MCB 150
Molecular and Cellular
Basis of Life
Course Information
Spring 2016
Course Information
MCB 150
Contact Information
MCB Core Curriculum Office
252 Davenport Hall
phone/voicemail: 244-6239
Melissa Reedy, Course Coordinator, MCB 150/151
208 Noyes Laboratory
email: murray@illinois.edu
office/voicemail: 217-265-6379
Brad Mehrtens, Instructor, MCB 150
email: mehrtens@life.illinois.edu
office/voicemail: 217-244-6753
2
Course Information
MCB 150
Lecture Syllabus
(Orange dates indicate traditional class periods; Blue dates indicate flipped class periods)
Day
Lecture Topic
Reading Assignment
Discussion
Wednesday, Jan. 20
Course Introduction
Freeman Chapters 1 and 2
No Discussions this
Week!
Friday, Jan. 23
Domains of Life; Cells
and Molecules I
Monday, Jan. 25
Cells and Molecules
II; Carbohydrates
Wednesday, Jan. 27
Carbohydrates II
Friday, Jan. 29
Amino Acids and
Levels of Protein
Organization
Denaturation of
Proteins; Enzymes
and Enzyme
Inhibition
(Add Courses,
Section Change
Deadline 5:00 PM)
Enzyme Inhibition
continued; Nucleic
Acids; Lipids
Lipids &
Biomembranes
Freeman Section 1.4, 7.1, 21.2,
29.1
Becker Chapter 4
Freeman 7.2, 3.1, Chapter 5
Becker Chapter 4; Chapter 3
Section 3 (pages 60-65)
Freeman Chapter 5
Becker Chapter 3, Section 3
Freeman Chapter 3
Becker Chapter 3, Section 1
Monday, Feb. 1
Wednesday, Feb. 3
Friday, Feb. 5
Monday, Feb. 8
Biomembranes &
Metabolism I
Freeman Chapter 3, Section 3.3;
Chapter 3, Sections 8.1, 8.3, 8.4
Becker chapter 6, pages 129-138
Discussion 2:
Proteins
Workbook 3.1
Also Useful for
Exam 1
Preparation:
Freeman Chapter 4, Section 4.1;
Chapter 6, Section 6.1
Becker Chapter 3, Nucleic Acids
Freeman Chapter 6, Sections 6.2,
6.3, and 6.4
Becker Chapter 7 (optional)
Freeman Chapter 6, Section 6.2;
Chapter 8, Sections 8.1, 8.2
Becker Chapter 7 (optional)
3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 5.1,
6.1,
Wednesday, Feb. 10
Optional Review
Thursday, Feb. 11
Exam I (7-9 PM)
Friday, Feb. 12
Metabolism II
Discussion 1:
Introduction/PreTest/Introduction
to the Course
Freeman Chapter 9, Sections 9.1
through 9.4
3
Chap 3-6
Discussion 3:
Problem Solving I
Course Information
Day
Monday, Feb. 15
Wednesday, Feb. 17
MCB 150
Lecture Topic
Metabolism III – ETC,
Fermentation and
Summary
DNA Structure and
Organization I
Friday, Feb. 19
DNA Structure and
Organization II
Monday, Feb. 22
DNA Replication I
Wednesday, Feb. 24
DNA Replication II –
Primer Synthesis and
Removal,
Directionality, and
Clean-Up
Transcription in
Bacteria
Friday, Feb. 26
Reading Assignment
Freeman Chapter 9, Sections 9.5,
9.6
Freeman Chapter 4, Section 4.2;
chapter 15, Section 15.1
Becker Chapter 3, Page 59, Box
3A (pages 60-61)
Freeman Chapter 19, Page 350
Becker Chapter 18, Pages 512517 and 527 (DNA Packaging –
533 (and Figure 18-22 on page
534)
Freeman Chapter 15, Section
15.2-15.4
Becker Chapter 19, pages 564566
Freeman Chapter 15, Sections
15.3 and 15.4
Wednesday, Mar. 9
Freeman Chapter 17, Section
17.1
Becker Chapter 21, pages 656660
Transcription in
Freeman Chapter 17, Section
Eukaryotes; RNA
17.2
Processing I
Becker Chapter 21, pages 660664; pages 667-675
RNA Processing II;
Freeman Chapter 16, Sections
The Genetic Code
16.2 and 16.3
Becker Chapter 21, pages 667675
Translation I
Freeman Chapter 17, Sections
17.3-17.5
Becker Chapter 22, pages 679684
Translation II,
Freeman Chapter 17, Section
Nuclear Structure &
17.5
Domains I
Becker Chapter 18, pages 536-538
Optional Review
Thursday, Mar. 10
Exam II (7-9 PM)
Monday, Feb. 29
Wednesday, Mar. 2
Friday, Mar. 4
Monday, Mar. 7
4
Discussion
Discussion 4:
Metabolism
Workbook 9.1, 9.2,
9.3
Discussion 5: DNA
Organization
Meselson/Stahl
Experiment
Discussion 6:
Replication/
Transcription
Workbook 15.1,
15.2, 15.3
Also Useful for
Exam 2 Prep:
Chap 16-17 & The
Big Picture p. 366
Discussion 7:
Problem Solving II
Course Information
Day
Friday, Mar. 11
MCB 150
Wednesday, Apr. 13
Reading Assignment
Freeman Chapter 12, Section
12.1
Becker Chapter 18, pages 543544
Freeman Chapter 15, Section
15.5
Becker Chapter 18, pages 543544
Mutations II
Freeman Chapter 15, Section
15.5; Chapter 16, Section 16.4
Becker Chapter 19, pages 567571; Chapter 22, pages 694-695
Mutations III
Freeman Chapter 7, Section 7.4
Nucleo-Cytoplasmic
Becker Chapter 18, pages 536Transport I
543
Monday, March 21 – Friday, March 25
Spring Vacation
Nucleo-Cytoplasmic
Freeman Chapter 7, Section 7.4
Transport II,
Becker Chapter 18, pages 533Mitochondria
543; Chapter 22, pages 702-705
The Secretory
Freeman Chapter 7, Section 7.5
Pathway
Becker Chapter 12, pages 324The Endoplasmic
326; Chapter 22, pages 696-699
Reticulum I
The Endoplasmic
Becker Chapter 12, pages 330Reticulum II
332; Chapter 22, pages 699-702
The Golgi Apparatus
Freeman Chapter 7, Section 7.5
Becker Chapter 12, pages 332341
Lysosome &
Freeman Chapter 7, page 114,
Endosomes
Seciton 7.5
Cytoskeleton I Freeman Chapter 7, Section 7.6
Actin Filaments
Becker Chapter 15, pages 422424 and 433-436
Cytoskeleton II –
Freeman Chapter 7, Section 7.6
Actin & Myosin
Becker Chapter 16, pages 459471
Optional Review
Thursday, Apr. 14
Exam III (7-9 PM)
Monday, Mar. 14
Wednesday, Mar. 16
Friday, Mar. 18
Monday, Mar. 28
Wednesday, Mar. 30
Friday, Apr. 1
Monday, Apr. 4
Wednesday, Apr. 6
Friday, Apr. 8
Monday, Apr. 11
Lecture Topic
Functional Nuclear
Domains II
(Course Drop
Deadline 5 PM)
The Nucleolus,
Mutations I
5
Discussion
Discussion 8:
Sanger
Sequencing
Discussion 9:
Jeopardy
Discussion 10:
Lecture Review
Discussion 11:
Problem Solving III
Course Information
MCB 150
Day
Friday, Apr. 15
Lecture Topic
Cytoskeleton III Microtubules
Monday, Apr. 18
Cytoskeleton IV –
Centrosomes,
Centrioles & Cilia
Cell Cycle
Introduction
Wednesday, Apr. 20
Reading Assignment
Freeman Chapter 7, Section 7.6,
pages 129-130
Becker Chapter 15, pages 424431
Freeman Chapter 7, Section 7.6
Becker Chapter 15, pages 430431; Chapter 16, pages 449-459
Freeman Chapter 12, Section
12.1 and 12.2
Becker Chapter 19, pages 549551 and 571-579
Freeman Chapter 12, Section
12.1 and 12.2
Becker Chapter 19, pages 549551 and 571-579
Freeman Chapter 18, Section
18.1 – 18.3
Friday, Apr. 22
The Events of MPhase
Monday, Apr. 25
Genetic Regulation
in Bacteria
Wednesday, Apr. 27
Genetic Regulation
in Bacteria
Viruses I
Viruses II
Freeman Chapter 18, Section
18.1-18.3; Chapter 36 pages 711716
Freeman Chapter 36 pages 716722
Recombinant DNA
& Genetic
Engineering I
Recombinant DNA
& Genetic
Engineering II
Freeman Chapter 20, Section
20.1
Friday, Apr. 29
Monday, May 2
Wednesday, May 4
Freeman Chapter 20, Section
20.1
Thursday, May 5
Reading Day: No Classes
Monday, May 9
Final Exam 7:00 – 10:00 PM
6
Discussion
Discussion 12:
Stem Cells
Discussion 13:
Problem Solving
Final Exam
No Discussions this
week!
Course Information
MCB 150
MCB 150 Lecture Information
Lectures will be held at 2:00 PM Monday–Wednesday–Friday in Foellinger Auditorium.
MCB 150 World Wide Website
Course Website: www.life.illinois.edu/mcb/150
Official Course Gradebook: https://apps.atlas.illinois.edu/Gradebook
Required and Recommended Materials
The following is a specific list of items required or recommended for MCB 150. These items should
be available and should be listed correctly at the Illini Union Bookstore (IUB). They may not be
available and it is not guaranteed they will be listed correctly at any other bookstore. Please pay
careful attention to dates and editions when purchasing these items. Any items (other than those
specifically named below) listed by bookstores as optional or recommended have not been
previously approved by the course faculty.
Required Texts
You are required to have three things in this course: custom textbook (casebound or ebook),
Mastering access, and Practicing Biology workbook.
The format chosen is entirely a personal choice.
Recommended Texts
Two shorter texts have been packaged at a discounted price for you. These texts are listed
through the IUB as Thrive in Cell Biology: Custom U of I, 2 Volume Pack, Cox, ISBN: 978-0-19-935204-3
at a cost of $81.24.
Section Change, Add, and Drop Information
Students may use the UI–Integrate Self-Service System to add or change MCB 150 discussion
sections before 5:00 PM, Monday, February 1, 2016.
Students must at all times attend the discussion section in which they are currently enrolled.
Students will not be allowed to sit in other sections at other times for any reason without permission
from the course staff in 208 Noyes Laboratory.
Friday, March 11, 2016 is the last day to drop the course or to elect the Credit/No Credit option.
Students may use the UI-Integrate Self-Service System to drop MCB 150 until this deadline.
To drop the course after the drop deadline, students must petition a dean in their college office
and bring petitions to 208 Noyes Laboratory for completion of attendance and grade information.
To elect the Credit/No Credit option, students must apply in their College Office.
When MCB 150 Classes Begin
MCB 150 Lectures begin on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 in Foellinger Auditorium.
MCB 150 Discussions begin on Monday, January 25, 2016. See the Course Explorer
(https://courses.illinois.edu/schedule/2016/spring/MCB/150) for section-specific meeting
days/times/locations.
7
Course Information
MCB 150
Proficiency Exam Information
The MCB 150 proficiency exam will be given on Tuesday, January 26 from 6–9 PM. Students wishing
to take the exam must bring a student ID to 252 Davenport Hall and fill out the appropriate
scheduled.
You may not take a proficiency exam if any of the following apply:
A. You have taken the proficiency exam for the given course previously.
B. You have already completed the course.
C. You were enrolled in the course and dropped after the campus drop deadline (eighth
week of the semester) or withdrew from the course.
D. You have completed more than one course in advance of the course (higher rubric
number) in which the proficiency exam is requested.
Additional information regarding proficiency exams appears in Article 3, Part 2, 3-203, Proficiency
Examinations, in the Code of Policies and Regulations Applying to All Students, which is available
online at: http://studentcode.illinois.edu/article3_part2_3-203.html
Contacting MCB Course Personnel
1. MCB course personnel are more than happy to assist students.
2. Emails to instructors, TAs, or course coordinators will only be answered if they come from an
@illinois.edu account. As a student, please remember that when you email a staff member, it is
important to include all pertinent information so that we can assist you in the most efficient and
effective manner possible. This information includes:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
The course rubric in the subject line
Your full first and last name
Your NetID (the first part of your illinois.edu email account)
Your UIN (9 digit number that you use to register for classes)
The course that you are concerned about (the course personnel often work with
multiple courses)
Your section letter/number
The previous email "thread" or previous communicated information pertinent to
the situation
3. Your cooperation will help us respond much more quickly to your concerns.
Religious Observances and Practices
1.
Students are required to submit the Request for Accommodation for Religious Observances
Form (which can be found at:
www.odos.illinois.edu/.../Religious_Observance_Accommodation_Request_ Form.docx) to their
instructors and the Office of the Dean of Students requesting accommodation by the end of
the second week of the course. Requests that are not submitted within this time frame may
not be granted.
DRES Accommodations
1.
2.
If a student has DRES (Disability Resources and Educational Services) accommodations,
documentation must be submitted to course personnel by the end of the second week of
class.
If a student believes that they need DRES accommodations, they should contact DRES at
disability@illinois.edu.
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Course Information
MCB 150
Exam Instructions
1. Exams I, II, and III will be given on Thursday evenings as noted on the course website. Arrive
early; the exams will begin at 7:00 PM sharp. Any student arriving after the first person leaves
any exam room will not be allowed to take the exam. The exams will cover material from
lecture specifically and discussion only as the two may overlap. Please see the MCB 150
website for any further details concerning each exam.
2. The exams will be administered in various lecture halls and classrooms on campus and the
section location assignments will be posted on the MCB 150 website and in the discussion
rooms, several days prior to each exam. You must take the exam with your assigned section.
3. Bring your University photo ID, several sharp #2 pencils, and an eraser. You will not need a
calculator to complete these exams. No calculators will be allowed in the exam room.
4. Please do not bring to the exam any backpacks, purses, hats, bags, books, notes, papers,
clipboards, musical instruments, or anything other than the items listed in number 3 above. You
will be allowed to enter the exam room with these items, but they will be placed away from
student seating during the exam. No one will monitor who deposits and collects these personal
effects, and thefts and mistaken identification of belongings may occur. We urge you not to
bring valuables to the exam room. You will be asked to either sit upon or place all jackets/coats
completely under the chair in which you are seated or in the front/back of the exam room. Cell
phones, pagers, audio equipment, and any other electronic devices must be turned off and
placed away from student seating during the exams.
The MCB 150 faculty/staff are not responsible for any of your personal belongings. We strongly
suggest you do not bring them to the exam site. The Illini Union Bookstore and the Illini Union
have lockers available for temporary storage of such items if you are unable to leave them at
home prior to an exam.
5. Texting, or the use of a cell phone or any other electronic device for any purpose during an
exam, is prohibited. Doing so may earn you a zero on the exam, or a more extreme penalty at
the discretion of the instructor.
Exam Conflicts
1. If you have a regularly scheduled University course that conflicts with the exam, you should
complete the online Conflict Exam Request Form on the course website. This request must be
made by 5:00 pm not less than 3 business days prior to the exam. Requests made after 5:00 pm
and less than 3 business days prior to the exam will not be granted. See course policies for a
specific deadline for your course.
2. Work schedules should be adjusted, if at all possible, in order to eliminate a conflict with
scheduled exams. Please plan accordingly at the beginning of the semester. If eliminating a
conflict is not possible, the student should complete the online Conflict Exam Request Form on
the course website. This request must be made by 5:00 pm not less than 3 business days prior to
the exam. Requests made after 5:00 pm and less than 3 business days prior to the exam will not
be granted.
3. Students that are formally participating in officially recognized groups, such as athletic teams
and performing groups, with a conflict should request a conflict exam by 5:00 pm not less than 3
days prior to the exam via the online Conflict Request Form. Formal participation does not
include general meetings of RSOs or any other recognized groups. Documentation of the event
will be required prior to scheduling the conflict exam. Requests made after 5:00 pm and less
than 3 business days prior to the exam will not be granted.
4. Students with DRES accommodations should also submit the online Conflict Request Form by
5:00 pm no later than 3 business days prior to the exam. Requests made after 5:00 pm and less
than 3 business days prior to the exam will not be granted.
9
Course Information
MCB 150
5. Students taking the conflict exam will not be allowed to take their exam booklet with them
when they leave the exam room. These booklets will be available for pick-up in 252 Davenport
Hall on the day following the exam or in your discussion.
Exam Absences
1. If you must miss an exam due to unforeseen circumstances, you are required to contact your
course coordinator within 24 hours of the absence. You will then have 48 hours from the
absence in which to submit documentation to your course coordinator. You must also submit
an online Absence Form if one is available on your course website. Course personnel will
evaluate documentation and decide whether or not there will be an option to compensate for
the missed exam through proration. Failure to follow this procedure will result in a zero for the
exam.
2. If you must miss an exam for job, graduate, or professional school interviews, the exam may be
prorated. A best effort should be made to schedule these events around exams. You will need
to be mindful that only one exam may be prorated in a semester for any and all absences.
Documentation will be required.
3. There will be instances when the student must make an individual choice about their ability to
perform on an exam and will need to accept any and all consequences for that choice.
4. If the absence is a result of a protracted illness of 3 days or more, you should follow the
procedure for obtaining a letter from the Office of the Dean of Students. The request may be
made once the student returns to class but not more than 10 business days after the last date of
absence.
5. If you miss an exam, the possibility exists to have one exam prorated with proper
documentation. You must contact the course coordinator via email within 48 hours of the
absence. If you do not provide documentation in a timely manner and upon receipt, there
may be a negative impact on your ability to receive a prorated score. The final exam cannot
be prorated. Your prorate score will be calculated based on the following formula:
{Exam A}
{Exam B}
{Exam C}
(%tile) (total possible) + (%tile) (total possible) + (%tile) (total possible) = (%tile) on missed exam
(Exam A total possible + Exam B total possible + Exam C total possible)
________ Points
Please note that the percentile used to calculate your score may be different from the
percentile seen in the online Gradebook, due to the accounting for missing scores. You must
complete at least two exams and the final in the course in order to earn a letter grade in the
course. If you are unable to do so the instructor will recommend that you drop or withdraw
from the course.
Prior to the final exam in the course, you will be given a preliminary proration of your missing
score. This proration is only to give you an idea of what your missing score would be based on
the other scores that we have for you at that time. Your actual proration will be done with the
final exam score included. Please understand that this preliminary proration score may increase
or decrease depending on your performance on the final exam. The actual proration score will
be the score used to determine your final grade.
Final Exam Instructions
1. The Final Exam will be administered Monday, May 9, 2016 from 7:00-10:00 PM.
2. The exam location(s) will be posted on the MCB 150 website by Thursday, May 5, 2016.
3. Bring your University photo ID, several sharp #2 pencils and an eraser. You will not need a
calculator to complete this exam. No calculators will be allowed in the exam room.
10
Course Information
MCB 150
4. Please do not bring to the exam any backpacks, purses, hats, bags, books, notes, papers,
clipboards, musical instruments, or anything other than the items listed in number 3 above; you
will be allowed to enter the exam room with these items, but they will be placed away from
student seating during the exam. No one will be monitoring who deposits and collects these
personal effects, so thefts and mistaken identification of bags can occur. We urge you not to
bring valuables to the exam room. You will be asked to place all jackets/coats completely
under the chair in which you are seated. In the case that the floor of the exam room is wet, you
will be allowed to place jackets/coats at the front or back of the room during the exam. Cell
phones, pagers, audio equipment, and any other electronic devices must be turned off and
placed away from student seating during the exams.
The MCB 150 faculty/staff is not responsible for any of your personal belongings. We strongly
suggest you do not bring them to the exam site. The Illini Union Bookstore has lockers available
for temporary storage of such items if you are unable to leave them at home prior to an exam.
5. Texting, or the use of a cell phone or any other electronic device for any purpose during an
exam, is prohibited. Doing so may earn you a zero on the exam, or a more extreme penalty at
the discretion of the instructor.
Final Exam Conflict
1. Conflict final exams may only be granted for any one of the following situations:
o
o
o
o
Students with three final exams scheduled within a 24 hour period as defined in
Section 82.A.4). Final Examinations of the Code of Policies and Regulations
Applying to All Students which can be found at:
www.illinois.edu/admin/manual/code/
Students who have two final exams scheduled at the same time. Final conflict
exam requests should be made to the course with lower enrollment. Course
personnel can assist with information to determine which course this would be.
Students who have a verified personal problem, and who have received written
permission to take a conflict final exam from a dean in their college.
Students who have DRES academic accommodations.
2. Students that find themselves in any of the above situations should complete the online Conflict
Final Exam Request Form which can be found on the course website. This request must be
made by 5:00 pm on the last day of class in order for the request to be granted. Any requests
made after this time may not be granted. If a conflict final exam is granted, it may be
scheduled at any time during the final examination period and is at the discretion of the
instructor or course coordinator.
Final Exam Absence
1.
If you must miss a final exam due to unforeseen circumstances, you are required to contact
your course coordinator within 24 hours of the absence. You will then have 48 hours from the
absence in which to submit documentation to your course coordinator. You must also submit
an online Absence Form if one is available on your course website. Course personnel will
evaluate documentation and decide whether or not there will be an option to compensate
for the missed exam, through a makeup exam. Failure to follow this procedure will result in a
zero for the exam.
2.
There will be instances when the student must make an individual choice about their ability to
perform on an exam and will need to accept any and all consequences for that choice.
3.
If the absence is a result of a protracted illness of 3 days or more, you should follow the
procedure for obtaining a letter from the Office of the Dean of Students. The request may be
made once the student returns to class but not more than 10 business days after the last date
of absence.
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Course Information
MCB 150
Map to Davenport Hall
General Information and Policies of MCB 150
1.
The course faculty and the TAs are in charge of the orderly conduct of students in discussions
and may exclude a student who does not comply with a reasonable request in this regard.
2.
All students are assumed to have read and understood the Code of Policies and Regulations
Applying To All Students, University of Illinois, and will be expected to act accordingly.
The Code is available online at:
http://admin.illinois.edu/policy/code/
3.
Concerns over exam grading, discussion teaching or grading, and exam or discussion
absences should be taken up with the MCB 150 Course Coordinator, Melissa Reedy.
4.
The deadline for grade corrections on all items is one week after corrected items are
returned or grades are received.
5.
Excused class time compensating for evening exams is provided by cancellation of lectures.
6.
Reference letters and recommendation forms are to be submitted to the student’s TA, whose
evaluation will be reviewed and countersigned by a member of the course faculty.
7.
The faculty and staff of MCB 150 are not responsible for any student personal belongings
during examinations or class periods.
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Course Information
MCB 150
8.
Social Media Use:
• Use of any social or electronic media to share information, request information or make
confidential information public is prohibited. Any use of this type may earn you a zero or a
more extreme penalty at the discretion of the instructor on an assignment or exam.
• Any social media sites created in relation to MCB courses must grant access to course
personnel upon request. Failure to provide access will result in a failing grade in the course
for the group/site’s administrator(s).
9.
Course Recordings:
• Students are welcome and encouraged to make audio recordings of course lectures.
• The material recorded is intellectual and copyrighted property of the University of Illinois
Board of Trustees and may be made for personal use only.
• Video recordings of any kind are strictly prohibited.
• Posting of audio recordings or transcriptions on social or electronic media platforms is
strictly prohibited.
Attendance Policies
1.
Regular class attendance is expected of all students at the University.
(http://odos.illinois.edu/studentAssistance/absence/revised_code.asp)
2.
The Office of the Dean of Students will only provide informative letters to instructors for
protracted illness of 3 or more days, certain emergencies and to be present during the
serious illness of immediate family members (parents, legal guardian, spouse/partner, siblings,
children, or grandparents). These letters do not excuse you from class but merely provide
information for the instructor to consider with regard to excusing the absence and permitting
make-up work. Students must request absence letters from the Office of the Dean of
Students after the student has returned to class but not more than 10 business days after the
last date of absence.
3.
Absences that may be excused without a letter include circumstances beyond the student’s
control such as medical treatment, surgery related to prolonged illness or injury, pregnancy,
legal matters, citizenship or naturalization processes, or acts of nature which cause
destruction to a primary residence or disrupt air travel. All will require documentation.
4.
Absences that may also be excused without a letter from the Dean of Students Office
include job, graduate or professional school interviews, though a best effort should be made
to schedule these events to minimize class attendance disruption. All will require
documentation.
5.
Absences that will not be excused include family events such as reunions or weddings, or
presence during serious illness of extended family members (aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or
cousin).
6.
Absences, when they occur after the first day of classes but prior to enrollment in the course,
will require the use of dropped assignments if applicable.
7.
Absences will be handled according to individual course policy.
a.
Attendance will be recorded at every discussion session. You are required to
sign in on the “sign-in” sheets provided within the first five minutes of class,
remain present for the entire class period, and be an active participant in
order to receive credit. If you are more than 5 minutes late or you fail to sign
in, you forfeit your participation points for that week, but you may stay for the
class period. If you are on time but are sleeping or engaged in other materials
(i.e. cell phones, computer, etc.) you also forfeit attendance points for that
week at the discretion of the TA.
b.
Students must attend their scheduled discussion section.
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Course Information
MCB 150
c.
We know that students become ill and other reasons beyond a student’s
control arise. In order to accommodate absences due to minor illness or
emergency, we allow that a specified number of assignments may be missed
without penalty. These missed assignments can be dropped according to the
criteria set forth in the Course Policies for this course. Specifically for MCB 150,
a student that misses class/assignments due to minor illness (less than 3 days),
chooses not to attend class or complete an assignment, and/or forgets to
attend class or complete an assignment will use these specified drops. There
is no distinction made between illness and missing class/assignments.
d.
If you experience an illness (chronic, recurring or lasting three days or more) or
other circumstance that causes an extended absence from class (lasting
three days or more), please contact the Student Assistance Center in the
Office of the Dean of Students during business hours (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM). This
office is located on the 3rd floor of the Turner Student Services Building, 610 E.
John Street, Champaign, 217-333-0050. A representative of that office will
provide us with the necessary information to address your
circumstance. Please fill out an online absence form for your course which
can be found on the course website
(http://www.life.illinois.edu/mcb/150/course/forms.html).
MCB 150 Web Gradebook
The MCB 150 Web Gradebook can be accessed directly at the following URL:
https://apps.atlas.illinois.edu/Gradebook
Additionally, students may follow the Web Gradebook link on the MCB 150 website:
http://www.life.illinois.edu/mcb/150
Scores on exams and assignments will be available for student review on the MCB 150 Web Gradebook.
All students are responsible for checking their scores on the Web Gradebook after each exam and
assignment is returned to them. Each student is responsible for reporting possible discrepancies to his/her
TA and if immediate action is not taken, the student is responsible for bringing this to the attention of MCB
150 Course Staff within one week of receiving their graded paper or exam score. Students are
encouraged to keep all graded papers returned to them until after final grades are issued.
The final deadline for Web Gradebook corrections is
5:00 PM, Wednesday, May 5, 2016.
No Web Gradebook scores will be altered after this deadline.
Please be certain to check all scores before this time.
Mastering Assignments (Pre-class/Post-class)
Pearson Mastering will be used to administer homework in the form of pre/post-class assignments.
Instructions for accessing Mastering are contained in this packet. There will be pre/post class
assignments for each lecture in this course beginning with Lecture 2. There will be over 500 “points”
of questions asked over the course of the semester. Your score for this grade-type is determined by
your percent accuracy. For example if 500 questions were asked, you would need to have 90%
(450) correct in order to earn the full 230 points. The maximum points that can be earned on these
assignments for the semester is 230 points.
Pre-class assignments will be due at 12:00 PM each day of class (every M, W, F with the exception
of holidays and/or in-class review sessions).
Post-class assignments will be due at 12:00 PM each business day following a lecture period (every
M, T, R with the exception of holidays and/or in-class review sessions).
14
Course Information
MCB 150
Please be advised that difficulty accessing the server, inability to find an open computer lab, or
other computer issues will not suffice to extend this deadline. Please be sure to finish your
assignments early, to avoid missing these deadlines!
Mastering % Correct
90%
85%
80%
75%
70%
65%
60%
55%
50%
45%
40%
35%
30%
25%
Below 25%
Points student earns
230
218
207
195
184
172
161
149
138
126
115
103
92
80
0
In-class Assignments
Learning Catalytics
There will opportunities during class where students will be asked to answer a question or set of
questions based on the material covered that day. These in-class activities will happen at different
times during the class period (i.e. beginning/middle/end). Students can earn a maximum of 100
points for these assignments. These 100 points will be determined based on the student’s
percentage of successful work throughout the semester. For example, if 150 points worth of
questions are asked, you must have 80% accuracy (120/150) in order to earn the full 100 points in
this grade-type.
Learning Catalytics % Correct
80%
75%
70%
65%
60%
55%
50%
45%
40%
15
Points student earns
100
95
90
85
80
75
70
65
60
Course Information
MCB 150
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
Below 15%
55
50
45
40
35
0
Discussion Participation Points
There are thirteen discussion section meetings during the semester. Students will receive 6 points
per discussion section for a total of 70 points (8 points can be missed without penalty to the final
discussion score). Students are urged to attend all discussion classes, and participate in the
activities each week. Students will not receive more than 70 total participation points. Teaching
assistants will provide students with a clear indication of what is required in order to be counted as
an active participant for a class session. Students will not receive attendance/participation points
if they arrive more than 5 minutes late to discussion or if they leave before class is dismissed.
Discussion Rubric
6 points:
Student arrived on time; completed the discussion activity; actively participated with
his/her group members; and stayed on task during the discussion period.
5 points:
Student arrived on time; completed the activity; but was not actively engaged with
his/her group members or did not stay on task during the discussion period.
4 points:
Student was late to discussion (automatic 2 point deduction); completed the activity;
actively participated with his/her group members.
Student was on time to discussion, completed the workbook activity on paper because
he/she failed to bring the workbook to class(automatic 2 point deduction), and
participated with his/her group members.
3 points:
Student was engaged in materials other than MCB 150 discussion (automatic 3 point
deduction); activity is incomplete or little participation occurred from this student.
2 points:
Student arrived on time but submitted an incomplete activity or failed to participate
with his/her group members.
1 point:
Student arrived late to discussion and was engaged in other materials other than MCB
150 discussion (combination of automatic 2 point and 3 point deductions); activity was
completed in its entirety and student was completely engaged once aware of previous
deductions.
0 points:
Student was not present for discussion, student was present but failed to sign in on the
sign in sheet, or student did not complete any of the work assigned during the
discussion period.
Examinations
Evening exams and the final exam will be in the multiple choice and true/false format. Material for
evening lecture exams will be drawn from the lectures, lecture materials, associated text readings,
and reserved reading, if any. Material for the final exam can be drawn comprehensively from all
material covered in the course. Lecturers will provide students with information regarding the
content of specific exams.
All exams are computer graded and the grades are entered into the Web Gradebook
electronically. Once the exams have been administered, they become property of the students.
Within one week of each exam, answers are posted, and errata grade sheets are provided to
16
Course Information
MCB 150
students. It is the student's responsibility to make certain that the grade on the Web Gradebook is
correct. If a student believes that an error has been made, it should be brought to the TA's
attention immediately. If an explanation cannot be found, the student and/or the TA should bring
the problem to the MCB 150 Staff in 252 Davenport Hall. All student scantron sheets are retained
for grade confirmation if necessary. All students are urged to keep their errata sheets until a final
grade has been issued for the course.
The final exam is the property of the course and is not returned to students, nor are answers posted
or made available in any way. Should a student feel that an error has been made in the grading
of the final exam, that student should contact MCB 150 Course Staff.
Exam Dates
Exam I
Thursday,February 11
7:00–9:00 PM
Exam II
Thursday, March 10
7:00–9:00 PM
Exam III
Thursday, April 14
7:00–9:00 PM
Final Exam
Monday, May 9
7:00–10:00 PM
Course Grading
Student grades in MCB 150 will be based on total of 1000 points. Categories listed below are
approximate, but should closely resemble the final distribution.
3 Lecture Exams
Final Exam
Mastering/In-Class Activities
Discussion Participation
Total
450
150
330
70
1000 points
A more specific point breakdown for MCB 150 follows:
230 points
100 points
70 points
450 points
150 points
1000 points
Pre/Post-Class Questions (Mastering)
In-Class Activities
Discussion Attendance/Participation
Exams (3 @ 150 points each)
Final Exam
Total
All point totals are estimates and may be altered slightly throughout the course of the semester.
The point totals contained in the following table represent the use of the plus/minus grading system
coupled with a 4.0 grade point system. The grade point values shown for each letter grade have
been assigned by the University. Students who earn the points shown below (out of 1000 possible
points) will be guaranteed the indicated letter grade. At semester's end, after the final exam, the
faculty will analyze the course grade distribution and may decrease (to accommodate poor class
performance on an examination), but will not increase the points, needed for each grade.
All point totals are estimates and may be altered slightly throughout the course of the semester.
The point totals contained in the following table represent the use of the plus/minus grading system
coupled with a 4.0 grade point system. The grade point values shown for each letter grade have
been assigned by the University. Students who earn the points shown below (out of 1000 possible
points) will be guaranteed the indicated letter grade. At semester's end, after the final exam, the
17
Course Information
MCB 150
faculty will analyze the course grade distribution, and may decrease (to accommodate poor class
performance on an examination), but will not increase the points needed for each grade.
Letter Grade
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
MCB 150 Standard Grade Scale
Point Ranges
Grade Point Value
1000–920
4.000
919–880
4.000
879–840
3.667
839–800
3.333
799–760
3.000
759–720
2.667
719–680
2.333
679–640
2.000
639–600
1.667
599–560
1.333
559–520
519–480
479–0
1.000
0.667
0.000
Academic Integrity:
1. Science cannot exist without honesty. The faculty and staff in MCB require students, as
scientists-in-the-making, to hold the highest standards of scientific and academic conduct.
Any form of cheating on any graded work in courses is unacceptable, and will be dealt with as
outlined below, and in accordance with the University-wide standards in the Code of Policies
and Regulations Applying to All Students.
2. We require that all graded work be entirely your own, and that anything you write using the
words of other writers be correctly attributed. Some specific points follow.
3. On exams, the answers that your turn in for grading must be your own, formulated during the
exam from your own understanding of the material and without any supporting information, be
it written, verbal or electronic. Copying the work of another student, or allowing another to
copy your work, or copying work from any other source, is unacceptable. Since we cannot
always monitor you as you complete your work, we must rely upon appearance of your work
from which to judge. If the work you submit resembles that of another student or another
source too closely, we may conclude that it was not your original work. Always make a
conscious effort to complete your work on your own and to protect it from the view of others,
in order to ensure that it will be seen as your own. Failure to adhere to these standards for any
portion of an exam may result in a grade of zero for the entire exam or quiz for all persons
involved.
4. Texting, or the use of a cell phone for any purpose, during a quiz or exam is prohibited. Doing
so may earn you a zero or a more extreme penalty on the quiz or exam at the discretion of the
instructor.
5. Use of any social or electronic media to share information, request information or make
confidential information public is prohibited. Any use of this type may earn you a zero on the
exam or a more extreme penalty at the discretion of the instructor.
18
Course Information
6.
7.
MCB 150
On written or electronic assignments, the answers that you turn in for grading must be written in
your own words, formulated from your own understanding of the material. While you may be
working with other students in the course, you must formulate and submit your own answers.
Copying or paraphrasing the work of another student, or allowing another to copy or
paraphrase your work, is unacceptable. Since we cannot monitor you as you complete your
work, we have only the appearance of your work from which to judge. If the work you submit
resembles that of another student too closely, we may conclude that it was not your original
work. Always make a conscious effort to complete your work on your own and to protect it
from the view of others, in order to ensure that it will be seen as your own. You must also make
a conscious effort to protect your passwords and accounts. Failure to adhere to these
standards may result in a grade of zero for the entire assignment for all persons involved.
On written or electronic assignments, if you use a statement taken directly from any book or
other publication, including the course textbook, you must provide a citation. That is, you must
put the text in quotes and put the author of the publication in parentheses after the quotation.
Failure to do so will result in zero credit for that answer. Further, using only the words of another
author as your entire answer or as the majority of your answer to any question is never sufficient
to earn credit. If the majority of your work has been taken directly from a publication, you are
likely to receive no credit for the work, since you would not be demonstrating knowledge
beyond the ability to copy. Even if you quote another, your answer must be substantially your
own words, drawn from your own understanding of the material.
Student Access to Course Materials
MCB 150 Website
MCB 150 students can access the course website at the following URL:
http://www.life.illinois.edu/mcb/150
MCB 150 Official Course Gradebook
MCB 150 students can access the official course gradebook at the following URL:
https://apps.atlas.illinois.edu/Gradebook
University Information on Student Safety
Active Threats:
•
General Emergency Response Recommendations (Emergency Response Guide):
•
Security Threat. The Department of Homeland Security and the University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign Office of Campus Emergency Planning recommend the following
three responses to any emergency on campus: RUN > HIDE > FIGHT
•
Only follow these actions if safe to do so. When in doubt, follow your instincts - you are your
best advocate!
•
RUN — Action taken to leave an area for personal safety.
o Take the time to learn the different ways to leave your building before there is an
emergency.
o Evacuations are mandatory for fire alarms and when directed by authorities! No
exceptions!
o Evacuate immediately. Pull manual fire alarm to prompt a response for others to
evacuate.
o Take critical personal items only (keys, purse, and outerwear) and close doors
behind you.
o Assist those who need help, but carefully consider whether you may put yourself at
risk.
o Look for Exit signs indicating potential egress/escape routes.
o If you are not able to evacuate, go to an Area of Rescue Assistance, as indicated
on the front page of this plan.
o Evacuate to Evacuation Assembly Area, as indicated on front page of this plan.
o Remain at Evacuation Assembly Area until additional instructions are given.
o Alert authorities to those who may need assistance.
19
Course Information
o
o
•
•
MCB 150
Do not re-enter building until informed by emergency response personnel that it is
safe to return.
Active Threat: IF it is safe to do so, run out of the building. Get as far away as
possible. Do NOT go to the Evacuation Assembly Area.
HIDE — Action taken to seek immediate shelter indoors when emergency conditions do
not warrant or allow evacuation.
o Severe Weather:
• If you are outside, proceed to the nearest protective building.
• If sheltering-in-place due to severe weather, proceed to the identified
Storm Refuge Area or to the lowest, most interior area of the building
away from windows or hazardous equipment or materials.
o Active Threat:
• Lock or barricade your area.
• Get to a place where the threat cannot see you.
• Place cell phones on silent.
• Do not make any noise.
• Do not come out until you receive an Illini-Alert advising you it is safe.
FIGHT — Action taken as a last resort to increase your odds of survival.
o Active Threat: If you cannot run away safely or hide, be prepared to fight with
anything available to increase your odds for survival.
Sexual Harassment:
Title IX makes it clear that violence and harassment based on sex and gender are Civil Rights
offenses subject to the same kinds of accountability and the same kinds of support applied to
offenses against other protected categories such as race, national origin, etc. If you or someone
you know has been harassed or assaulted, you can find the appropriate resources here:
http://oiir.illinois.edu/sites/prod/files/SexualMisconduct_ResourceGuide.pdf
University Police Department, Emergency, 9,-911; Non-emergency, 217.333.8911
Counseling Center, 110 Student Services Bldg., 610 E. John St., 217.333.3704
McKinley Health Center, General Information, 217.333-2701
McKinley Mental Health Center, 1109 S. Lincoln, 217.333.2705
Dean of Students, 300 Turner Students Services Bldg, 610 E. John St., 217.333.0050
Local Sexual Assault Center, RACES, 217.384.4444
Women’s Resources Center, 703 South Wright Street, 2nd Floor, 217-333-3137
FAQs and Answers for MCB 150 Students
What are the goals of MCB 150?
MCB 150: The Molecular and Cellular Basis of Life (www.life.illinois.edu/mcb/150) is offered each
semester to freshmen in the Biological Sciences Program as well as students from other colleges
and disciplines. This course is unique in that while students are exposed to theories of molecular
and cellular biology and modern biological techniques, they are also asked to read about, write
about, and debate with their peers the scientific, social, political, and ethical aspects of these
topics. Students are encouraged to think critically about issues and the sources of information they
use when making personal decisions regarding these topics. Discussion classes in this course help
students develop respect for and understanding of views that are different from their own.
Whenever possible, students are exposed to ethical principles and well-defined standards which
apply to research and other knowledge-building activities including learning and teaching.
What types of exams and assignments will comprise my grade in MCB 150?
There are a total of 1000 points in MCB 150. Sixty percent of these points will come from three 150point lecture exams and one 150-point final exam. The exams in this course will be in the multiplechoice format, and will focus on the theory and techniques of molecular and cellular biology.
Twenty-three percent of these points will come from MasteringBiology assignments, ten percent
from in-class assignments, and the remaining 7% will come from discussion
20
Course Information
MCB 150
attendance/participation and assignments. Student scores are entered on the Web Gradebook
for the course and are available at all times via the World Wide Web
(https://gradebook.atlas.illinois.edu/courses/mcb150/fall13/index.html).
Can I make an appointment with the instructor outside of office hours?
The rule for MCB 150 is that what we do for one student, we must be willing to do for every student.
Therefore, it is not possible to schedule appointments outside of office hours to ask questions about
lectures, or inquire about exam questions. In a course of more than 600 students, there simply are
not enough hours in the week to accommodate every student's request. On the other hand, there
may be times when you would like to speak to the instructor about a topic outside the realm of
lecture material. Mr. Mehrtens is happy to schedule appointments with students under these
circumstances, so please email him at mehrtens@life.illinois.edu.
Can I earn honors credit in MCB 150?
MCB 150 is not an honors course in the traditional sense, but honors credit can be earned through
enrollment in the honors section OR the use of Honors Credit Learning Agreements. The HCLA
agreements are only available to James Scholars and are arranged with the lecturer in the course.
See the HCLA information page on the College of LAS website
(www.las.illinois.edu/students/honors/james/ehcla) for more details.
Is there a proficiency exam for MCB 150?
MCB 150 will offer a proficiency exam during fall and spring semesters. The exam will be
comprehensive and will be offered during the first two weeks of the semester. No proficiency exam
will be offered during summer sessions.
If I got a 5 on my AP Bio exam, should I try to skip MCB 150?
We are academic advisors as well as instructors, so we would like to offer a word of caution. Many
students have historically assumed that a good score on an AP Bio exam means they are ready for
MCB 250 or 252, and this is rarely the case. Even a great high school biology class is still a high
school class, and the jump from MCB 150 to MCB 250 or 252 is an even larger step than from H.S. to
MCB 150. AP biology courses cover many more topics than we will, in much less detail. You will be
exposed to fewer topics in MCB 150, but in much greater detail. This is true for MCB 250 and 252 to
an even greater extreme. So we would suggest that you use your performance on the proficiency
exam as a better yardstick than the AP Bio test as to your preparedness for the advanced Core
Courses in MCB. And if you're a freshman, you will learn more about just being a college student
and how to excel in college courses this year than you probably realize, so a year to "prepare" for
those very challenging courses might be a good idea.
Where do I go for help with MCB 150 lecture material and assignments?
Anytime a student feels lost or has questions that have not been answered during regular class
periods, we urge you to do one or more of the following things:
1. Visit Mr. Mehrtens during his office hours. These hours are posted on the MCB 150 website under
the Instructor Information link. Melissa Reedy, Course Coordinator (208 Noyes Laboratory; 217265-6379; murray@life.illinois.edu) is also available to answer questions.
2. Visit your Teaching Assistant during their office hours. These hours are posted on the MCB 150
website under the TA Information link. If you cannot make your TA’s office hours, you are
welcome to attend any MCB 150 Teaching Assistant during their office hours. You can find a
complete list of office hours on the course website or in the MCB Learning Center.
3. See if your question has already been answered on the MCB 150 Previously Asked Questions
website, available through the course website. If it has not, post your question on the
MasteringBiology question forum that corresponds to the appropriate lecture topic and it will be
answered within 24 hours.
4. Make use of the materials available on the MCB 150 website including detailed lecture notes,
Powerpoint Presentations from lecture, animations, tutorials, and practice problem sets.
21
Course Information
MCB 150
How can I find Mr. Mehrtens' office?
My office is located in 164C Burrill Hall. The outer door says 164, and inside that door are 3
additional doors. The first one on your right is 164A, the other two doors are D and E. Inside 164A is a
small, carpeted computer room with two additional rooms against the far wall, 164B and 164C. My
office is 164C. When I am in my office, I generally have not only my door open but also the door to
164A so you can get through to my office. If 164A is not open, I'm probably not around. If A is open
but my office door is closed, I may be in my office anyway and you are welcome to knock.
FAQs and Answers for Students Considering the MCB Major
What should I know about the new School of Molecular and Cellular Biology?
The School of Molecular and Cellular Biology (www.life.illinois.edu/mcb) is part of the College of
Liberal Arts & Sciences (www.las.illinois.edu), and encompasses the Departments of Biochemistry
(mcb.illinois.edu/departments/biochemistry), Cell & Structural Biology
(mcb.illinois.edu/departments/cdb), Microbiology (mcb.illinois.edu/departments/microbiology),
and Molecular & Integrative Physiology (mcb.illinois.edu/departments/mip) as well as the Programs
in Biophysics and Computational Biology (biophysics.illinois.edu) and Neuroscience
(neuroscience.illinois.edu) along with other interdisciplinary programs and training grants.
Outstanding faculty, nationally recognized graduate programs, state-of-the-art research, teaching
library facilities, and an active seminar series highlight our School's resources. Close collaboration
with other ILLINOIS Departments and Schools provide an educational and investigative system in
Life Sciences that ranks among the top in the nation. Close ties are maintained in particular with
the following Colleges and Schools at the University: The College of Medicine
(www.med.illinois.edu), The College of Veterinary Medicine (vetmed.illinois.edu), The College of
Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (aces.illinois.edu), The School of Integrative
Biology (sib.illinois.edu), and The School of Chemical Sciences (scs.illinois.edu)
Why two biology curricula?
In order to more efficiently respond to changes in biology, the School of Life Sciences has been
divided into two new Schools: the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) and the School
of Integrative Biology (IB). The formation of these Schools is a unique opportunity to provide
students with a revitalized curriculum tailored more specifically to their needs. No scientific
discipline has changed more in the past thirty years than biology. Advances in life sciences have
given rise to vast new areas of knowledge and powerful new methodologies that have
revolutionized not only the way biological research is carried out, but also its potential in the
marketplace. As a result of these revolutionary changes, career options for our undergraduate
biology majors have changed radically. It is incumbent upon the faculty, therefore, to update the
learning environment in biological sciences at ILLINOIS to keep pace with the new career options
becoming available in the modern biology arena. Modernization of the curriculum is further
warranted by the growing influx of students from other academic disciplines that are suddenly
becoming affected by the expansion and deepening of biological knowledge. While medicine
and agriculture are the obvious beneficiaries of this knowledge explosion, novel applications of
biological principles are engendering new subdisciplines in engineering fields such as biomaterials,
bioprocessing, and biomedical engineering. On the other side of campus, philosophers and social
scientists are being called upon to consider the ethical dimensions and the social consequences of
applying these new biotechnologies to commercial ends. These trends collectively call for a strong
central core of training in modern biological science for ILLINOIS undergraduates.
What is the course work path for a student seeking a degree in MCB?
The Life Sciences major, with its various options, has been replaced by two new majors: Molecular
and Cellular Biology (MCB) and Integrative Biology (IB). Freshmen entering the University will be
placed into the Biological Sciences Program. During their first year, they will take two one-semester
22
Course Information
MCB 150
introductory lecture courses (MCB 150 and IB 150), after which they will elect a major course of
study in either MCB or IB. The School of MCB will offer seven core curriculum courses
(http://mcb.illinois.edu/courses/undergraduate) over the next three years beginning with MCB 150:
The Molecular and Cellular Basis of Life. The Molecular and Cellular Biology major will provide
students with a solid preparation in molecular biology, molecular genetics, microbiology, cellular
biology, biochemistry, physiology, and structural biology. Students will also acquire a strong
background in math and physical sciences. After completion of the core curriculum in MCB,
students may complete the required advanced coursework by taking a variety of MCB courses or
may focus on subjects within MCB that interest them the most. There is also a special
undergraduate program in Biochemistry.
How does a student decide between pursuing a degree in MCB or IB?
All freshmen who enter ILLINOIS without advanced placement credit for biology will take two
biology courses during their first year on campus: MCB 150 and IB 150. These courses consist of
lectures and discussion sections, and may be taken in any order. During the year, students will be
exposed to the different emphases of these two schools, which will help them make a choice that
is right for them. Students are encouraged to talk with professors, biology advisers, and career
counselors to learn more about themselves, their interests, their academic strengths, and about
upper level courses in their chosen major. For some students this choice will be clear. While others
may need to spend more time in order to select the most appropriate path.
Who can answer questions that I might have about this decision?
Students are encouraged to speak with the MCB 150 faculty and teaching assistants for answers to
questions that they might have about MCB and the MCB major. Melissa Michael, Assistant Director
for Undergraduate Instruction for the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology (252 Davenport Hall;
217-244-6239; mmichae@illinois.edu) is also available to answer questions. The ILLINOIS Career
Center (www.careercenter.illinois.edu) is an outstanding resource for information about what
career path might best fit a student. The Biological Sciences Academic Advising Office
(mcb.illinois.edu/undergrad/advising) is also available to help students select a major and plan
their future course selections.
What careers exist for students with interests in molecular and cellular biology?
Some careers such as physician, professor, and industrial research scientist are traditional choices
for students of molecular and cellular biology. Many new careers are evolving daily as a result of
developing new biotechnologies. The following is a partial list of careers available to students with
strengths in molecular and cellular biology. Websites related to those career categories have
been included in most cases.
Medicine
ILLINOIS College of Medicine
(www.med.illinois.edu)
ILLINOIS College of Medicine, Medical Scholars
Program (www.med.illinois.edu/mdphd)
Colleges and Universities
Indiana University School of Optometry
(www.opt.indiana.edu)
Loyola University Medical Center Podiatry
(www.meddean.luc.edu/lumen/DeptWebs/ortho/pod
iatry.html)
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
Allied health fields
Illinois Department of Public Health
(www.idph.state.il.us)
University of Chicago College of Dentistry
(http://dentistry.uic.edu/)
Rush University College of Nursing
(www.rushu.rush.edu/nursing)
UIC College of Nursing (www.uic.edu/nursing)
UIC College of Pharmacy (www.uic.edu/pharmacy)
Veterinary medicine
ILLINOIS College of Veterinary Medicine
(http://vetmed.illinois.edu/)
Veterinary colleges and hospitals
23
Academic research
ILLINOIS School of Molecular & Cellular
Biology
Course Information
MCB 150
(http://mcb.illinois.edu/faculty/by_resear
ch)
Colleges and Universities
Food industry
Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
(www.admworld.com)
General Mills (www.GeneralMills.com)
Nabisco (www.nabisco.com)
Industry research and development
ILLINOIS Biotechnology Center
(http://www.biotech.uiuc.edu/)
Forensic Science/Local Law Enforcement
American Academy of Forensic Sciences
(www.aafs.org)
Illinois State Police: Forensic Science
Division (www.isp.state.il)
National Forensic Science Technology
Center (www.nfstc.org)
Pharmaceutical/healthcare industry
Abbott Laboratories
(http://www.abbott.com/index.htm)
Baxter Healthcare Corporation
(www.baxter.com)
Bayer (www.bayer.de/en/index_en.html)
Eli Lilly and Company (www.lilly.com)
Johnson & Johnson
(www.johnsonandjohnson.com)
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
(www.kimberly-clark.com)
Monsanto Company
(www.monsanto.com)
Pfizer, Inc. (www.pfizer.com)
Proctor and Gamble Company
(www.pg.com)
Wyeth (www.wyeth.com)
United States Government
US Department of Defense
(www.defenselink.mil)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
(www.nih.gov)
National Science Foundation (NSF)
(www.nsf.gov)
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
(www.fda.gov)
Department of Agriculture
(www.usda.gov)
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) (www.cdc.gov)
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
(www.cia.gov)
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
(www.fbi.gov)
Federal laboratories and regulatory
agencies
Government lobbyist
Agricultural industry
Dow AgroSciences LLC
(www.dowagro.com)
Monsanto Company
(www.monsanto.com)
Biotechnology/chemical industry
Dow Chemical Company
(www.dow.com)
Invitrogen Life Technologies
(www.lifetech.com)
Molecular Probes, Inc.
(www.probes.com)
Sigma-Aldrich Corporation (www.sigmaaldrich.com)
United States Military
United States Air Force (www.af.mil)
United States Army (www.army.mil)
United States Marine Corp
(www.usmc.mil)
United States Navy (www.navy.mil)
Where can I find more information about potential employers of persons with cell and molecular
biology degrees?
The ILLINOIS Career Center
715 W. Wright Street, Champaign, IL
217-333-0820
https://www.careercenter.illinois.edu/
The ILLINOIS Biological Sciences Academic Advising and Career Planning Office
127 Burrill Hall
217-333-6774
http://mcb.illinois.edu/undergrad/advising/
The ILLINOIS Biotechnology Center
103 Observatory
901 S. Mathews, Urbana, IL
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Course Information
MCB 150
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