BTC 401/EFB 601: "Molecular Biology Techniques"

Instructor: Dr. Annette Kretzer

[3 credit hours] One hour of lecture and six hours of laboratory. Important techniques used in molecular biology research are introduced in the context of a semester-long research exercise. Techniques include the extraction and quantification of genomic DNA, agarose gel electrophoresis, restriction digest, ligation, isolation of plasmid DNA, DNA-DNA hybridization, transformation of E. coli, DNA sequencing and the polymerase chain reaction. Fall.

The only required text for this class is a laboratory manual that will be made available at the beginning of the class. Additional readings will be assigned from textbooks on reserve at moon library. Graduate students choose additional primary and secondary literature to study.

Prerequisites

• Principles of Genetics (EFB 307 or equivalent)
• Principles of Genetics Laboratory (EFB 308 or equivalent)
• Cell Physiology (EFB 325 or equivalent)

In order to do well in this class, students need a solid background in chemistry, fundamental understanding of the structure and function of DNA and proteins as well as good quantitative and verbal skills.

Syllabus for Spring 2008

• [PDF]*

Lecture Notes for Spring 2008

• Lecture 01/15/08: Solutions & Buffers [PDF]*
• Lecture 01/22/08: Agarose Gel Electrophoresis & Quantification of DNA [PDF]*
• Lecture 01/29/08: Class Project & DNA Extraction Protocol [PDF]*
• Lecture 02/05/08: Restriction Digest [PDF]*
• Lecture 02/12/08: Restriction Enzymes in Molecular Biology Applications [PDF]*
• Lecture 02/19/08: Enrichment Protocol [PDF]*
• Lecture 02/26/08: 1st Test
• Lecture 03/04/08: The Polymerase Chain Reaction [PDF]*
• Lecture 03/18/08: Plasmid Vectors & Transformation [PDF]*
• Lecture 03/25/08: Colony Hybridizations [PDF]*
• Lecture 04/01/08: Preparation of Plasmid DNA & Nucleotide Sequencing [PDF]*
• Lecture 04/08/08: Nucleotide Sequencing Continued [PDF]*
• Lecture 04/15/08: Pyrosequencing [PDF]*
• Lecture 04/22/08: 2nd Test

*Sorry, all PDF files are accessible from campus only.