COURSE DESCRIPTION - The emphasis of this lecture course is placed on the detailed study of the major cellular components with particular attention to the relationship between functions and the molecular and supramolecular organization of the cell. Topics will include the fine structure of eukaryotes, prokaryotes and viruses, the molecular composition of cells and the manipulation of cellular components, and molecular genetics The emerging field of molecular cell biology, a union of several subfields of biology including genetics, cell biology, biochemistry and microscopy, offers a more comprehensive approach to the understanding of the cell and ultimately, the human organism.

PREREQUISITES - Principles of Biology I and II; Principles of Chemistry I and II

GOAL: The main goal of this one-semester lecture course is the understanding of the role of the cell as the fundamental unit of both structure and function in all living things. The molecular aspects of the cellular organelles will also be stressed as well as the integration of this cell into a multicellular organism.

TEXT: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF THE CELL, 4e. 2002. Alberts, B., et al. Garland Science, New York.

EXPLORING GENOMES: Web-Based Bioinformatics Tutorials, Young, P. G., W. H. Freeman, New York.

READINGS: Chapters from the assigned text MUST be read before the appropriate lectures. Outlines for each chapter will be given to aid in the study of the material covered. Reading of additional handouts, which supplement the text and lectures, is strongly recommended. These handouts will include clinical topics and current directions in cell/molecular biology research. On reserve in the library will be primary and secondary sources to support and supplement the text and to serve as the beginning for researching your topic.

PROBLEM-SOLVING: A key component to the successful understanding of cell and molecular biology involves the ability to solve related problems. Problem sets will be given before each exam. Students are encouraged to work on these problems in groups. Several problems from the first set will appear on the Exam I. The required term paper is the culmination of a search and analysis of the current research literature on a chosen specific topic. Students should gain a clearer understanding of the method of scientific inquiry.

STUDENT ASSESSMENT:

50% = 2 SCHEDULED EXAMINATIONS**

EXAM I - Molecular anatomy and manipulation EXAM II - Oral Exam-student designed / Molecular organization of the cell Take-home problem sets are included for each exam.

** NO MAKEUP EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN

35% = WEB PAGE ASSIGNMENT

10% = WRITTEN SECONDARY SOURCE ARTICLE ON THE TOPIC OF YOUR CHOICE

(title should be submitted in writing 10/18/07 as part of midterm exam and include at least three primary sources; the final paper should include at least five primary sources: due date for final paper - 11/30/07)

5% = CLASS PARTICIPATION/QUESTIONS (this includes attendance)

1

8/29/07

2

9/05/07

3

9/12/07

4, 5

9/19/07-9/26/07

6, 7

10/03/07

8, 9

10/10/07

1-9

10/17/07

10, 11

10/24/07-11/31/07

12, 13

11/07/07

14, 15

11/14/07

16, 17, 18

11/28/07

11/28/07

12/05/07

BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT HONOR CODE

The biology department has adopted a “zero-tolerance” policy regarding any form of academic dishonesty.
Please read the guidelines at http://www.mville.edu/biology/honorcode.html.
As a student enrolled in this Biology course at Manhattanville College, you must agree to follow
the honor code of conduct as outlined and indicate so in Blackboard under Course Information.