query a database for sequence similarity using the appropriate computer software.  When matches are found, students will then search the scientific literature for information on the genes that they have identified.   Students in the course will identify genes that have never been sequenced before and will have the opportunity to publish their sequence on GenBank the international sequence database of the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI).
Lecture & Lab Schedule
Week
 Date Topic
1
 1/21 Lecture: Introduction, Project, The Central Dogma
  Lab: Lab Introduction and Rules, Pipeting, Plating Library
2
 1/28 Lecture: Cloning Vectors, DNA libraries
    Lab: Basic Techniques: Dilutions, DNA concentration, Set up ONs
3
 2/4 Lecture: Analyzing DNA - Restriction enzymes & PCR, Advanced Mapping
    Lab: Plasmid DNA Minipreps
4
 2/11 Lecture: Sequencing DNA, DNA Sequencing: Finding a Lab,
    Lab: Restriction Digests & PCR, Set up ONs
5
 2/18 Lecture: Bioinformatics Analysis Part I: Sequencing DNA, Crop and edit DNA sequences
    Lab: Gel ELectrophoresis, Choose clones to sequence
6
 2/25 Lecture: Bioinformatics Analysis Part II: BLASTN, BLASTX,
    Lab: DNA Sequence Analysis, Minipreps, PCR Due: Analysis of gels
7
 3/4 Lecture: Bioinformatics Analysis Part III:ORF, BLASTP, Lit search
    Lab: Restriction Digests & Gel Electrophoresis, Sequence Analysis
8
 3/11 Lecture: In Class Exam (Analysis of Clones PC1-3 to BLASTX step due 12:00 noon)
    Lab: DNA Sequencing (round 2), Sequence Analysis
9
 3/18 No Class - Spring Break
10
 3/25 Lecture: Bioinformatics Analysis Part IV: Determine if the For and Rev Overlap, construct a contig
    Lab: Sequence Analysis of PC and your own clones, Design Primers
11
 4/1 Lecture: Clustal and Structure Crop Rev sequence (Analysis of Clones PC1-4 completed by 12:00 noon)
Due: Indicate topic of your presentation
    Lab: Set up genomic PCR
DUE: Gene of Interest Summary Clone Management Sheet
12
 4/8 Lecture: Tools of Molecular Biology
Due: Outline of research presentation and abstract of an original research article
    Lab: Gel electrophoresis, Prepare PCR fragment for DNA sequence analysis
13
 4/15

Lecture: Giving Presentations, Careers in Biomedical Sciences
DUE: Outline of Presentation and Abstract of a Primary Article
    Lab: Sequence analysis
14
 4/22 Lecture & Lab: Presentations: DUE: Powerpoint files and Abstracts are due for all students by 10:00 AM
15
 4/29 Lecture & Lab: Presentations
  Exam

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last updated 8/24/2009