Instructor Information
Instructor: Enamul Huq Instructor for the first half
Assistant Professor Section of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology
Office: Bio Lab 21B Office hours: T 3-4, Th 4-5 or by appointment
Tel: 471-9848 Email: huq@mail.utexas.edu
Instructor: David Herrin Instructor for the second half
Professor Section of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology
Office: Painter Hall 2.24 Office hours: T 3-4, Th 4-5 or by appointment
Tel: 471-3843 Email: herrin@mail.utexas.edu
Teaching Assistants: Jidnyasa Mulekar (CMB graduate student)
Office: BIO21 Office hours: M 2-3 pm or by appointment
Emal: jidnyasa@mail.utexas.edu
Course Information
Name and numbers: Bio 344, Molecular Biology (unique no. 89585-89590)
Lecture meeting place and time: PHR 2.114, MTWThF 11:30-1:00 pm
Discussion times: TTh 1:00-2:00 pm and 2:00-3:00 pm at BUR 224.
Overview: The purpose of this course is to provide a reasonably in-depth analysis of the fundamental knowledge and principles upon which molecular biology is based. This analysis will include discussions of key concepts, experiments, techniques, and some of the scientists involved, so that a realistic feel for the area can be gleaned. Mechanisms will be emphasized, since a mechanistic framework is necessary to understand how regulation is achieved, and how genes and organisms have evolved. The main topics will be: DNA replication, recombination, repair, and transcription; RNA processing and translation; genomics and genetic engineering.
Course prerequisites: Bio 325 (Genetics) with a grade of at least C. You will also find it of considerable benefit if you have had Organic Chemistry and either Cell Biology or Biochemistry.
Course materials
Required Textbook: Molecular Biology, Robert F. Weaver, 4th edition, 2007, McGraw-Hill
website: http://www.mhhe.com/weaver4
Lecture slides: http://www.sbs.utexas.edu/bio344/
Class Attendance
Attendance at lecture and discussion sections is strongly encouraged, and will be taken and used to add bonus points to each exam. The bonus points will not exceed 5% of the allotted points for the exam (e.g., if exam = 100 possible points, bonus pts will be ≤ 5 pts). There will be only 10 discussion sessions to attend. Students attending to all 10 discussion sessions will receive 2 points and 6-9 sessions will receive 1 point. In other words, if you are close to a cut-off point, and your attendance was very good, you will likely get the higher grade.
Grading
The course grade will be based on 3 exams, with 2 given during normal lecture periods and a final exam (dates are below). There will also be two short quizzes. The lowest score of the 2 quizzes will be dropped. The point breakdown is as follows:
1 X 25 points quiz = 25 points (6.7%)
2 X 100 points for 2 lecture-period exams = 200 points (53.3%)
1 X 150 points for final exam = 150 points (40%)
375 points = 100% + attendance points
Grades will be assigned mainly as: A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F=59 and below.
If you miss an exam, you must have a compelling reason and appropriate documentation (e.g., note from a physician, etc.) to receive consideration.
Academic Integrity
Ethical conduct is expected at all times, and anything less will be penalized.
Class Conduct
Be considerate of others, which means being on time to lecture and discussion sections, and not engaging in unnecessary chatting or other distractive behavior (e.g., reading the Texan) in lecture or discussion. Sleep at home, not here.