Instructor
Dr. Ornella Selmin: Assistant Professor, Veterinary Science and Microbiology
Ph. 626-6087
Office Room 14, Central Animal Care
E-mail: selmin@u.arizona.edu
Office Hours: By appointment
Introduction
This course emphasizes cellular and microbial molecular control mechanism, including gene expression and regulation, biochemical and signaling pathways, and the use of these processes in applied biotechnology. An introduction is provided to the alteration of cellular control processes in specific host-parasite interactions, to the vectoring of genetic information between cells, and to relevant evolutionary mechanisms and variability as it applies to biotechnology.
Course objectives
1. Understand the bases of eucaryotic gene expression and regulation,
stressing differences, similarities, and interactions with procaryotes.
2. Become familiar with the most current laboratory techniques used in microbiology and molecular biology.
3. Appreciate the variety of biotechnology applications in research, medicine, and agriculture.
Textbook
All the material covered in class or suggested as additional information will be available from web sites indicated in the syllabus and updated every week. Notes for each lecture will be available for downloading before each class. Suggested book is The Cell, A Molecular Approach, second edition, Geoffrey M. Cooper, and "Human Molecular Genetics 2", Strachan, Tom and Read, Andrew P, New York and London:Garland Science (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books)
University holidays
September 3, 2007 Labor Day
November 12, 2007 Veteran’s Day
November 22-25, 2007 Thanksgiving Recess
Class attendance policy
Class attendance is mandatory and necessary in order to earn the highest grade. Participation to class discussions is also desired. Students are encouraged to learn the lecture material from the book, and the other recommended sources, including the Web, research articles, and class notes. Students are strongly encouraged to view the lecture material and prepare questions for discussion before class.
Examinations
There will be two MIDTERMS, on September 27 (material covered from August 21 to September 25) and the second one on November 1 (material covered from September 25 to October 30). The final exam is scheduled for December 13 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, and will be comprehensive of all the material covered during the semester.
Each examination will be preceded by a Quiz (September 13, October 1, and November 20). Each Quiz will account for 10% (x3), Midterm for 25% (x2), and Final for 20% of the final score.
Make up examinations will not be permitted.
Exceptions: Physician documented illness received before or on the day of the examination, or a direct conflict with an official university scheduled activity, if requested prior to the examination. In these exceptional instances the make-up examinations will be given on “dead day”.
Grading
Grading will be assigned according to the mean score:
90-100%, “A”
79-89%, “B”
69-78%, “C”
59-68%, “D”
below 59%, “E”.
The grade of “I” (Incomplete) requires instructor approval and will be awarded when all but a minor portion of the course work has been satisfactorily completed. Withdrawal (“W”): Prior to the end of the fourth week of classes, official withdrawal (drop) cancels the registration for the course. During weeks five through eight, the grade of W is awarded to students who are passing at the time of withdrawal. The grade of E will be awarded to students not passing at the time of withdrawal. Students who wish to audit must register.
The instructor anticipates that there will be three extra credit tests, which will account for 2.5% of the total point each. These extra points (for a possible maximum of a 7.5%) will be added as a bonus to the final score at the end of the semester. These extra credits tests will be given on any Thursdays and will last approximately 15 minutes. Participation during class activities (newsbreaks, debates and discussions) and regular lectures will also be given high consideration for extra points.
Code of academic integrity
University standards for ethical behavior are outlined under “The Code of Academic Integrity” (http://w3.arizona.edu/~studpubs/policies/cacaint.htn). In addition, all forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited, including, but not limited to: cheating, fabrication of data, plagiarism, modifying any academic work to obtain additional credit, or facilitating any of the above. Committing any of the above will result in sanctions being imposed on the student’s scores or grade up to and including the assignment of an “E” for the entire course.
Special needs
For special accommodations or services students should contact the
SALT (Strategic Alternatives Learning Techniques) Center for Learning Disabilities
SALT Center, Old Main
PO Box 210021
Tucson, AZ 85721-0021
(520) 621-1242, FAX (520) 621-9448 TTY (520) 626-6072
http://www.salt.arizona.edu
and/or the
Disability Resources Center
1540 E. 2nd Street
PO Box 210064
Tucson, AZ 85721-0064
(520) 621-9423
http://drc.arizona.edu/.
The need for accommodation must be documented by the appropriate office.