Course
Information (Description, Educational Objectives, etc.)
Course Description: This is an introductory course in molecular biology
and genetics designed for graduate students and residents in the
Educational Objectives: The student will gain knowledge of the major
principles that govern molecular biology and genetics, and how this knowledge
is currently being applied to both the fundamental understanding of biology and
in the health sciences including dentistry and medicine. The key
objectives of this course are to discuss and examine (1) the process of gene
expression, including the fundamental processes of gene transcription and translation
(protein synthesis), (2) the practical techniques of molecular biology (recombinant
DNA techniques), (3) applications of these techniques to biology and the health
sciences, (4) the Human Genome Project and its implications for understanding human
biology and disease, and (5) the molecular basis of simple and complex diseases
with special emphasis on disorders that affect the oral cavity and teeth.
Course Outline: Lecture topics include: the genetic code;
organization of vertebrate genes; the cellular processes of gene transcription
and translation (protein synthesis); the basic techniques and tools of
experimental molecular biology including plasmids, restriction enzymes, and
PCR; the Human Genome Project and its implications for human biology, health,
and the understanding of disease; the genetic basis of disease with examples;
genetic variation and its importance in understanding disease risk; and rare
and common genetic conditions that affect the structure and function of the
oral cavity and teeth.
Course Expectations: To successfully meet the requirements of this
course, the student will be required to attend lectures, complete the mid term in
the time allowed (a take home short answer test), and take the final exam.
Examinations: The mild term (a short answer, take home test) will be
handed out after Lecture 8 on July 19, and will cover the material in lectures
1-8. The mid term will be due one week
later on July 26 (see the Syllabus on this web site). The final exam (90 minutes) on August 9 will
consist of ~40 multiple choice questions and will cover material from the entire
course.
This course is graded. The short
answer take home test will count for 40% of the final grade, and the final exam
will comprise the remaining 60%. If required, a make up examination will be
arranged by the instructors. A final
score of 60% or greater will be required to pass the course.
Media:
· OB 579 Course
Web site at http://www.dental.washington.edu/ob/ob578_579.htm
· Articles (papers, reviews) and other printed material handed
out during the course
· Recommended
texts (available at the University Bookstore, South Campus Branch):
1. Clark, DP, Russell, LD - MOLECULAR
BIOLOGY MADE SIMPLE AND FUN, 3rd edition (ISBN: 1-889899-04-6) Cache River
Press, 2005.
2. Watson JD, Caudy AA, Myers RM, and Witkowski JA-
Recombinant DNA: Genes and Genomes, 3rd edition (ISBN-10: 0716778157) W.H.
Freeman, 2007.
Revised