Time Schedule:
Alison J Crowe
BIOL 402
Seattle Campus
Investigative projects using modern molecular methods (restriction enzyme digestion, blotting, hybridization, immunochemistry, density gradient centrifugation, electrophoresis) and other methods currently used to study plant and animal cells, nucleic acids, and proteins. Includes practice in scientific style writing. Prerequisite: BIOL 401, which may be taken concurrently. Offered: AWSp.
Class description
In Biol 402 we will use the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana to address the broad research question of how plants respond to environmental challenges at the level of gene regulation. This is an inquiry-based laboratory class. You will be performing original research in a team environment just as all scientists do. The goal of the class is to expose you to the scientific process and give you confidence in developing your own hypotheses and designing experiments to test those hypotheses. You will be taking part in a year-long project in which many different students will participate.
Student learning goals
Design and perform well-controlled scientific experiments
work collaboratively in a 4-person team
Identify interesting, unanswered questions in cell biology
Become proficient at pipetting, preparation of simple buffers, DNA/RNA purification and analysis, PCR, and RT-PCR
Become familiar with scientific databases including Genbank, The Arabidopsis Information Resource, ChromDB and Salk
Write a formal grant proposal communicating your hypothesis/proposed research and the preliminary data that support your approach
General method of instruction
Hands-on expereince designing and performing experiments. Extensive practice in scientific writing, culminating in the submission of a formal grant proposal at the end of the quarter.
Recommended preparation
Biology 355 and Biology 401 (or concurrent enrollment in 401). A solid understanding of the fundamentals of cell biology and a desire to learn what it is like to be involved in a real research project.
Class assignments and grading
Lab reports Group presentations Grant proposal writing Short mathematical and/or computer-based homework assignments
Lab reports Group presentations Grant Proposal Lab practical Participation Homework assignments
