DNA Methods in Biology

 

BIOL220                                            Spring 2012                             One Semester Hour

 

Instructor:                   Dr. Ted Nuttall                                               Ulmer 307

Office Hours:              M 9-10, W 9-10, 2-4, F 2-3

Contact Info:              x2058, tnuttall@lhup.edu , www.lhup.edu/tnuttall/index.htm

Text:    Spencer, C.A. 2004. Genetic Testimony; A Guide to Forensic DNA Profiling.

            Prentice Hall. ISBN: 0-13-142338-X

 

Classroom Topics

                  Date          Topic                                                                          Book Pages

Jan.      27        History of DNA Identification Methods in Biology

Feb        3        DNA Basics, extraction and preservation

                        10  H   Footpath murders, video                                

            17        PCR                                                                           

                        24  Q   PCR – STR analysis

            Mar        2        PCR – STR analysis 

              9        EXAM 1                    

16        No Classes--Spring Break

                        23        mtDNA sequencing                                                               

            30        COI sequencing: Barcodes                                           

Apr        6        DNA Methods Application: Parentage Testing  

            13  Q   DNA Methods Application: Medical

                        20  H   DNA Methods Application: Plant DNA Forensics, Video   

                        27        DNA Methods Application: Ancestry, Species ID

            May       4        Laboratory procedures and Quality Assurance                 

                          8        FINAL EXAM, 8-9:50 am, U201

 

(Q = 10pt quiz, H = Hand in question sheet)

Activities and Requirements:

1.      regular participation in class and read relevant material.

2.      complete web/classroom assignments as assigned.

3.      demonstrate knowledge through quizzes and exams.

 

Exams:  All exams must be taken on schedule.  Two lecture exams will be given and each will cover topics not previously tested on, although some carryover information should be expected.  Exams will be made up of a number of different types of questions, including multiple-choice, short answer, drawing, and matching.   All exams must be taken on schedule.  No make-up exams will be given unless prior arrangements are made far in advance with a legitimate and documented excuse.  Legitimate—including illness, death in the family, court date, or University event—means documented. For an illness to be excused, University policy dictates that you must visit Health Service and receive an excuse from the staff there, or from your own physician.  Make up exams may be essay-based. 

Lecture Quizzes:  Two quizzes will be given approximately on the dates indicated in the lecture schedule.  They will typically cover material from two previous chapters.  No make-up quizzes will be given—be there on time because no extra time will be given for anyone coming in late.

Classroom Attendance:  Because this class only meets once per week,  3 or more

                                    absences during the semester will result in a failing grade. 

Email:  All email correspondences will be made to campus email addresses only.  Please be sure to activate your LHU account and check it regularly.  Remember, if your email account is over its size quota, you will not receive email correspondence.  Please send emails in a professional format with correct punctuation and grammar.

 

Emergency Contacts: LHU Law Enforcement Phone 484-2278.  Additionally, call 711 from any LHU campus phone.  When OFF CAMPUS call 911.

 

Laptops:  Laptops are permitted in lecture for note taking. No cells phones, iPods or similar electronic devices are permitted in class. 

 

Special Needs:  Students with disabilities are encouraged to discuss requests for reasonable accommodations with the professor at the beginning of the semester. In order for accommodations to be provided, your disability must be verified by Dr. Rey Junco, Director of the Office for Disability Services, Russell Hall, (570) 484-2926.

 

Academic Honesty:  Cheating and/or plagiarizing will not be tolerated. We will follow the University guidelines on cheating and plagiarism in the Student Handbook.  http://www.lhup.edu/stulife/student_handbook/

 

Disruptive Behavior will not be tolerated.  Please read the Provost's expectations for student conduct at www.lhup.edu/provost/Classroom%20Behavior.doc.

Grading Appeals:  All grading appeals are due within one week of when material was handed back.  All appeals must be submitted in writing (typed).

 

Grading:         Lecture Quizzes (2 @ 10pts)                 20

                        Video questions (2 @ 10pts)                 20

                        Exam 1                                                            100

                        Exam 2                                                            100

                        Total                                                    220

 

Assignment of Grades:        

A = >90%       A - = 88-89.9  B+ = 86-87.9   B = 80-85.9     B - = 78-79.9  

C+ = 76-77.9   C = 70-75.9     C - = 68-69.9   D+ = 66-67.9  D = 60-65.9     E = <60

 

Outcomes for the Course: Please visit www.lhup.edu/tnuttall/BIOL220%20DNA%20Methods%20in%20Biology-addendum.htm.