DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY PCB 4524 Molecular Biology FALL 2017

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1 DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY PCB 4524 Molecular Biology FALL 2017 Professor: Dr. Camila Granados-Cifuentes (spelling DOES matter!) Office: OE-224 Office hours Friday 3-7 PM. If you cannot make it to these hours, please schedule for an appointment. The best way to contact me is by . Please include the course number and a clear topic in the subject line (for example, PCB4524 cannot access Blackboard ). While Internet allows us to send messages instantaneously, we are not always able to access our in a similar fashion. My guarantee to you is that I will respond to you within hours. If you don t hear back from me, please feel free to send a follow up , except for holidays and days when the university is closed. LECTURE TEXT James D. Watson, Molecular Biology of the Gene, 7 ed., Pearson. *Additional reading may include scientific articles that will be posted on Blackboard in PDF format. These additional readings will be testable material on lecture exams! Modified Mastering alone (with etext): Loose-leaf textbook + Modified Mastering (with etext): LEARNING OBJECTIVES The course has the goal of providing a strong foundation for examining, analyzing, and addressing genetics focusing on humans. This course has the following learning outcomes: 1. Students will be able to describe how nucleic acids convey genetic information. 2. Students will be able to compare and contrast the structure of macromolecules. 3. Students will be able to differentiate the different molecular techniques and their applications. 4. Students will be able to explain the mechanisms of gene expression and protein translation. 5. Students will be able to describe prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene regulation. 6. Students will be able to distinguish the different regulatory RNAs. ONLINE/BLACKBOARD Summarized lecture presentations, videos, and/or other material will be posted on Friday of each week. You will be able to find them in Content and organized by folders. The names of the folders will be according to the week number, chapter, and topic (e.g. Week 2 Ch 4, The Structure of DNA ). Additional readings required for a particular week will also be in this folder. You should come to class prepared by reading the corresponding assigned readings ( Ch refers to chapter from the book). Complementary resources will be available in a folder in Contents named Complementary resources. Please set aside a little bit of time these first days of the semester to familiarize with the organization of the course in Blackboard and Pearson ModifiedMastering. You will have weekly online quizzes due at 11:55 p.m. EST (see Schedule below). Quizzes will available from Tuesday and they are due the following Monday (except Quiz 2, which is due

2 Friday. Check schedule). Quizzes will be cumulative, but not necessarily all the content from previous topics will be covered. In other words, some quizzes might include all topics covered up to that point, some quizzes might not include all the topics covered. ALL exams are CUMULATIVE. Exams will also be delivered online on the corresponding date. You will have until 5 p.m. EST of the corresponding date to submit your exam. Late submissions will result in a grade of zero (0) absolutely no excuses! EXPECTATIONS STUDENTS CAN HAVE FOR INSTRUCTOR I grade soon after submission or collecting assignments or tests. Therefore, for in-class assignments you can expect to see your grades on Blackboard within the following hours. In the case of assignments, quizzes, and other activities done online, you will be able to see your grade and feedback at the following course week, unless otherwise indicated. I will be accessing Blackboard frequently, so you can expect to see me online as well. However, I also follow FIU s academic calendar. Therefore, I reduce my online access, grading, replying s, etc. when the college is closed and holidays. CLASS ATTENDANCE You are expected to come prepared and participate actively in class. This means watching the videos and doing the reading and writing assignments before class, being willing to contribute to class discussion, and participate in the activities carried out in class. Classes will consist of mini-lectures, in-class assignments, and/or discussions. Absences should only be for illnesses and family emergencies. In the case of missed lecture days or impending absences, you are responsible for obtaining lecture notes and in-class announcement information from fellow classmates. You will need a laptop (tablet only if you can access Blackboard tests) to submit in-class assignments. You can borrow a laptop in the library. Alternatively, you can use paper and pencil. However, keep in mind I will not return assignments so you might want to get a carbonless lab notebook (about $5 on Amazon) for you to have copies of your assignments. Class assignments count for 20% of your grade. Absences should only be for illnesses and family emergencies. In the case of missed lecture days or impending absences, you are responsible for obtaining lecture notes and in-class announcement information from fellow classmates. You can expect iclicker questions in every lecture. This will help all of us assess your understanding of the topic being covered. It is your responsibility to bring your iclicker and electronic device to class. COURSE PROJECT You will be developing a course project throughout the semester. This project is to be developed individually or by pairs. The course project will be a choice of your topic within molecular biology (see Schedule for topic selection deadline). Topics will be given on a first come, first serve basis. Your project should answer the following three questions: 1. What is your topic about? 2. What is its scientific relevance? 3. Why did you find this topic interesting? You will have to write a progress report of your project (5% of your grade; see Schedule for due date). There are four days for presentations (see Schedule), but the order will be selected randomly during

3 these days. You will have 12 min, 2 min questions for your presentations. You will have to post a brief summary of your topic on the Discussion Board or receive a zero for your project (see Schedule for due date). I will be providing more details throughout the semester. Content from every project WILL BE INCLUDED in Exam 4. ACADEMIC GRIEVANCES I attempt to provide excellent instruction in a manner that is fair to all students. However, if you believe that you have not been dealt with fairly or that instruction has been inadequate, procedures exist for handling grievances. First, speak with me!! Perhaps I am unaware that a problem exists. Speaking with me may provide a satisfactory explanation to resolve the problem or make adjustments to accommodate special needs. Second, if the problem is not or cannot be resolved with me, speak with the department head or chair person. Finally, if the problem still cannot be resolved, speak with the Dean of Students. Florida International University is a community dedicated to generating and imparting knowledge through excellent teaching and research, the rigorous and respectful exchange of ideas, and community service. All students should respect the right of others to have an equitable opportunity to learn and to honestly demonstrate the quality of their learning. Therefore, all students are expected to adhere to a standard of academic conduct, which demonstrates respect for themselves, their fellow students, and the educational mission of the University. All students are deemed by the University to understand that if they are found responsible for academic misconduct, they will be subject to the Academic Misconduct procedures and sanctions. Academic Misconduct policies and procedures will be strictly enforced regarding cheating. Anyone caught cheating will be asked to leave the class, will be given an F for the whole course and a petition will be sent to Academic Affairs. NO EXCEPTIONS. ACCOMMODATION The Disability Resource Center collaborates with students, faculty, staff, and community members to create diverse learning environments that are usable, equitable, inclusive and sustainable. The DRC provides FIU students with disabilities the necessary support to successfully complete their education and participate in activities available to all students. If you have a diagnosed disability and plan to utilize academic accommodations, please contact the Center at or visit them at the Graham Center GC 190. Please visit the ADA Compliance webpage for information about accessibility involving the tools used in this course. Please visit Blackboard s Commitment Accessibility webpage for more information. For additional assistance please contact FIU s Disability Resource Center. CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE Please arrive on time. Lectures and in-class activities begin promptly as scheduled. If an unusual circumstance requires you to anticipate leaving early, please sit near the exit so that you may leave quietly. Your UNDIVIDED ATTENTION to class is required at all times. Therefore, electronic devices are allowed ONLY for note taking or to assist with classroom activities.

4 There is zero tolerance for non-class-related use of electronic devices. You will receive a zero for the activities done in class that day. CELL PHONES The ringing of cell phones can be very distracting in the classroom; therefore, all cell phones should be turned off during our face-to-face periods. You are not allowed using your cell phones during the class period for personal matters. CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM ARE SERIOUS OFFENSES. You are expected to perform your own work on all online quizzes and exams. Using another student's iclicker during class (i.e. to click-in for them) constitutes cheating. While you are strongly encouraged to discuss ideas with other students and study together, do not copy anyone else's work and do not allow anyone to copy yours. Florida International University is a community dedicated to generating and imparting knowledge through excellent teaching and research, the rigorous and respectful exchange of ideas, and community service. All students should respect the right of others to have an equitable opportunity to learn and to honestly demonstrate the quality of their learning. Therefore, all students are expected to adhere to a standard of academic conduct, which demonstrates respect for themselves, their fellow students, and the educational mission of the University. All students are deemed by the University to understand that if they are found responsible for academic misconduct, they will be subject to the Academic Misconduct procedures and sanctions. Academic Misconduct policies and procedures will be strictly enforced regarding cheating. Anyone caught cheating will be asked to leave the class, will be given an F for the whole course and a petition will be sent to Academic Affairs. NO EXCEPTIONS. EVALUATION FORMS/LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: I will only fill out evaluation forms or write recommendation letter to students who assisted or are assisting me as LA or PLTL GRADES If you have a correction or question about your grade, you MUST submit it within a week of the grade being posted on Blackboard. Otherwise, your grade stays as-is irrespective of your work. If you miss an exam, you will need to provide a VALID document no later than one week from the missed exam. Once the document is approved, you will be able to count the final exam grade as both: the final exam and your missed exam. Examples of acceptable excuses: documented medical emergencies, death of members of immediate family, and jury duty. All of these must be accompanied by a valid and verifiable written letter signed by a professional or some other type of irrefutable and documental proof. Examples of unacceptable excuses: common cold, family problems, transportation problems, etc. There is no make up for missed in-class assignments.

5 Letter grades for the course will be based on the grading scale below. All grades are on a 10-point scale (NO pluses/minuses or incompletes). Note that In-class assessments are 30% of the grade failure to attend class will result in a maximum grade ranging from C to F: A B C D F <59 I do not curve. Grades are not negotiable. I do not round up or down! The table below shows the activity types contained within this course and the assigned percentage to determine the final course grade. Activity Types Percentage Cumulative Exams (4 at 10%) 40% In-class Activities 20% Post Exam Reflections 10% Online Quizzes (2 lowest grades are dropped) 10% Wrap-up Semester Activity 5% Project Progress Report due Friday, Oct. 13, :59p.m. 5% Project Presentation (order is random Nov. 6, 8, 13, 15, 2017) + discussion board (post by Monday Nov. 13, 10% 11:59 p.m.) TOTAL 100% Good luck in your course ** I reserve the right to modify this syllabus as needed

6 Week Dates Topic Reading Online Assessments Deadlines. (*time due is 11:55 PM EST of the deadline) 01 Aug Course introduction Nucleic Acids Convey Genetic Information Syllabus Ch 2 02 Aug 28- Sep1 The Structure of DNA Genome Structure, Chromatin, and the Nucleosome Ch 4 Ch 8 - Quiz 1: content up to Week 1; due M Aug. 28, 2017* - Quiz 2: content up to Week 2; due F Sep. 1, 2017* 03 Sep 4-8 M Sep 4 LABOR DAY University closed: no class Wednesday Sep. 6 Exam 1, content up to Week 2, online due at 5 p.m. EDT 04 Sep Post Exam Reflection The Structure of RNA Project topic decision Sep. 15, 2017, 5 p.m. EDT Ch 5 - Quiz 3: content up to Week 3; due M Sep. 11, 2017* Project topic decision Sep. 15, 2017, 5p.m. via 05 Sep The Structure of Proteins Ch 6 - Quiz 4: content up to Week 4; due M Sep. 18, 2017* 06 Sep Monday Sep. 25 Exam 2, content up to Week 5, online due at 5 p.m. EDT Post Exam Reflection 07 Oct 2-6 Techniques of Molecular Biology Ch 7 - Quiz 5: content up to Week 5; due M Oct. 2, 2017* 08 Oct 9-13 Mechanisms of Transcription Ch 13 - Quiz 6: content up to Week 7; due M Oct. 9, 2017* Project Progress Report FRIDAY OCT. 13, 2017, 11:59 p.m. EDT via Blackboard

7 09 Oct Oct RNA Splicing Ch 14 - Quiz 7: content up to Week 8; due M Oct. 16, 2017* Translation Ch 15 - Quiz 8: content up to Week 9; due M Oct. 23, 2017* 11 Oct 30- Nov 3 Monday Oct. 30 Exam 3, content up to Week 10, online due at 5 p.m. EDT Post exam reflection 12 Nov 6-10 Project presentations (random order for Nov 6, 8, 13, 15) - Quiz 10: content up to Week 10; due M Nov. 6, 2017* 13 Nov Project presentations (random order for Nov 6, 8, 13, 15) Post your project summary on the Discussion Board irrespective on when you present. Due M Nov. 13, 2017, 11:59 p.m. 14 Nov Regulation in Eukaryotes W Nov 22 Catch up day: NO class Nov THANKSGIVING University closed Ch Nov 27- Dec 1 Wrap-up activity Review - Quiz 10: content up to Week 14; due M Nov. 27, 2017* 16 Dec 4-8 Exam 4, content up to Week 15, online due at 5 p.m. EDT (includes presentations) and schedule as per University finals week schedule

Prerequisite: General Biology 107 (UE) and 107L (UE) with a grade of C- or better. Chemistry 118 (UE) and 118L (UE) or permission of instructor.

Prerequisite: General Biology 107 (UE) and 107L (UE) with a grade of C- or better. Chemistry 118 (UE) and 118L (UE) or permission of instructor. Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology BIOL 499-02 Fall 2017 Class time: Lectures: Tuesday, Thursday 8:30 am 9:45 am Location: Name of Faculty: Contact details: Laboratory: 2:00 pm-4:00 pm; Monday