Biology 520/Molecular Biology 520 MOLECULAR CELL BIOLOGY Instructor: Dr. Elba Serrano Schedule

Lecture: MW 1:30-2:45 p.m. in Biology Foster Hall 110

Instructor: Dr. Elba Serrano
Associate Professor of Biology
Ph. D., Stanford University, Biological Sciences/Biophysics

Office: Foster Hall 337D
Office hours: Mon and Wed, 11:30 am-12:30 pm. Sign up on sheet outside FH 337D
Telephone: X65217
email: eserrano@nmsu.edu

TA: Laura Haas, X61618, Foster Hall Rm 115, lhaas@nmsu.edu

Textbook: Molecular Biology of the Cell Fourth Edition Bruce Alberts, Alexander Johnson, Julian Lewis, Martin Raff, Keith Roberts, Peter Walter © 2002

Prerequisites: Introductory Biochemistry or undergraduate level Cell Biology.

Goals: This course is intended to provide the advanced student with a thorough foundation in the fundamental principles that underlie cell structure and function. The lectures will focus on the biology of eucaryotic cells. Emphasis will be placed throughout the course on developing written and verbal skills appropriate for the graduate-level student. Many assignments will focus on developing problem solving and creative thinking skills. Students will be required to prepare oral presentations, and conduct substantial library research and independent investigation. At the discretion of the instructor, undergraduates who have completed Biology 377, Cell Biology. or Biology 490, Neurobiology, may also enroll in the course.

Course structure: The course is divided in two sections.

Part I: Students will review and expand their understanding of the foundations of Molecular Cell Biology. This portion of the course follows the book closely. The journal assignment is prepared in parallel with this first half of the course, and will integrate key concepts around more specific themes. Students will access the primary literature for this assignment.

Part II: The second part of the course develops knowledge of selected Special Topics. Oral presentations are emphasized in this section of the course. Students will prepare two oral presentations, one on an assigned journal article and one on material compiled for the journal assignment. Guest faculty and staff will present lectures on research and methods pertinent to Molecular Cell Biology. Demonstrations of confocal, scanning electron, transmission electron, light, and fluorescence microscopy will be included as part of the course.

Grading and exams: A total of 1000 pts may be earned during the semester.

Exams: (520 points) There will be three written in class exams. Exams will include short and long essay questions, definitions, true/false, and multiple choice questions.

Exam dates: Midterm Exam 1 Mon, Oct 6 (150 pts)
Midterm Exam 2 Mon, Nov 10 (150 pts)
Cumulative Final Wed, Dec 10 (220 pts) 1-3 pm

Problem set: (80 pts) One problem set will be assigned, and will review the material in Part 1 of the course. The problem set is due Wed October 15.

In class participation:(40 pts) Based on your contribution to class discussion.

Attendance: (40 pts) Students are expected to attend all classes.

Journal assignments: (220 points) Students will be required to maintain a journal during the semester. The objective of this assignment is for students to integrate multiple concepts at the cellular level. The journal will be prepared by conducting extensive library and Internet research on topics that we cover in class, as they relate to a cell type, a protein, and an organsm that students will select at the beginning of the semester. The journal will allow students to acquire depth in specific areas of cell biology related to their research specialty. The written portion of the journal will be evaluated twice during the semester for a total of 200 points.

Journal due dates:

Part 1: Mon, Oct 13 (110 pts)
Part 2: Mon. Nov 17 (110 pts)

Journal presentations: (50 pts). Students will be required to prepare a 30 minute oral presentation around a theme related to their journal research.

Journal article presentations: (50 pts). Students will be required to read and make oral presentations on assigned journal articles from the primary literature. The presentations will be made by students in groups of 2 or 3. Students will be evaluated by group members as well as by the instructor.

Grade Scale:

A 900-1000 pts
B 800-899 pts
C 700-799 pts
D 600-699 pts
F < 600 pts

Note: The grade scale may be curved at the end of the semester at the discretion of the instructor.

Deadline to drop: October 15

Save: Save xeroxes of all graded assignments and exams from this course at least until you have received your final grade.

• The instructor may modify this syllabus during the semester as necessary to enhance the quality of the instruction and to meet the needs of students in the class. Necessary changes to the syllabus will be made in class.
• If you have, or think you may have, a disability that interferes with your performance as a student, you are encouraged to discuss this on a confidential basis with your instructor, the Disabled Students Program Coordinator at 646-1921, and or the Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator at 646-7795.

Room Change: CLASS WILL MEET IN CHEM & BIOCHEM ROOM 201A/B STARTING MONDAY AUGUST 25.

SCHEDULE

Part I: Foundations of Molecular Cell Biology

Part II: Special Topics