Biology 4202L -  Biotechnology Laboratory
Course Syllabus - Fall 2009

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 4202L (CRN 87102), Biotechnology Laboratory

Credit Hours:

        3.0 semester credit hours

Catalog Description:

An experiment-based course in which students use DNA technology to explore topics such as DNA fingerprinting, gene cloning, DNA amplification, genetically modified foods and organisms, gene therapies, inheritance and paternity, and human genetic diseases.

Course Requirement:

        Pre-requisite: BIOL3250 and BIOL3250L; BIOL4201

Computer Requirement:

Each CSU 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  CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm .

Computer Skill Prerequisites:

• Able to use the Windows^TM operating system.
• Able to use a the Microsoft Word^TM word processing program.
• Able to send and receive e-mail using the Outlook^TM or Outlook Express^TM program.
• Able to use a Web browser (preferably Microsoft Explorer^TM).
• Able to print documents either on your home computer's printer or Smart Print (networked printers on campus).

In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers:

• Student notebook computers will be required periodically in this class.  Students will also use the computers to access supplemental lectures, laboratory assignments, protocols, review sheets, internet information, and to communicate with the instructor.    

Course Objectives:

• To understand the fundamentals of molecular biotechnology
• To understand the processes involved in DNA replication, RNA synthesis, and protein translation
• To describe the basic application of recombinant DNA technology
• To understand commercial application of DNA technology and use in medicine and research
• To learn to use basic biological laboratory equipment
• To understand and use laboratory math and chemistry
• To learn to perform basic molecular biology techniques
• To learn to prepare laboratory notebooks and write laboratory reports based on experimental data, results and conclusions
• To apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to laboratory situations
• To learn how to prepare research proposals
• To understand the regulation and patenting of biotechnology inventions

Biology Outcomes:

    BIOL 4202L supports the following outcomes:

• Outcome 1: Knowledge of the basic principles of major fields of biology.
• Outcome 2: Mastery of a broad range of basic lab skills applicable to 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 science on the environment and society

Instructor Information:

Dr. Jacqueline Jordan
Office: Faculty Hall, A28B
Phone: (678) 466-4781
e-mail: JacquelineJordan@clayton.edu
Internet address: http://a-s.clayton.edu/jordan
Office hours:  Tuesday 8 - 11am, 4-5pm and Thursday 8-9am, 4-5pm.

Dr. Jordan current schedule

Class Meetings:

        Business and Health Science Building

        Room C21, Tuesday/Thursday 12:35pm - 3:25pm

Textbook and Supply Information:

Textbook Information:  

Introduction to Biotechnology,  Thieman and Palladino, Second Edition, All chapters

Note: Some of the reading and laboratory materials will be provided by the instructor or placed on reserve in the library.

Students must bring to class a cotton long-sleeve laboratory coat, safety glasses, laboratory notebook (2), calculator, pencils and blue/black pens (examples will be given by the instructor at the beginning of the semester)

Evaluation:

Grading:

Your final grade will be determined as follows:

Mid-Term Progress Report

The mid-term grade in this course, which will be issued prior to the midterm , reflects approximately 20% of the entire course grade.  Based on this grade, students may choose to officially withdraw from the course by Friday October 9, 2009 and receive a grade of "W".  

Course Schedule:  

The schedule of laboratory exercises is provided at  LABORATORY  SCHEDULE .  This link also include information on laboratory safety, pre-labs, homework, and preparation of  laboratory notebooks.

Important Dates:

            Lab will meet on August 18, 2009 in Room C21.

            Labor Day Holiday  September 5-8, 2009

            Last Day to Withdraw with "W"  October 9, 2009

            Thanksgiving Holiday,  November 25 - 29

            Last Day of Classes,  December 4, 2009

Final Examination Schedule:

Course Policies:

Laboratory Safety:

All students must pass a safety quiz before working in the biotechnology laboratory.  Students must follow safety rules and guidelines at all times.  Students are encouraged to report any violations of the safety rules to the instructor immediately.  Failure to follow specified safety rules will result in dismissal from the laboratory and receive a grade of zero for that lab.

Laboratory Attendance:

Students are expected to attend all class meeting. Students must be on time and bring laboratory materials, laboratory notebook, calculator, and colored pens/pencils to each class meeting.  Laboratory quizzes will be given at the beginning of the laboratory.  More than 5 minutes late to class will result in a grade of zero on the quiz. There will be no make-up quizzes.  The lowest quiz grade will be dropped at the end of the semester. 

Laboratory Class Meeting and Exams:   

Absences from EXAMS or SKILLS TESTS must be accompanied by a signed physician's or judge's excuse (there are no exceptions). The instructor must be notified immediately before or immediately after missing an exam.  Without an excuse provided within one week, a grade of zero points will be assigned for the missed exam.  If the student has a valid excuse for missing an exam,  a makeup exam will be administered.  THERE WILL BE NO MAKEUP LABS.   Assignments will not be accepted for labs not attended.   A STUDENT THAT MISSES MORE THAN THREE SCHEDULED (EXCUSED OR UNEXCUSED) LABORATORIES WILL BE SUBJECT TO WITHDRAWAL FROM THE COURSE BY THE INSTRUCTOR'S REQUEST. 

Laboratory Experiments:

All students must establish and maintain their CSU e-mail accounts.  For some laboratory exercises, students will be expected to download laboratory pre-lab and lab assignments and protocols from the course web page.  

Laboratory Reports and Assignments:

Students must follow the guidelines for preparing laboratory reports, papers, research summaries and assignments.  All assignments must be  typed unless the instructor directs otherwise.  You must include your first and last name on the top of each page of the report or assignment.  All reports/assignments are due at the beginning of class and must neat and stapled.  Late assignments (10 minutes after the beginning of class)  will result in twenty percent of the grade deduced for each day the report/assignment is late.  Reports,  papers, assignments, etc.  will not be accepted by email. 

Laboratory notebook:

Each student must maintain a laboratory notebook.   Students must follow guidelines for maintaining laboratory notebooks at all times.  The instructor will check laboratory notebooks periodically. 

Group Work and Final Project Preparation:

Students will work in groups of 2 -3 to complete laboratory experiments.   Students are encouraged to work in groups to discuss laboratory experiments but all written work must be unique and and prepared independently by each student.  The exception will be the submission of a research proposal or final project report collectively completed by all members of the group.  

Cell phone and Computer Use Policity:

All electronic devices must be silent while in the biotechnology laboratory.  Use of electronic devices in the laboratory is concerned a violation of laboratory safety procedures.  Deduction of 5 points from overall grade during lab.  Deduction of 10 points during an exam.     All computers must be put away during laboratory experiments.  This is considered a safety hazard.  Instructor approval must be obtained to use a computer during any  laboratory exercises. 

Other Polices:

• Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.
• 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 laboratory
• NO CHEATING.  Cheating is defined as copying anything that is not your own work.  This applies to laboratory report, laboratory assignments, laboratory quizzes and exams.  Cheating in any form will result in a zero on the assignment and academic misconduct forms will be filed with the Office of Judicial Affairs for any violation.

Academic Misconduct:

According to the Clayton State University, "Academic Misconduct: A Faculty Guide,"

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.  Examples include:

1. Submitting material as original when it is, in fact, copied from another person or from another source, without properly acknowledging that source.

2.  Using information or devices that are not authorized by faculty such as formulas or data from a computer program, calculators, or unauthorized material for an out-of-class exam or project.

3.  Obtaining or using unauthorized material such as a copy of an examination before it is given.

4.  Fabricating information such as data for a laboratory report.

5.  Collaborating with others on an assignment without faculty consent.

6.  Cooperating with or helping another student to cheat.

7.  Having another person take an examination or altering exam answers and requesting an exam be re-evaluated

Academic misconduct in ANY form will not be tolerated.  All assignments and exams MUST be your own work.  If what you submit to your instructor is not the result of your efforts, it is a form of academic misconduct.

Academic misconduct in any form will result in a zero on that assignment/exam.  In addition, academic misconduct forms will be filed with the Office of Judicial Affairs. Judicial procedures are described at http://adminservices.clayton.edu/judicial.

Disruption of the Learning Environment:

Behavior that disrupts the teaching-learning process during class will NOT be tolerated.  Whereas a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior.  A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in class activities will be dismissed from class.  A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal.  If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and receive a grade of WF.

A detailed description and examples of disruptive classroom behavior can be found at http://a-s.clayton.edu/DisruptiveClassroomBehavior.htm.

Last update: August 19, 2009