Molecular Biology

Example Syllabus

This syllabus covers only the Protein Synthesis portion of Biol/Chem 241A.

1. Course Details
   3 Units
   Monday and Wednesday 6:00-7:15 p.m.; S242
   This is graduate level course for students in the biological and chemical sciences. A comprehensive background in basic biology and chemistry is necessary. If concepts discussed in class or in the reading are not clear to you or are new to you, please let me know and I will provide additional reading material for you.

2. Instructor
   Dr. Alice Wright
   Science 10B
   278-7692
   awright@csufresno.edu
   Office Hours: Monday 2:00-3:30, and by appointment.

3. Course Description
   This section of 241A has been designated to cover protein synthesis. We will discuss the basic mechanisms, current research, and applications. The course format will be mostly discussion. Students should come to class prepared to discuss the reading material assigned for that period.

4. Readings and Presentations
   We will study material from your textbook and from current literature. In class we will read Chapters 6, The Molecular Biology of the Cell. We will also read papers from the primary literature. Students will be assigned to a group and each group will take primary responsibility for presenting one paper. When they present the paper they are responsible for leading a class discussion about the paper. All students must read all of the papers and be prepared to discuss each paper in class.

5. Grades
   The following information on grades pertains only to the Protein Synthesis section of the course taught by Dr. Wright.
   Exam #2 85%, to be taken in class on 11/1/04
   Participation 15%
   This is a graduate level course and all participants are expected to do top-level work. The examination will consist of definitions and essay questions. Answers to essay questions on the examination will require more than simple memorization. Students will be asked to explain, justify, and apply theories and processes studied in class. Question will cover all of the text reading material and all papers.
   Participation grades will include points for the group paper presentation. Participation grades will be determined by the instructor during class discussions. Sometimes I will ask questions of specific class members (all students will be asked questions at different times). Participation grades are not determined by the student being able to provide the correct answer to a question (mistakes are part of learning) but are determined if the student is prepared and willing to intelligently discuss a question or subject. Points may be lost in lecture for disruptive or distracting behavior.
   

6. Students with Disabilities
   It is my intention to make this class accessible to all students. If you believe that you have special needs that I should be aware of to make any components of this class more accessible to you, please see me as soon as possible.
   The Department of Biology cooperates with the office of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) to make reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities (cf. Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504, Rehabilitation Act). If you have not registered with Services for Students with Disabilities, we encourage you to do so. After meeting with the SSD counselor, present your written Accommodation Request to your instructor as soon as possible. If you experience any problems in getting reasonable accommodations, please contact the Biology Department Chair or services for students with disabilities. (278-2811).

7. Other University Policies

   1. The Department complies with the University's policies concerning discrimination and sexual harassment. They will not be tolerated in this class or anywhere in the University.

   2. Cheating and plagiarism are considered extremely bad form and can lead to failure and expulsion from the University. See the University policy regarding student misconduct in the University Catalog and Schedule of Courses.