BIOL 210: Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology, Laboratory Section 1
Thursdays, 10:30-1:15 pm, Science Hall II, Rm. 157
Instructor: Chris Solomon
Office: Science Hall I, Rm. 317
Phone: (760) 750-3016
Email: csolomon@csusm.edu
Office hours: M 10:00-12:00 pm (or by appointment)
Materials Required

Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory Manual, Fall 2007 ed.

Bound lab notebook (e.g. National Brand “Lab Book” or “Comp Book”, available
from the bookstore)
Course Overview
The exercises in this laboratory course are designed to introduce you to a variety
of techniques in cell and molecular biology, including enzyme biochemistry, agarose and
SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis, basic microbiological manipulations, and PCR. We will
emphasize experimental design, data collection and analysis, integration of results with
scientific literature, and effective communication of experimental conclusions. Combined
with the lecture, this course will present biology in an integrated fashion, which requires
that you faithfully read the assigned material and take good notes prior to and in class. In
order to successfully complete lab activities, it is absolutely imperative that you read the
laboratory exercise carefully and completely before coming to lab. As a result, you will
have your “pre-lab” work done prior to our meeting which includes an Introduction and
Objective section followed by a flow-sheet outlining the methods to be done while in the
lab.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Students will learn to use the scientific method to approach biological problems
2. Students will develop experience and confidence in reporting their research
results both orally (in team presentations) and in writing (in lab notebooks)
3. Students will acquire theoretical background and practical experience in the
current techniques utilized in cellular and molecular biology research
Lab Grading
2 laboratory notebook evaluations:
75 pts each
3 (unannounced) quizzes:
15 pts each
195 pts total

See pages 5-7 in the lab manual for specific guidance on keeping a laboratory
notebook. Note that laboratory preparation and participation will also be taken
into account when evaluating the laboratory notebook.

Absence from a lab will result in a minimum of 15 points being deducted from
your lab grade

Late submission of any assignment results in the loss of 15 points per late day

No extra credit will be given
Academic Honesty and Integrity
Students are responsible for honest completion and representation of their work.
Plagiarism will not be tolerated in the lab notebooks. If you have copied or modified
someone else’s work (e.g. from your lab group, from your friend who took BIOL 210 last
year) you have plagiarized. The instructor reserves the right to discipline any student for
academic dishonesty and plagiarism, in accordance with the general rules and
regulations of the university. Disciplinary action may include the assignment of a failing
grade for an exam, a lab report, or the class as a whole.
Disabled Student Services
Students with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations must be
approved for services by providing appropriate and recent documentation to the Office of
Disabled Student Services (DSS). This office is located in Craven Hall 5205, and can be
contacted by phone at (760) 750-4905, or TTY (760) 750-4909. Students authorized by
DSS to receive reasonable accommodations should meet with me during my office
hours in order to ensure confidentiality.
Lab Policies

No food or drink in the lab

Clean up after yourself before you leave the lab: place all used glassware in the
wash basins and put pipetmen back in their stands

Wash your hands thoroughly before leaving lab

Know the location of the fire extinguisher, eye wash, chemical shower, and first
aid kit, and know how to use them
TENTATIVE LABORATORY SCHEDULE
Date:
1/31
Laboratory Activities
LAB 1: PRINCIPLES OF SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION
Other activities: Course introduction, team assignments, lab notebooks, scientific
notation, dilutions, and metrics
2/7
LAB 2: ASEPTIC TECHNIQUE: PURE CULTURES, PIPETTING AND DILUTIONS
2/14
LAB 3: MICROBIAL GROWTH AND ANALYSIS
Other activities: Lab 2 results and analysis, class discussion
2/21
LAB 3 WEEK 2: TEAM DATA ANALYSES AND DISCUSSION
Other activities: Microbial growth kinetics and log graph construction
2/28
LAB 4: METABOLISM I: MECHANISMS AND CONTROL OF ENZYME ACTIVITY
3/6
LAB 8: TECHNIQUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY: CRIME SCENE FORENSICS
INVESTIGATION
Other activities: Lab 4 analysis and discussion
3/13
LAB 8: CRIME SCENCE FORENSICS INVESTIGATION: PERIOD 2
Other activities: Team data analysis
3/20
LAB 5A: METABOLISM II: MEASURING RESPIRATORY/FERMENTATIVE ACTIVITY
Lab notebooks due (through lab 8)
3/27
LAB 5B: METABOLISM II: MEASURING RESPIRATORY/FERMENTATIVE ACTIVITY
Other activities: Lab 5A team presentations
4/10
LAB 6: PHOTOSYNTHESIS: OBTAINING ABSORPTION SPECTRA AND
DETERMINATION OF PIGMENT COMPOSITION
4/17
4/24
5/1
LAB 7A: ANALYSIS OF SDS-PAGE PROTEIN PROFILES IN CHEMOTROPHICALLY
VERSUS PHOTOTROPHICALLY-GROWN CELLS
Part 1: Assay for determination of cellular protein content.
Other activities: Lab 6 team presentations
LAB 7B: ANALYSIS OF SDS-PAGE PROTEIN PROFILES IN CHEMOTROPHICALLY
VERSUS PHOTOTROPHICALLY GROWN CELLS
Part 2: Resolving proteins using SDS PAGE
LAB WRAP-UP
Other activities: Lab review for final exam (question/answer format).
Lab notebooks due