How do cells work anyway?
How is evidence about cells and their functions obtained?
Outline |
Important Links |
Meets MW from 1 - 3:50 pm and F at 1 pm. Discussions are held in SC203 on M & F at 1 pm. Lab activities occur mostly in SC205 during other scheduled and unscheduled times.
Success in this course will depend heavily on the acquisition of knowledge from a variety of sources. Students will be expected to acquire much of this knowledge individually or as groups using their own initiative in a self-directed manner.
1. The world wide web: Students will be expected to
use the resources of the WWW and material acquired from this source
may be used on the reports, tests, and exam. A Molecular
Cell Biology Web Resources Page will be maintained to provide
links to resources on the web. Some class and lab time during
the first week will be devoted to explaining the WWW and how to
use it for learning.
2. In-class activities: The use of the WWW described above
is no substitute for attending class. You should not mistake the
information available through the WWW as a replacement for classes.
It is your education and you are paying for it. For many of the
learning activities in class we depend on each other for input
and collaboration. We need the whole group for the most efficient
learning by all. Please don't let us down!
3. The textbook: Lodish, et al. Molecular Cell Biology, 6th ed. Freeman, 2008 is a text well suited as a reference for this course. Give attention to the assigned readings from this text and even if this material is not covered in the discussions, it may be included in your communications on the reports, tests, and exam.
4. People: Everyone will need an E-mail address and will
be expected to ask questions about the "Muddiest Point"
in the background reading. If I get your questions via email by
10 am, it should be possible to include that point in the discussion
at 1 pm.
5. The library: Books, journals, and popular print media relevant to the course material are in the Good Library, the Biology Reading Room, or the Chemistry Reading Room. Familarize yourself with these locations. Readings from these sources will nre announced in class.
1. What can we learn about the structure and functions of cells at the molecular and subcellular levels via reading the text assignments, outside reading, library research, Web resources, and participation in discussions?
2. Where are sources of in-depth information on cellular biology such as reprints of journal articles, college libraries, Internet databases, and research libraries? How can one communicate findings on assigned topics to the class?
3. What can be learned about the details of cell structure and function first hand via selected individual or group laboratory experiments? How can we use lab activities as opportunities to develop skills of investigation with a variety of methods, procedures, and instrumentation? Can the experiences and understandings gained during these lab activities be documented by careful notes, interpretations, and reports in a lab notebook?
4. What discoveries about significant biomolecules can be comunicated via a Web Report containing at least 2 links to Web resources at distant sites?
5. Can one successfully complete 2 written tests and an oral final exam?
NOTE: When tests are missed the score on a comprehensive written final exam will serve as a makeup.
Activities, skill, & knowledge Final 2 tests 20% Lab book 20% Lab technique & participation 15% Reports 15% Participation in discussions 15% Final exam (oral) 15% NOTE: Late assignments will suffer a 5% reduction in grade for each day late.
Grade scale
Goshen College wants to help all students be as academically successful as possible. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact the instructor or the Director of the Academic Support Center, Lois Martin, early in the semester so that your learning needs may be appropriately met. In order to receive accommodations, documentation concerning your disability must be on file with the Academic Support Center, KU004, x7576, lmartin@goshen.edu. All information will be held in the strictest confidence. The Academic Support Center offers tutoring and writing assistance for all students. For further information please see www.goshen.edu/studentlife/asc.php.