COURSE SYLLABUS – APPROVED FORMAT
General Information
 Northern Arizona University- Yuma; Department of Arts and Sciences
 BSC 349L, Molecular Techniques
 Spring 2015
 9 hrs. Lab, 3 credit hours
 Dr. Joann Chang
 Science and Research building, Office 112
 Office hours: Monday/Wednesday 8:00am to 9:00am and 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Course prerequisites
None
Course Corequisite
BSC 344
Course description:
Teaches how to perform and interpret basic molecular techniques including Southern and
Northern blots, gene cloning, PCR, protein purification, and SDS-PAGE.
Student Learning Expectations/Outcomes for this Course
Upon satisfactory completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate the ability to utilize online genetic and protein databases.
2. Competently prepare and perform the PCR technique.
3. Competently prepare and perform electrophoresis methodologies.
4. Demonstrate the techniques used to perform protein purification.
5. Critically write about and interpret scientific results.
Course structure/approach:
The course may involve one or more of the following approaches: lecture and discussion;
application exercises; scheduled activities; case analysis; team projects; field trips, speakers with
relevant expertise, and/or other activities as appropriate to achieve learning outcomes.
Textbook and required materials: Student learning is facilitated with textbooks, readings,
audio-visual content, software, and/or other materials
Recommended optional materials/references (attach reading list): None
Course outline:
Revised 04/22/03
Week 1: Introduction and Safety
Week 2: Protein Quantification
Week 3: Green Fluorescent Protein
Week 4: Green Fluorescent Protein
Week 5: Green Fluorescent Protein Chromatography
Week 6: RFLP PCR
Week 7: STR PCR
Week 8: Crime Scene Investigation
Week 9: Crime Scene Investigation
Week 10: Detecting Genetically Modified Foods
Week 11: Detecting Genetically Modified Foods
Week 12: Enzyme Linked Immunoassay
Week 13: Microscopy
Week 14: Osmosis/Lipid Membranes
Week 15: Journal Club
Week 16: Journal Club
Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes
 Methods of Assessment: In-class exams, laboratory reports, in-class activities, research
paper, and/or presentations.
 Timeline for Assessment: Over the course of the semester
Grading System:
Letter grades for the course will be determined based on the percentage of the total points as
follows:
90-100%
A Excellent
80-89%
B Good
70-79%
C Average
60-69%
D Lowest passing
<60%
F Failure
Course policy:
Retests/makeup tests:
No make-up exams or re-tests except for what the instructor may deem as extenuating
circumstances.
Attendance Policy:
Under NAU Policy, students are expected to attend every session of the class in which they are
enrolled.
Statement on plagiarism and cheating:
DON’T CHEAT!
Revised 04/22/03
Please refer to the NAU Student Handbook policy statement on Academic Integrity. Academic
honesty does not allow "plagiarism — knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as
one's own" (2005, Undergraduate General Academic and Graduation Policies).
If your instructor determines that you are guilty of plagiarism he deserves the right to give you a
zero on the alleged assignment up to failing the course in question. All incidents regardless will
be reported to the university.
University policies
Attach the Safe Working and Learning Environment, Students with Disabilities, Institutional
Review Board, and Academic Integrity policies or reference them on the syllabus. See the
following document for policy statements:
http://www4.nau.edu/avpaa/UCCPolicy/plcystmt.html.
Your instructor reserves the right to make any changes to the course policies, schedule, or any
other aspect of the class as he sees fit.
Revised 04/22/03