PCB 3023L (4110) Cell Biology with Laboratory Syllabus
Spring 2016 R 9:00 – 11:30 AM CL/SS136
INSTRUCTOR:
Name: Katherine L Siegler, PhD
Contact Information: siegler.kathy@spcollege.edu; phone #: 727-727-791-5993
Office Hours/Instructor Availability: Tuesdays 10:00 to 12:30 PM CL/NM-131 or by appointment
Instructor Web Page: http://it.spcollege.edu/course_info/inquiry.cfm?number=275
ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT:
Dean: John Chapin
Office Location: SE
Office Number: UP-337B
Phone Number: 394-6995
Academic Chair: Linda Gingerich
Office Location: CL
Office Number: NM-213
Phone Number: 791-2538
COURSE INFORMATION:
Course Description: This laboratory course will consist of experiments that teach and apply fundamental
techniques used in cell biology such as isolation and study of cellular organelles, sub-cellular
fractionation, protein isolation, detection and activity.
Course Learning Outcomes:
1. The student will illustrate advanced techniques of microscopy that provide an understanding
of various cell types and methods of identification by:
a. identifying various cell types.
b. examining sub-cellular structures using microscopic morphology.
2. The student will accurately perform standard cell biology protocols that focus on cellular
protein isolation and analysis of protein activity by:
a. isolating sub-cellular fractions of homogenized cells using differential centrifugation.
b. separating proteins using various chromatography techniques.
c. examining protein composition of isolated sub-cellular fractions using gel electrophoresis, protein
identification by
Western blot analysis and quantitative enzyme assays.
3. The student will accurately analyze and interpret scientific data to gain confidence and skill in
problem solving techniques by:
a. performing experiments, collecting and organizing data, assessing the validity of the data, and drawing
appropriate conclusions based on statistical evaluation of the results.
b. correlating data to scientific literature and evaluating its relevance.
c. presenting results through written and oral communication.
Prerequisites: Prerequisite: BSC 2011 with a minimum grade of C, BSC 2011L with a minimum grade of
C, CHM 2211 with a minimum grade of C, CHM 2211L with a minimum grade of C and Pre or
Corequisite: PCB 3023 with a minimum grade of C
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK & OTHER RESOURCE INFORMATION:
Required Text: None, online content available on MyCourses
Library: http://www.spcollege.edu/central/libonline/.
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COLLEGE CALENDAR: http://www.spcollege.edu/calendar/
Important Dates:
January 11
Classes begin
January 15
Last day to withdraw with refund
January 18
Martin Luther King Jr. Day – NO CLASSES
March 6 - 13
Spring Break – NO CLASSES
March 23
Last day to withdraw with a grade of “W”
March 25 -27
Spring Holiday
May 2-5
Final Exams
Note to students: The syllabus addendum is an important part of your syllabus and can be easily
accessed by using the link below. Do take the time to read this very important information—
http://www.spcollege.edu/addendum/
Academic Integrity: The college has an official policy on academic honesty and proper classroom
behavior. It is the student’s responsibility to review the online Academic Honesty Policy or "Academic
Honesty and Student Behavior: Expectations of Students at SPC" brochure. It is important to remember
that everyone’s goal should be to learn. Behavior that impedes the learning process of others will not be
tolerated. Disruptive behavior includes talking at inappropriate times, text-messaging or talking on the
phone during class or repeatedly coming to class late. Students are expected to be actively engaged in
the learning process, and should ask the instructor questions as needed. The professor will assign a
grade of "0" to any exam or other course work for admitted or alleged academic dishonesty pending
appeal. Penalties may include expulsion from college.
Attendance Policy: The college-wide attendance policy is included in the Syllabus Addendum
http://www.spcollege.edu/webcentral/policies.htm.
For this class, attendance is defined as performing the laboratory exercise, data collection and analysis.
Attendance at all laboratory sessions is essential (Since you are working with biological materials and
labs that require multiple lab sessions, therefore make-ups may be impossible). If you miss a lab you
can’t submit a lab report and will receive a zero for that assignment.
Any student who misses three consecutive labs will receive a grade of WF for excessive absences.
REQUESTS TO MAKE UP LABS AND LAB EXAMS MUST BE COMMUNICATED IN ADVANCED AND
MAY REQUIRE DOCUMENTATION.
Faculty must file lack of attendance reports (exceeding 2 absences) for veterans, dual-enrolled, Early
College and Collegiate High School students.
SPC Withdrawal Policy:
Instructors can no longer withdraw students from classes. If a student wishes to withdraw from a course,
it is the responsibility of the student to withdraw either online through MySPC or with the help of an
advisor in the registration office. If the withdrawal is completed by March 23, 2016, a grade of “W” will
be recorded which does not impact the student’s GPA. If the withdrawal occurs after March 23, 2016
the student will receive a grade of WF (withdraw-failing). The WF grade is punitive; it has the same
impact on the GPA as an F. Students in the third attempt of a course who withdraw will receive a WF
regardless of the date of withdrawal. Students who do not attend during the first two weeks of classes will
automatically be withdrawn from the course by the college and will still be responsible for the tuition and
fees. Also, students who do not show sufficient active participation (completion of Exams 1) in the
course by March 23, 2016, will be administratively withdrawn by the college and receive a WF. Students
who withdraw from all classes may be required to repay some or all of the financial aid received for the
term. Should you consider totally withdrawing from all classes before March 23, 2016 (for the Spring
session) it is important that you consult the Scholarships & Student Financial Assistance office on your
home campus to understand your options and the consequences of total withdrawal.
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the withdrawal date will receive a grade of "WF".
GRADING:
There will be two lab exams each worth 100 points, ten prelab quizzes each worth 10 points, four lab
reports worth 25 points each (a lab report may not be submitted if the student has not actively
participated in all of the lab sessions associated with the report), four random laboratory notebook
checks worth 25 points each and a cumulative final exam worth 100 pts.
A = 540 - 600 points
B = 480 - 539 points
C = 420 – 479 points
D = 390 – 419 points
F = <389 points
Exams:
The lab exams will focus on the material presented in the lab with some reading material from your lab
book. The exams will consist of a combination of multiple choice, fill in the blank, short answer and essay
questions. Lab exams may also include a “practical” portion which will have various stations containing
experimental data for you to interpret or specimens to identify.
Any student missing an exam may take a make-up provided they have a legitimate excuse for missing
class (i.e. severe illness with doctor’s note, family emergency). All scores on make-up exams will be
reduced by 10% each time you need to take one. This penalty applies to ANYONE taking a make-up,
No Exceptions! The 10% penalty is additive, so the first make-up is -10%, the 2nd -20%, the 3rd -30%
etc… The make-up exam must be taken within one week of the scheduled lab exam.
PreLab Quizzes:
PreLab quizzes will be found in MyCourses. Quizzes must be completed one hour prior to the lab
session. The quizzes are designed to make sure that you understand the basic concepts and techniques
that will be performed in lab.
Lab Reports:
Lab reports are assigned thorough out the semester to help you understand the experiments. Refer to
the schedule and the MyCourses calendar for the due dates. Reports are due in the appropriate dropbox
one hour before (8:00 AM) the start of the lab on the due date. Wikipedia may not be used as a reference
in any assignment.
Late assignments will not be accepted for any reason.
Lab Notebooks:
You are required to keep an accurate account of the experiments you perform in the lab. You must bring
a bound (not spiral) notebook with you to lab every day and record your procedures and experimental
results. Before you leave lab each day YOU ARE REQUIRED TO SHOW ME YOU LAB NOTEBOOK
so that I may initial it. I will collect these notebooks randomly four times during the semester and grade
them.
Lab Attire:
In this lab we are working with hazardous chemicals. Therefore it is imperative that you wear the
appropriate clothing. NO OPEN TOED SHOES. Safety procedures will be discussed the first day of
class. You will need to wear a lab coat. Please put your name on the lab coat and bring a plastic
shopping bag to store it. The lab coat must remain in lab for the entire semester.
Classroom behavior:
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Success in this class requires preparation prior to the start of class, accurate note taking and study skills.
Please ask me for assistance with this. Do not wait until the mid-term before trying to improve your work.
Students who are a continuous disruption will be asked to leave the lab. Please turn off all
beepers and cell phones while in class. Anyone arriving more than 10 minutes late for an exam
will be asked to leave and will have to take the exam late with the 10% penalty as per the make-up
exam policy. For more detailed information on proper student conduct please see the code of
conduct in your course catalog.
Coming late to class is a distraction. If you arrive late please enter the lab and take your seat quickly.
Do not ask students or myself questions. You can ask questions or copy notes after lab.
STUDENTS’ EXPECTATIONS AND INSTRUCTOR’S EXPECTATIONS
Pre-lab assignments are designed to introduce concepts and help provide a framework for your study of
Cell Biology and to prepare you for the laboratory experiments. .
Exams will test comprehension and application. Students are advised to establish regular weekly study
habits and seek tutoring help, if necessary, early in the semester. Contact me at anytime with concerns
by phone or email.
This syllabus and the course description are currently available in MyCourses for your convenience
Additional information is posted via a link to the syllabus addendum
http://www.spcollege.edu/addendum/
SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS:
If you wish to request accommodations as a student with a documented disability, please make an
appointment with the Learning Specialist on campus. If you have a documented hearing loss, please
contact the Program for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing at 791-2628. If you need assistance during an
emergency classroom evacuation, please contact your campus learning specialist immediately about
arrangements for your safety. The Office of Services for Students with Disabilities can be reached at
791-2628 or 791-2710 (CL), 341-4758 (SP/G), 394-6108 (SE)
712-5789 (TS) or 341-4532 (AC).
STUDENT SURVEY OF INSTRUCTION:
The student survey of instruction is administered in courses each semester. It is designed to improve the
quality of instruction at St. Petersburg College. All student responses are confidential and anonymous
and will be used solely for the purpose of performance improvement.
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PCB 3023 Cell Biology Laboratory--
Lab
Tentative Schedule Spring 2016
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Topic
1/14 Introduction to Cell Biology lab; Requirements; Lab safety
2
3
4
1/21 Pipetting practice
1/28 Standard Curve - Protein determination
2/4 Factors effecting enzyme activity – Catalase
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2/11 Enzyme activity and inhibitors
6
7
2/18 Chromatography – Hydrophobic interaction
2/25 Chromatography - Gel-Filtration Chromatography– Part one: Isolation
Lab Report #1: Enzyme Activity (Lab 4 and 5)
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3/3
3/10
3/17
3/24
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Chromatography - Gel-Filtration Chromatography– Part two: Identification by enzyme activity
Spring Break No Lab
Midterm Lab Exam
DNA, RNA and Protein Content of E. coli
Lab Report #2: Protein Isolation and Identification (Lab 6, 7 and 8)
3/31 Subcellular Distribution and Structure of Ribulose 1,5 Bisphosphate Carboxylase – Part one:
Differential Centrifugation
4/7 Subcellular Distribution and Structure of Ribulose 1,5 Bisphosphate Carboxylase – Part two:
SDS-page
Lab Report #3: DNA, RNA and Protein Content (Lab 10)
4/14 Subcellular Distribution and Structure of Ribulose 1,5 Bisphosphate Carboxylase – Part
three: Western blot set up
4/21 Subcellular Distribution and Structure of Ribulose 1,5 Bisphosphate Carboxylase – Part four:
Identification by Western blot analysis
4/28 Final Lab Exam
Lab Report #4: Subcellular Fractionation (Lab 11, 12, 13, 14)
Note: Instructor reserves right to change above information, including, but not limited to, test
dates and information covered. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of changes.
Instructor will give sufficient notice regarding changes.
After reading this syllabus, read the below signature page, sign it (type your name) and upload it
into the dropbox in MyCourses by the end of the second week of class (January 22, 2015)
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SIGNATURE PAGE:
I have read, understand, and agree to abide fully by the parameters set in this Syllabus and Syllabus
Addendum for Dr. Siegler’s PCB 3023C course.
Printed Name:
Student Signature:
Date:
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