ISB204 Section 2
Spring 2010
Biotechnology in Food and Medicine
ISB204 Section 2 Spring Semester 2010
Course Rationale:
Modifications of living cells to create products and treat diseases
have brought ideas from science fiction movies and cutting edge research laboratories into
everyday life. This course will introduce you to the basic of these techniques, increase your
understanding of how science works, prepare you to carry out intelligent debates on issues
related to science and technology, and help you make informed decisions concerning the use
of new technologies in society.
Course Goals: After successfully completing this course, you will be able to:
1) explain the scientific method.
2) explain basic concepts in classical and molecular genetics.
3) evaluate the scientific merit of claims made by the popular press.
4) discuss issues related to the use of biotechnology in food and medicine.
5) evaluate the pros and cons of utilizing biotechnology in agriculture and medicine based on
reasoned assessment of the issues.
The use of biotechnology in food and medicine covers a vast array of material. This class
will focus on the following subjects.
• Genetically Modified Organisms
• Food Safety & Labeling
• Stem Cells
• Cloning
• Genetic Disorders
• Genetic Testing
• Gene Therapy
Please note that the exact material covered may be modified based on your input as the
class progresses.
Course Meetings and Web Sites:
This course meets Monday and Wednesday
from 3:00-4:20 in room S107 South Kedzie. The course uses ANGLE (http://angel.msu.edu)
for general course information and LON-CAPA (http://loncapa.msu.edu) for homework.
Course Structure and Assessments: This course includes readings, LONCAPA homework, lectures incorporating i-clickers to facilitate active learning, classroom
activities, submitting sources of scientific information, and exams. The readings and
homework provide background information and reinforce concepts from previous classes.
The lectures build on this information. Therefore, it is important to complete the reading and
homework prior to lecture. Classroom activities are designed to help reinforce and broaden
your understanding of the topics. Submitting sources of scientific information provides
opportunities to apply what you are learning in the course. Exams will cover material from
readings, homework, lectures, and classroom activities.
Syllabus
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ISB204 Section 2
Spring 2010
Textbook
Krogh, David. A Brief Guide to Biology with Physiology. 1st Edition. Boston: Pearson Custom
Publishing, 2007.
Readings
Readings for this course are from the textbook or the internet. These are listed in the
syllabus and are found on the LON-CAPA web site. You are expected to carefully read and
take notes on this material before you come to each class.
LON-CAPA Homework
LON-CAPA homework will be due one hour before the beginning of each class period except
on days of exams. This homework will be based mostly on the reading material assigned for
the upcoming class period but may also cover topics from previous lectures. You can access
the LON-CAPA server at http://loncapa.msu.edu using your MSU username and logon. The
LON-CAPA homework will be worth 8% of your final grade. Upon correct completion of a
problem, a "receipt" number will be issued. You should save this number. In the unlikely
event of computer problems this number will allow verification that you completed the work.
Lecture Notes
Copies of the slides used in class are posted on ANGEL prior to each lecture. It is highly
advisable to print this material and bring it to class to aid in note taking.
i-clickers
This course will use the i-clicker classroom response system. You will receive 8/10th of a
point for sending in any answer and an additional 2/10th of a point for sending in the correct
answer for each question posed during class. If you receive 80% of the possible clicker
points during material for a particular exam (points earned/(total points *.8) = your score), you
will receive full credit for the clicker portion of your grade. The clicker questions associated
with each exam are worth in your 2% of your final grade. It is your responsibility to bring your
clicker to class each day. If you forget to bring your clicker or miss class for any reason you
will receive no points for that day. If your clicker malfunctions you should notify the instructor
at the beginning of the next i-clicker question. The 80% point adjustment accommodates the
fact that occasionally you may forget your clicker or miss class due to illness, religious
observance, or other reasons. Answers to the clicker questions will be posted in ANGEL
following each lecture.
Classroom Activities
Points will be assigned for participation in and/or correctly completing classroom activities.
These activities will include group activities and classroom writing assignments. There are
no make-ups for missed classroom activities. Your lowest score for classroom activities
associated with each exam will be dropped. The dropped score accommodates the fact that
occasionally you may miss class due to illness, religious observance, or other reasons.
Answers to the classroom activities will be posted in ANGEL following each lecture.
Syllabus
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ISB204 Section 2
Spring 2010
Scientific Sources Submissions
At the beginning of each exam you will submit a substantive news article that is an objective
secondary source of scientific information related to the use of biotechnology in food or
medicine. You must circle the text in the article that shows it is a secondary source of
scientific information. You cannot submit an article that is used as part of the assigned
readings or classroom activities; you must find each article yourself. See the "Scientific
Sources" file in ANGEL for more information. Each article will count as 2% of your final
grade.
Exams
There will be four regular exams plus a final. Three of the regular exams, worth 100 points
each, will be given in class on Wednesday, February 3; Wednesday, March 3; and
Wednesday, April 7. On Tuesday May 4, there will be a final exam consisting of two parts:
the fourth regular exam (100 points) and the cumulative final (100 points). The lowest score
of these 5 exams will be discarded and the 4 best exams will count for 68% of your final
grade. There will be NO makeup exams. If you are unable to attend an exam for any
reason including illness or religious observance this is the exam score that will be dropped.
The final exam follows the MSU exam schedule. It will be Tuesday, May 4 from 3:00 to 5:00
in S107 South Kedzie, the same room as lecture.
Classroom Policies: The purpose of these policies is to provide an equitable and
hospitable learning environment to all students.
Attendance
Attendance is required. 16% of your final grade is based on classroom activities and iclickers. To receive full credit for i-clickers you only need to earn 80% of the possible points
clicker points (points earned/(possible points *.8) = points received). The lowest classroom
activity per exam is dropped. This allows you to miss class occasionally without significant
penalty. You cannot makeup points missed due to absences. This applies to missing class
for any reason including illness and religious observance.
Respect for Others
Talking during lecture, coming to class late or leaving early, and other activities that disturb
students and hinder learning will not be tolerated. If you disturb the classroom, you will not
receive credit for classroom exercise and i-clickers from that day. If the problem persists,
further action may be taken.
Academic Honesty
You are expected to follow Michigan State University’s guidelines on Academic Honesty.
Cheating, plagiarism, and any other form of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero
(0) on that assignment and possibly for the class. For more information on your rights and
responsibilities please visit the ombudsman web site at http://www.msu.edu/unit/ombud/.
Working together on LON-CAPA homework is encouraged but you must submit your own
answers. You may use the discussion board to ask question, help other students find
answers, and discuss why you think an answer is correct or incorrect. Copying your answers
and posting them is not allowed and will result in loss of discussion board privileges.
Syllabus
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ISB204 Section 2
Spring 2010
Classroom activities are clearly defined as group or individual. During group activities you
are encouraged to work together and share information. During individual activities sharing
of information is academic dishonesty and will result in a grade of zero (0) for that activity.
Brining a classmate's i-clicker to class when they are not present will result in a zero (0) iclicker points for the entire semester for both individuals.
Finding scientific sources and taking exams are individual activities.
Instructors:
Contact Information
Jon Stoltzfus, PhD
Course Coordinator
Telephone: 517-432-8775
E-mail: stoltzfu@msu.edu
Lectures
Lectures 17-41
Office and Office Hours
305 Biochemistry Bldg.
T 9:00 – 10:30 A.M.
Th 1:00 – 2:30 P.M.
F 2:00 – 3:00 P.M.
or by appointment
Steve Seibold, PhD
E-mail: seibolds@msu.edu
Lectures 1-16
119B Chemistry Bldg.
M 10:00 – 11:00 A.M.
F 1:00 – 2:00 P.M
Electronic Communication: Please post general questions on the discussion
board in ANGEL. Post questions regarding homework problems on the LON-CAPA
discussion board associated with that question. Questions of a personal nature or about
your grade should be sent directly to stoltzfu@msu.edu. Check the e-mail address in your
preferences setting of ANGEL to ensure you receive course messages.
Student evaluation:
Grades will be determined based on exams, LON-CAPA
homework, i-clickers, submission of scientific sources, and classroom activities. The
percentage of your final grade based on each type of evaluation i given below.
LON-CAPA Homework
i-clickers (80% per exam = full credit)
Classroom Activities (drop lowest score per exam)
Scientific Sources
Exams (Best 4 of 5 exams)
8%
8%
8%
8%
68%
Grades are earned using the following scale
>90%
= 4.0
>85% to 90% = 3.5
>80% to 85% = 3.0
>75% to 80% = 2.5
>70% to 75% = 2.0
>65% to 70% = 1.5
>60% to 65% = 1.0
60% or less = 0.0
Syllabus
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ISB204 Section 2
Spring 2010
Lecture and Reading Schedule
Date
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
11
13
18
20
Day
M
W
M
W
Topic
Course Introduction
What is the GMO Controversy?
MLK Day - no class
What is Science?
25
27
1
3
8
10
M
W
M
W
M
W
15
17
22
24
1
3
8&10
15
17
22
24
29
31
5
7
12
14
19
21
26
28
4
M
W
M
W
M
W
M&W
M
W
M
W
M
W
M
W
M
W
M
W
M
W
T
You are what you eat?
Populations & Microevolution
Dangers of GM Food
Exam I and Article I
DNA
Krogh pp 202-213 (2)
Transcription, Translation, and
Krogh pp 214-231 (2)
Regulation
Biotechnology
Krogh pp 232-251 (2)
Gene Transfer
Gene Transfer Web Sites (6, 7 and 8)
Is your food safe?
AgBiosafety (9)
Case Studies on GE Foods
MON 810 Nutrition (10)
Labeling & the Right to Know
CSU Labeling (11)
Exam II and Article II
Spring Break
Mitosis and Cytokinesis
Krogh pp 136-153 (2)
Meiosis
Krogh pp 154-165 (2)
Cloning
Krogh pp 538-557 (2) and Cloning (12)
Stem Cells
Stem Cell Basics (13)
Mendel's Laws
Krogh pp 166-185 (2)
Chromosomes and Inheritance
Krogh pp 186-201 (2)
The Human Genome Project
DOE Genomics Primer (14)
Exam III and Article III
Genetics and Behavior
DNA and Behavior (15 and 16)
Genetic Testing
Understanding Gene Testing (17)
Gene Therapy
Gene Therapy (18)
RNAi
RNAi (19)
Case Study on Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis (20)
Wrap Up and Review – Article IV
Exam IV and Final exam - 3:00 to 5:00
Syllabus
Reading
Harvest of Fear (1)
Krogh pp 1-13 (2) and Sources Web Sites (3
and 4)
Krogh pp 30-53 (2)
Krogh pp 271-287 (2)
Unintended Effects from Breeding (5)
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ISB204 Section 2
Spring 2010
Readings
1. Tyson, Peter. "Should We Grow GM Crops?" Harvest of Fear. 2001. PBS. 9 Nov. 2009
<http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/harvest/exist>.
2. Krogh, David. A Brief Guide to Biology with Physiology. 1st Edition. Boston: Pearson Custom
Publishing, 2007.
3. "Critical Evaluation of Resources." University of California Berkeley Library. 1 Sept. 2007. UC
Berkeley Library. 31 Dec. 2007 <http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Evaluation.html>.
4. "Distinguishing Scholarly Journals from Other Periodicals." Olin and Uris Libraries. 22 Feb. 2007.
Libraries at Cornell University. 31 Dec. 2007
<http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/research/skill20.html>.
5. "Unintended Effects from Breeding." Safety of Genetically Engineered Foods: Approaches to
Assessing Unintended Health Effects. 2004. National Academies Press. 9 Nov. 2009
<http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=10977&page=39>.
6. "Manipulation." DNAi. 2003. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. 7 Jan. 2009
<http://www.dnai.org/b/index.html>.
7. "Biotechnology." Connecting Concepts: Interactive Lessons in Biology. 2003. University of Wisconsin.
4 Jan. 2010 <http://ats.doit.wisc.edu/biology/g/bt/bt.htm>.
8. Groleau, Rick. "Engineer A Crop." Harvest of Fear. 2001. PBS. 20 Dec. 2006
<http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/harvest/engineer/>.
9. Peterson, Robert K. D. "Why Scientists Can Never Prove Biotech Crops Are Safe." AgBiosafety.
2005. UNL. 31 Dec. 2007 <http://agbiosafety.unl.edu/science.shtml>.
10. "FSA MON810 Nutrition." 2007. AGBIOS 28 Dec. 2007
<http://www.agbios.com/cstudies.php?book=FSA&ev=MON810&chapter=Nutrition&lang=>.
11. Bryne, P. "Labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods." Colorado State University Extension: Nutrition
Resources. April 2007. CSU Cooperative Extension. 31 Dec. 2007.
<http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/foodnut/09371.html>.
12. "Cloning." Learn.Genetics Genetics Science Learning Center. 12 Dec. 2008. The University of Utah. 8
Jan. 2009. <http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/cloning/>.
13. "Stem Cell Basics." Stem Cell Information. 6 Oct. 2006. NIH 8 Jan. 2009
<http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/basics1.asp>.
14. "Genomics and Its Impact on Science and Society." 2003. HGMIS at the Department of Energy. 20
Dec. 2006
<http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/publicat/primer2001/primer11.pdf>.
15. Ridley, Matt. "What Makes You Who You Are?" Time. 2 June 2003. 55. ProQuest Databases.
ProQuest. Michigan State University Libraries. 31 Dec. 2007 <http://www.proquest.com>.
16. "Behavioral Genetics." Human Genome Project Information. 6 August 2007. Human Genome
Program. 8 Jan. 2009
<http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/medicine/genetherapy.shtml>.
17. "Understanding Gene Testing." 2007. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 8 Jan. 2009
<http://www.accessexcellence.org/AE/AEPC/NIH/index.html>.
18. "Gene Therapy." Human Genome Project Information. 6 August 2007. Human Genome Program. 8
Jan. 2009 <http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/medicine/genetherapy.shtml>.
19. "RNAi." Science Now. July 2005. PBS. 8 Jan. 2009
<http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/3210/02.html>.
20. "Cystic Fibrosis." DNA Learning Center. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. 8 Jan. 2009
< http://www.ygyh.org/cf/whatisit.htm >.
Syllabus
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