BIOL 3100- Biocomputing
Course Syllabus- Spring 2007

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact 
the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255, 678-466-5445, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu.

Course Description:

Number and Title:

BIOL 3100 (CRN 24559)
Biocomputing

Credit Hours:

3.0 Semester credit hours

Catalog Description:

The human genome project and the web revolution present new challenges and opportunities for biologists. The only way to deal effectively with the information explosion in biology is to use computers.  Students in this course will use computer applications to search databases, perform calculations and develop models concerning biological problems.

Course prerequisite and co-requisite:

Prerequisites: BIOL 3250 (or BIOL 2250), BIOL 4201 and  MATH 1231.

Computer Requirement:

Each CCSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access.  For further information on CCSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm .

Computer Skill Prerequisites:

• Able to use the Windows operating system
• Able to use Microsoft Word
• Able to send and receive e-mail using your CCSU account
• Able to attach and retrieve attached files via email
• Able to use a Web browser.

In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers:

• Student notebook computers will be used during EVERY class meeting in this course.

Course Objectives:

• To learn the concepts behind bioinformatics tools and to learn how to use tools in bioinformatics to study the phylogeny, expression, structure, and function of genes and proteins.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Biology Outcomes

          BIOL3100 supports outcomes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the biology major:

  • Outcome 1:  Knowledge of the basic principles of major fields of biology.
  • Outcome 3:  Knowledge of physical science, mathematics, and statistics required to support an understanding of biology. 

  • Outcome 4: Ability to communicate orally and in writing in a clear, concise manner.  

  • Outcome 5:  Ability to collect, evaluate and interpret scientific data, and employ critical thinking to solve problems in biological science and supporting fields.

  • Outcome 6:  Ability to function effectively on team-oriented projects.

  • Outcome 7:  Appreciation for the impact of biological and physical science on the environment and society. 

Term:

Spring Semester 2007

Instructors:

Dr. Michelle Furlong
phone: (678) 466-4778
e-mail: MichelleFurlong@mail.clayton.edu
internet: http://a-s.clayton.edu/furlong/FurlongHome1.htm
Office: Arts and Sciences G-105D

Office hours:  Monday/Wednesday 1:40 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. in C-21 (Micro Lab) or G-105D and Friday 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in G-105D.  Other times can also be arranged by appointment (contact me via email).  

Dr. Caroline Clower
Office phone: (678) 466-4777
Fax: (678) 466-4899
Office: Arts and Sciences Building, Room G105-F
Email: CarolineClower@clayton.edu
Internet: http://a-s.clayton.edu/cclower/

Office hours:  MWF 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and MW 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m..  

Class Meetings:

Classroom: University Center U-331

Class Times: MWF 8:30 a.m. - 9:20 a.m.

Text Information:

Fundamental Concepts of Bioinformatics by Krane and Raymer.  Pearson Education, 2003.  ISBN:  0-8053-4633-3

Evaluation:

Assignments (points vary for each; uncertain how many; approximately 8)	25%
1 short oral presentation	2%
2 exams (midterm and final) @ 100 points each	50%
1 Final Project	20%
Attendance and Participation	3%
Total

Grading:

Grade	Points	Percentage of Points
A	358-400	90%-100%
B	318-357	80%-89%
C	278-317	70%-79%
D	238-277	60%-69%
F	Below 238	below 60%

Important Dates:

Last day to drop without academic penalty:  March 2

Midterm Exam: Feb. 23

Final Presentation: April 25-30

Final Exam: TBA

Tentative Course Schedule--click here

Course Web Page--click here

Course policies:

• Students must abide by policies in the Clayton College & State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.
• All "handouts" and assignments will either be emailed to you or will be available on the course website. If you need a printed copy of the handouts, you must print it yourself. Each homework assignment must be completed on a word processor, printed and turned in on the due date, which will be announced in class and will be on the course web site.  
• Attendance is required. Come to every class prepared. If you do not have your computer with you then you are not prepared and you will be marked as absent from that class.
• Any absence from a class must be accompanied by a written excuse from a medical doctor or a judge. 
• If you have an EXCUSED absence and you miss a test, then you must arrange to take a special ESSAY make-up exam within 1 week of missing the exam.
• Assignments are to be turned in on time (by 5:00 p.m. on the day it is due).  Ten percent of the grade will be deducted each business day (m-f) the assignment is late. If it is turned in after 5:00 p.m. on the day it is due then 25% will be deducted.  If it is turned in after 5:00 p.m. on the day after it is due then 50% will be deducted.   You can email your assignment to get it in on time.  Be careful and please don't forget to  turn them in (they can really help your grade).
• Attendance and participation is calculated in the final grade.  If you are more than 10 minutes late to class you will be marked as absent.  
• Students must follow all policies stated in the Clayton College & State University Student Handbook.
• Visitors (friends, children, etc.) are strictly prohibited from attending class without the permission of the instructor.
• No smoking, eating or drinking is permitted at any time in the classroom.

• Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism.  All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved.  All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs.   Judicial procedures are described at

  http://adminservices.clayton.edu/judicial/.  

   

• Please get permission from your instructor before you invite visitors to class (friends, children, etc.).