Wayland Baptist University
_______Campus
School of Mathematics and Sciences
Wayland Mission Statement: Wayland Baptist University exists to educate students in an
academically challenging, learning-focused and distinctively Christian environment for
professional success and service to God and humankind.
Course No. and Title: BIOL 4408-section; Cell and Molecular Biology
Term:
Name of Instructor:
Office Phone No. and WBU Email Address:
Office Hours, Building, and Location:
Class Meeting Time and Location:
Catalog description: Study of cellular structure and function at the molecular level; membranes,
organelles, bioenergetics, nucleic acid structure and function, regulation of gene expression, the
cell cycle, and modern genetic engineering will be emphasized. Lecture three hours, laboratory
three hours.
Prerequisites: BIOL 1401 or school approval.
Textbook: Essential Cell Biology. Alberts et. al; 2nd ed.; Garland Publishers;
ISBN: 978-0815334811
*Choose from the official booklist
Outcome competencies:
1. The student will develop skills in the methodology of scientific inquiry which includes a basic
knowledge of the concepts outlined below in the topics to be covered section. The laboratory
will provide an opportunity for hands-on, visual illustrations that illustrate those concepts
emphasized in lab.
2. The student will become familiar with primary scientific literature through reading and
presenting primary research articles. Laboratory reports will also be written in a similar manner
and format to modern scientific journals.
3. Students will learn and develop critical thinking skills and problem solving through applying
material learned in class to solve complex issues related to cell and molecular biology.
Topics to be covered:
Energy
Proteins
Nucleic acids
DNA replication, repair and recombination
DNA to protein
Gene expression
Membranes
Energy from food
Cell communication
Cytoskeleton
Cell cycle
Tissues and cancer
Attendance Requirements:
Class attendance must be a priority. Based on the explanation for an absence, the instructor may
allow the student to make up missed assignments. An absence will be marked if the student is
absent or fails to return after a scheduled break. Any student who misses 25% of the scheduled
classes may be dropped from the course. Additionally, there exists an inversely proportional
correlation between the number of days missed and the grade scored on exams (in other words,
this is a very hard class to pass if you do not make class attendance a priority).
Materials accepted by the instructor after the due date are subject to a 10 point deduction per day
(not class meeting) late. No make-up exams will be given unless arrangements are made in
advance of the absence, except in the case of an emergency.
Statement on Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty:
Wayland Baptist University observes a zero tolerance policy regarding academic dishonesty. Per
university policy as described in the academic catalog, all cases of academic dishonesty will be
reported and second offenses will result in suspension from the university.
Disability Statement:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), it is the policy of
Wayland Baptist University that no otherwise qualified person with a disability be excluded from
participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational
program or activity in the university. The Coordinator of Counseling Services serves as the
coordinator of students with a disability and should be contacted concerning accommodation
requests at (806) 291-3765. Documentation of a disability must accompany any request for
accommodations.
Course Requirements and Grading Criteria:
1. Students are expected to read the textbook assignments and compile a complete set of notes
from the text and lecture. Students will also be required to access the virtual campus blackboard
system.
2. Lectures are illustrated with slides, videos and models. Students are encouraged to ask
questions and be active participants in the discussions of the material presented.
3. The laboratory experience will be directed toward problem solving and scientific inquiry
using modern biotechnological approaches. Students are required to write up all of the
experiments performed in the lab and maintain a journal/lab notebook which will be turned in at
the end of the course.
4. At least 2 (meaning possibly 3) traditional in class exams will be given as well as a take
home exam and a comprehensive final examination. The average of these exams will constitute
75% of the course grade.
6. The lab grade (worth 25% of course grade) will be derived from an average of lab write-ups.
Each lab group will also have to present and discuss 2 research articles in class (which count the
same as a lab write-up)
Course evaluation:
University grading system
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
withdrawal
D 60-79
F below 60
I incomplete
W
Students shall have protection through orderly procedures against prejudices or capricious
academic evaluation. A student who believes that he or she has not been held to realistic
academic standards, just evaluation procedures, or appropriate grading, may appeal the final
grade given in the course by using the student grade appeal process described in the Academic
Catalog. Appeals may not be made for advanced placement examinations or course
bypass examinations. Appeals are limited to the final course grade, which may be upheld, raised,
or lowered at any stage of the appeal process. Any recommendation to lower a course grade must
be submitted through the Executive Vice President/Provost to the Faculty Assembly Grade
Appeals Committee for review and approval. The Faculty Assembly Grade Appeals Committee
may instruct that the course grade be upheld, raised, or lowered to a more proper evaluation.
Tentative Schedule: *Suggested
Academic Honesty:
Disciplinary action for academic misconduct is the responsibility of the faculty member assigned to this course. The
faculty member is charged with assessing the gravity of any case of academic dishonesty, and with giving sanctions
to any student involved.
Last revised: 03/17/15