This course will be an introduction to modern techniques in Molecular Biology.  Through some of the work we do you will be exposed to actual research that is ongoing in the department in my laboratory.  The research you will be doing has never been done before so the results will contribute to the ongoing research in my lab.  The techniques covered in this lab will include DNA isolation, agarose gel electrophoresis, bacterial transformation, polymerase chain reaction, restriction digest analysis, cloning vectors, DNA sequencing, and bioinformatics.

Instructor: Chris Korey

Location: SCIC 222

Time: Wednesday, 5:00-8:00pm

email: koreyc at cofc.edu

Office hours: Wednesdays 11 a.m.-12 p.m., or by appointment

Textbook: None, all material will be handed out or available online.  You may want to purchase a 3 ring binder to help organize your handouts.

Course Objectives:  Upon completion of this course every student should:

1. Have a working knowledge of basic molecular techniques that will include all aspects of using plasmids to clone DNA.

2.  Have an increased ability to: troubleshoot lab experiments; interpret experimental results; understand the benefits and drawbacks of experimental approaches; work cooperatively with peers to present scientific data.

3.  Have a more nuanced understanding of the impact of genomics on medicine, society and our own personal medical choices.

Evaluation: Your grade in this course will be based on Lab Participation (20%), Lab Take Home Assignments (20%), Personal Genomics Assignment (30%), Final Exam (30%)

Tentative Lab Schedule:

September 3rd      Course Introduction and Molecular Techniques Overview

September 10th    Human Genotyping Lab I: DNA Isolation and PCR

                            Assignment Due: Practical Lab Math Handout

September 17th    Human Genotyping Lab II: DNA Gels and PCR Purification

October 1st          Human Genotyping Lab II: DNA Sequence Analysis

October 8th         Site Directed Mutagensis/PCR Primer design

                            Assignment Due: Genotyping Analysis

October 15th       Mutagenesis PCR

                           Workshop: Personalized Genomic Medicine

October 22nd      PCR Product Electrophoresis and Gel Purification

October 29th       Plasmid Ligation and Bacterial Transformation

November 5th      DNA Miniprep and Restriction Digest

November 12th    Run-out Digests and DNA Sequence Analysis of PCR Product

November 19th    Lab Final Exam

November 26th    Thanksgiving-No Class

December 1st       Ethics Video Cast with Dr. Misha Angrist (Duke)    

                           Personal Genomics Paper Due

Absence Policy: Absence from ONE lab without a valid excuse will result in the loss of the entire 20% lab participation portion of the course.  Lab attendance is imperative as samples prepared one week will be used the next week.  If you know you must miss a lab, make arrangements in advance so you do not fall far behind.