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Biosci-107 - Molecular and Cellular Biology - Julie Nguyen

Course:Molecular and Cellular Biology
Professor:Julie Nguyen
Email:julie.nguyen@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Hybrid
Course Length:
  • 16 Week

Introduction

Hello, I am Julie Nguyen (PhD at UCLA in Molecular Pathology) and I have been teaching this course a number of years.  The Sp2023 Biosci-107 is a 16-week long hybrid format course.  The course lecture and lab SLO's - Lecture (online via Canvas): Compare and contrast eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell morphology, bioenergetics, gene regulation, and cellular physiology.
Lab (in person at COC/ALB218): Collect, review, and analyze biological data according to scientific inquiry through the application of molecular biology techniques.

Course Description

Lecture Topic Objectives:

1. Describe the two unifying ideas in science: the cell theory and the theory of evolution by natural selection.

2. Differentiate between the structure and function of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids that comprise all living cells.

3. Differentiate between the various internal structure of cells and describe their impact on cellular physiology in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

4. Differentiate between transport mechanisms that move water and solutes across cell membranes.

5. Compare and contrast the main signal transduction pathways used to coordinate tissue functions and cellular responses to environmental cues.

6. Diagram endothermic and exothermic reactions, and the effect that enzymes have on these reactions.

7. Describe the role of oxidation-reduction reactions and the Laws of Thermodynamics in the energy transformation processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

8. Diagram the different stages of the cell cycle and distinguish between the outcomes of mitotic and meiotic cell divisions.

9. Distinguish between recessive, dominant, and sex-linked traits, and their corresponding patterns of inheritance.

10. Diagram the major steps of The Central Dogma (DNA replication, transcription, and translation) and evaluate how DNA mutations affect protein structure and function.

11. Explain the correlation between differential gene regulation, cell specialization, and embryonic development.

12. Evaluate the importance of genomics and recombinant DNA technologies in agriculture, forensics, and medicine (genetic testing).
 

Lab Topic Objectives:

1. Use the scientific method to develop and test experimental hypotheses.

2. Collect, measure, and analyze experimental results while safely utilizing designated laboratory equipment.

3. Produce and interpret graphical representations of experimental data.

4. Evaluate the accuracy of experimental data by comparing observed and expected values.

5. Determine the identity of unknown samples using scientific inquiry and standard curve analysis.

6. Measure metabolic reactions in living systems and analyze the effect of changing environmental conditions on reaction rate.

7. Analyze the molecular components of living organisms using microscopy, biochemical tests, chromatography, spectrophotometry, and gel electrophoresis.

8. Perform experiments utilizing common recombinant DNA techniques including: DNA extraction, restriction enzyme digestion, bacterial transformation, and gel electrophoresis.

9. Examine the structure function relationship of specialized cells present in embryonic and histological samples.

10. Evaluate the ethical considerations that may arise with the use of genetic testing and recombinant DNA technologies.

What to Expect in this Course

What to Expect:

  • This course is for science majors.  In order to do well in all student learning objectives (SLO) for Lecture and Lab, students are required to read all assigned assignment as indicated on syllabus and Canvas.   In addition, students must be present on-ground to perform lab activity every Tuesday of each week.
  • All text chapter reading materials, lecture study guide, individual lab report activity questions, portfolio, and special topic presentation are posted on Canvas Module.  You are required to complete, upload, and present all assigned report questions on Canvas on indicated due dates as shown on the Class Syllabus. 
  • We will adhere as closely as possible to the course syllabus albeit that there are many assigned reading materials on the syllabus with so little time during our semester session course.  Hence, if a topic is not covered during our meeting but it is listed on the syllabus, you are responsible for it. 

Types of Assessments

Assessments:
Four Lecture Exams, 13 Lab Quizzes, 13 Written Post-Lab Reports, and a Cumulative Lab Practical Final Exam.

Textbook Information

REQUIRED -

LIFE: The Science of Biology, 12th Edition, Custom Volume 1, Chapters 1-18 ISBN: 9781319402532 available at COC bookstore


REQUIRED Lab Manual -
Required, BIOSCI 107 LAB MANUAL SUM22- by Cude K., Edition A22, ISBN 13: 2818440050633

Other Relevant Course Information

Instructional Method:  Hybrid
Students are required to enter and must complete the “Introduce yourself discussion” on the Canvas Discussion Board by the end of our first week Hybrid meeting.  Also, students will submit lab report assignments by the end of the indicated due date as shown on the Class Syllabus at least during the first week of lab on-ground meeting at COC/ALB218 -  failure to comply with these mandatory requirements will result in an automatic drop from the course roster.

Tool(s) Used to Meet:                                 
Lecture via Canvas Platform / Confer Zoom (office hours) &
On-Ground Lab Activities at COC/ALB 218 (6:00pm – 9:05pm)

  • To connect to Canvas, you will need reliable access to the internet via a computer, tablet or phone. 
  • If you need help with computer questions, Canvas support, and/or computer loans, you can go to:
       ASG Computer support:
    ASG Computer Labs (canyons.edu)
       or TLC Canvas support: The Learning Center (canyons.edu)
  • Stable internet access via a computer or tablet is required, and you should have basic computer skills, including how to attach files to emails or upload to Canvas.  All lecture ppts, notes, videos, assignment and exams will be made available on Canvas via Module, Assignment, and Quizzes menu.
  • For lab activities, students will meet on-ground weekly Tuesday at COC ALB218 [6pm – 9:05pm]

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

  • CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
  • CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 01/21/2023 Sub#: 1537