Passaic County Community College
BS 211 Genetics
Master Syllabus 2010-2011
Course Credit Equivalents:
Credit Hours – Lecture: 3 Credit Hours
Contact Hours – Lecture: 3 Contact hours
Laboratory: 1 Credit Hour
Laboratory: 3 Contact hours
Course Coordinator: Anne Loving
Office Location: Room A342 @ Main Campus
Office Phone #: (973) 684-6093
E-mail: aloving@pccc.edu
Prerequisite: BS 101
Course Description:
BS 211 is a lecture and laboratory course designed to discuss the structure & functions of genes,
in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, with more emphasis on eukaryotic systems. The
overlying focus of this course is to discuss the key aspects of the “Central Dogma of Biology”.
The expression of a gene into RNA and then a protein may be a very complex process that
requires many steps. We will discuss many of the steps required to generate a protein from DNA
sequences of genes, as well as the regulation of many of these steps. Topics that will be
discussed include: a) chromosome structure and function, genomic regulation of gene expression,
DNA replication and repair the control, b) the control of gene expression at the level of
transcription, processing, and post-transcription. Additional learning objectives for the course will
be to discuss the isolation of specific DNA sequences using recombinant DNA technology. A
practical and systematic approach will be used to discuss the cloning of cDNA and gene
segments.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Identify the fundamental principles of chromatin structure, replication, repair and its role in
heredity
2. Identify the different stages in which the expression of genes may be regulated and be able to
explain the respective mechanisms of regulation
3. Demonstrate reading comprehension, critical thinking, and writing skills, by reading literature
and writing reports that demonstrate awareness on how molecular genetics as science progresses
due to on-going research
4. Perform laboratory experiments that will enhance knowledge of, develop hands-on skills and
appreciation of methods in recombinant DNA technology
5. Explain the successes-as well as the dilemmas and difficulties in solving science problems
through the use of the scientific method, in performing experiments and writing laboratory reports
Genetics Lecture Topics
Week
Section
I
1
Genes, Chromosomes and Heredity
Introduction to Genetics
The Age of Genetics
2
Cell Cycle, Mitosis and Meiosis
Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance
3
Mendelian Genetics
Law of Segregation
Law of Independent Assortment
Section
II
4
DNA: Structure, Replication & Variation
Chromatin Structure & its Role in Gene Expression
Modification of Histones & Nucleosomes
DNA Replication & Repair
5
6
Semiconservative Replication
Survey of DNA Damage & Mechanisms of Repair
Genetic Recombination, Mutation & Transposition
Mechanisms for Varying DNA Sequence
Section
III
7
Expression & Regulation of Genetic Information
Fundamentals of Transcription & Translation
Following the Genetic Code
8
Transcriptional Regulation in Prokaryotes
Organization & Regulation of Operons
9
Transcriptional Regulation in Eukaryotes
Regulatory Sites & Transcription Factors
10
Post-Transcriptional Controls in Eukaryotes
Processing & Transport
Translational & Post-translational Controls
Section
IV
11
Genomic Analysis
Recombinant DNA Technology
Techniques of DNA Isolation, Manipulation, Cloning & Characterization
12
Fundamentals of Genomics & Proteonomics
Identification & Gene Mapping
Identification & Protein Analysis
13
Applications of Ethics of Biotechnology
Revolutions in Agriculture, Medicine, DNA Fingerprinting
BS 211-Genetics
Laboratory Topics
Week 1
Laboratory Topics
1
2
Lab Safety & Orientation to the Course
Measurements, Micropipetting, & Sterile Techniques
Experimental Meiosis & Recombination
3
Experiments in Mendelian Genetics using Fruit Fly
4
Bacterial Culture Part A & B
5
DNA Restriction & Electrophoresis
6
Recombination of Antibiotic Resistance Genes
7
Transformation of E. coli w/Recombinant DNA
8
Purification & Identification of Recombinant Plasmid DNA
9
Restriction Mapping of Lambda Chromosome
10
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Amplification & Purification of Lambda DNA Fragment: Part A
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
11
12
Human DNA Fingerprinting:
Detection of a Variable # Tandem Repeat (VNTR) Polymorphism by PCR
Gel Purification of DNA Fragments
13
Southern Hybridization of Lambda Chromosome
14
DNA Sequencing
Passaic County Community College
BS 207-Cell Biology
Master Syllabus
Course Credit Equivalents:
Credit Hours – Lecture: 3 Credit Hours
Contact Hours – Lecture: 3 Contact hours
Laboratory: 1 Credit Hour
Laboratory: 3 Contact hours
Course Coordinator: Dr. Louis A. Scala
Office Location: Room E503A @ Main Campus
Office Phone #: (973) 684-6123
E-mail: lscala@pccc.edu
Prerequisite: BS 101
COURSE Description
This college level science course provides a survey of principles of cell biology structure and
function and hands-on instruction of common techniques. Topics such as subcellular
compartmentalization, sorting, trafficking, membrane function & dynamics, cell cycle & control,
signal transduction, cytoskeleton function, cell-cell interactions are discussed from a scientific
perspective. The laboratory component will include the scientific method as a means of
investigating cell staining, cell fractionation, protein isolation and separation, microscopy
techniques.
Meets science requirement for A.S. in Science with the Biotechnology Option.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Identify the fundamental principles in the designs and functions of Prokaryotic and
Eukaryotic cells
2. Describe and explain how and why cell membranes are fluid and discuss functions that
fluid membranes play in cell structure and function
3. Demonstrate reading comprehension, critical thinking, and writing skills, by reading
literature and writing reports that demonstrate awareness on how cell biology as a science
progresses due to on-going research
4. Perform laboratory experiments that will enhance knowledge of, develop hands-on
skills and appreciation of methods of studying and analyzing cells or components of cells
5. Explain the successes-as well as the dilemmas and difficulties in solving science
problems through the use of the scientific method, in performing experiments and writing
laboratory reports
Week
Cell Biology Lecture Topics Covered
Evolution of Modern Cell Biology
1
Techniques in Cell Biology
2
Chemical Properties of Cells
3
The Macromolecules of Cells
4
Cell Membrane: The Fluid Mosaic Model
5
Mechanisms of Cellular Transport Across Membranes
6
Cell Structure & Compartmentalization
ER, Golgi, Endosomes, Lysosomes
7
Intracellular Transport
Vesicles & Protein Sorting
8
The Nucleus: DNA, Chromosomes & Nuclear Division
9
Cytoskeletal Systems
10
Cellular Movement: Motility and Contractility
11
Beyond the Cell: Extracellular Structures, Cell Adhesion, & Cell Junctions
12
Signal Transduction Mechanisms
13
Cell Cycle, Cell Cycle Control, Cancer
BS 207 Cell Biology
Laboratory Topics
Week 1
Laboratory Topics
1
Measurements in Cell Biology/Preparation of Solutions
2
Fundamentals of Microscopy Techniques
3
Techniques of Cellular Staining
4
Techniques in pH
5
Membrane Permeability & Cellular Transport
6
Spectrophotometry of Cellular Biomolecules
7
Isolation of Cellular Proteins & Quantitation
8
Subcellular Fractionation Techniques
9
Gel Chromatography
10
Assays on Cellular Enzymes
11
Studies on Mitochondria/Chloroplast
12
Gel Electrophoresis of Cellular Proteins
13
Western Blot Analysis of Specific Cellular Proteins
14
Techniques in Cell Isolation & Culturing