Department of Biology: Course Syllabus (Fall 2016)

Last Date Revised: 7/27/16

I. COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE:

BIOL 4340 (DA1), Cellular and Molecular Biology (Syllabus is 10 pages total, ending with
ending with section IX: College-wide policy statements
Fall 2016 Term=201720 CRN=20365
8/22/16 12/7/16
Lecture MWF 1:00-1:50 p.m.
Lecture classroom assignments can be found at the following website (check before class
begins in case of changes): https://www.fcas.nova.edu/coursewizard/crninfo.cfm?
txtTerm=201720&txtCRN=20365

II. INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Emily Schmitt Lavin, 954-262-8349; 1-800-541-6682x8349, eschmitt@nova.edu
Please e-mail me; it is a better way to contact me than by phone. I will usually respond
within a few hours, perhaps longer on weekends. If you have not heard from me in a
while, just e-mail me again asking if I got your first message. You must have an NSU email account and use this e-mail address for your University business. I will not
respond to messages sent from other accounts other possibly to remind you to use
your NSU account
Office = Parker #392
Office hours: Wednesdays (9:30-12), Thursdays 2-3:30, and Fridays 2-3, and by appointment
and e-mail. If I am not in my office try looking for me in the biology laboratory (Parker
217/219).
Phone: (954) 262-8349
E-mail: eschmitt@nova.edu; Please e-mail me directly (not within Blackboard); it is a much
better way to contact me than by phone. I will usually respond within a few hours. If you have
not heard from me in a while after sending a message, just e-mail me again asking if I got your
first message. If a situation arises where you need special accommodation or assistance, you
must make sure that you have effectively communicated with me via email and received a
response. You must have an NSU e-mail account and use this e-mail address for your
University business. I will not respond to messages sent from other accounts. They will
typically be automatically deleted.

III. COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Molecular and biochemical basis of cell structure and function. Topics covered include modern methods
for studying cells; cell architecture, growth and divisions; structure and expression of prokaryotic and
eukaryotic genes; chromosome structure; development; immune system and cancer biology. This course
does not include laboratory sessions. Prerequisites: BIOL 1500 and CHEM 1310 or CHEM 1310H or
CHEM 2310. Frequency: Every Fall and Winter (Description Last Updated: Summer I 2016 (201650))
IV. LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1.
Describe basic protein structure and compare the various functional classes of proteins
including those that form the cellular cytoskeleton and protein channels
2.
Describe the basic structure of cells and tissues and explain the process of cellular
communication
3.
Explain basic mechanisms of molecular genetics including DNA replication and translation
4.
Describe the process of cellular transformation and how it relates to tumor growth and
development
5.
Demonstrate the ability to read and understand primary literature in the field of cellular and
molecular biology
V. REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIALS:
The following are required:
TEXT: Molecular Cell Biology with Launchpad Access
Author: Lodish, Berk, Kaiser, Krieger, Bretscher
Publisher: Freeman
Year: 2016
Edition: 8th ISBN-13: 9781464183393
Launchpad Access is Strongly Recommended.
Launchpad course access for the 8th edition (Dr. Schmitts Class) is available at the link
below. http://www.macmillanhighered.com/launchpad/lodish8e/3675000 An access code will
be needed (fee-based) for the semester, you can get started with a temporary access for free.
Refer to textbook listing in course wizard:
https://www.fcas.nova.edu/coursewizard/crninfo.cfm?txtTerm=201720&txtCRN=20365
Blackboard Access: You must be able to access the site for this course through Blackboard to
view lecture notes as well as read and post assignments. The site is available by
going to www.nova.edu and selecting Blackboard. The direct address is:
http://mako.nova.edu. Blackboard is also available by accessing sharklink:
https://sharklink.nova.edu/cp/home/displaylogin
You must have a working NSU e-mail account including username and password (same as for checking
your e-mail at your nova account). To make sure that you can view the material at this website try
going to the website and logging in. You should see BIOL4340 listed as one of your courses. If you
do not, or you have any difficulties doing this, contact a computer lab assistant, the University

computer help desk (262-4357), or your professor. You will be able to view my lecture notes under
Course Content and Related Materials, Lecture Powerpoint Notes. You will be posting your
Article Summary in the course blackboard area according to specific directions given separately.
You will need to become familiar with the use of Powerpoint and Blackboard throughout this
course. These skills will help you in additional courses and research.
In order to cover this subject sufficiently, it is best to complete the reading assignments before class. The
printed study guide from previous editions of the book can be a useful tool in identifying and
understanding the most significant material. However, the resources available via Launchpad for this
course are updated and improved for extra study and practice. Use the practice questions at the end of
each chapter and the various exercises and animations available in Launchpad to prepare for the
quizzes and final exam. There are also practice quizzes posted in the Blackboard section. There is an
older copy of a Study Guide book and textbook on reserve in the library front desk under Dr. Schmitt
BIOL 4340.
The following are recommended:
STUDY GUIDES (optional):
Amato, Steve et al., 2013. Student Solutions Manual for Molecular Cell Biology, 7th edition.
W.H. Freeman and Company, New York, NY ISBN-13 = 978-1-4641-0230-1; ISBN-10 = 14641-0230-9
B. Storrie, E. A. Wong, R. A. Walker, G. Gillaspy, J. Sible, and M. Lederman. Working with
Molecular Cell Biology: A Study Companion and Solutions Manual, fifth edition. 2004. W.
H. Freeman and Company, New York, New York. 256 pp. This book is on reserve at the
front desk of the library under Schmitt (BIOL 4340).
VI.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES:

1. The Use of Electronics in Class: The use of electronic devices, e.g. cell phones, smart
phones, pagers, computers, etc., is generally prohibited. The use of computers to take notes
will be permitted at my discretion after you request my permission to do so. It is discourteous
and disrespectful to use electronic devices for non-class purposes while attending lecture. This
also distracts you from the material being presented and reduces your ability to perform on
assignments and exams. Be respectful of yourselves and others. Be careful to pay complete
attention to class activities. Do not use electronics irresponsibly as this can become very
distracting to yourself and others.
2. Attendance is required at all lectures and exams. Absence from class will adversely affect
your grade since you will not be present to hand in assignments and you will miss course
material. There will be no make-up quizzes or tests, etc. unless exceptional conditions occur as
defined in the College catalog. In the case of a truly exceptional condition, PRIOR written
permission from your professor is required.
3. Contact your professor in writing (email) as soon as possible if you have an emergency
that is causing you to miss a class, test or quiz, or you may not be allowed to make up the
missed work.

4. It is the students responsibility to obtain notes on missed material from other students
and/or from notes posted in Blackboard or elsewhere on the internet. Caution: These notes
may differ from those given in class. You are responsible for the information given in class.
Use the internet-posted notes at your own risk.
5. All assignments are due at the beginning of the class indicated. LATE ASSIGNMENTS
WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED except under approved emergency circumstances. Any
impropriety (e.g., cheating, plagiarism) on exams, quizzes or reports will constitute grounds
for failing the course. All assignments are monitored for authenticity by specialized, state-ofthe-art plagiarism-detecting software (turnitin.com). If you take materials (text or figures from a
source, be SURE you cite the source and if it is an exact passage, put the text in quotation
marks). You do not want to end up experiencing the consequences of cheating especially as
a result of your laziness or sloppy techniques!! A form documenting any academic
misconduct will be sent to the Deans office and kept in your permanent record. DO NOT GIVE
ANYONE YOUR WORK in WRITTEN OR ELECTRONIC FORM as it can lead to
misconduct Assistance with writing and biological concepts are available from the instructor
and from professional tutors through Academic Services.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
a. Cheating on an examination or quiz, taking information or allowing information to be
taken from your test or assignments.
b. Receiving help from others in work to be submitted; if contrary to the rules of the course.
c. Plagiarizing the ideas, writings, or work of another (including but not limited to your
textbook and the Internet) without citing the source.
d. Stealing or illegally using examinations or course material from current or past semesters
or classes. Giving or selling answers to test questions and informing another student of
specific questions that appear or have appeared on course examinations.
e. Misrepresentation is an act of omission with intent to deceive the instructor or
University employee. It includes but is not limited to, lying about family circumstances,
employment conflicts, or other personal problems in order to gain academic advantage for
oneself or others; changing answers on graded materials; having another person complete an
assignment or take an examination in ones place.
f. Assisting anyone to do any of the above.
6. Quizzes will last 30 minutes and may only be taken during the first 30 minutes of class time
on the specified date
7. Please be considerate to me and your fellow students. Since it is very disruptive to me and
the other students when someone comes in late or leaves early, arrive on time to class. Also,
please turn off/silence cell phones before class. Come to class with notes already printed and
assignments stapled together as applicable.
8. I expect you to make clear to me when you dont understand something, preferably by
asking questions in class, where other students will also benefit from clarification. Alternatively,
come see me during my office hours or send me a note via e-mail. You should never feel that a

question is too trivial (especially if you have tried to study it on your own for a little while first).
If you already understood everything about biology, you wouldnt be taking this course.
9. A great strategy for success in this course is to attend every class meeting, pay attention
during lecture, take careful notes and review your notes to be sure that they are clear and
consistent. Its a good idea to rewrite your notes or make flash cards from your notes with the
material worded in the form of questions. It is also a good idea to write yourself practice tests
using the course material and then take them without looking at your notes. This gives you
practice taking tests (and may help you overcome anxiety if you get nervous taking tests).
10. Using the Textbook and LaunchPad Course Learning System: The textbook we are using is
a classic. You should use it as a reference book and study manual. If you have trouble
understanding something discussed in class or from an assigned reading, the first place to look
for help is the textbook. It is an encyclopedia of biology, and you should use it as such. Use the
index to find particular topics when the need arises, the glossary for unfamiliar terms, and the
practice questions at the end of the assigned chapters. (I recommend keeping the book after you
complete this course. It will continue to be useful for many years.) The resources available via
Launchpad are very useful for study practice and instant feedback.
11. Any impropriety (e.g., cheating, plagiarism) on exams, quizzes or any coursework will
constitute grounds for failing the course. If you cheat, you should expect to fail the course
and ruin your reputation. A form documenting any academic misconduct will be sent to
the Deans office and kept in your permanent record. DO NOT CHEAT!!!!
Academic dishonesty is unfair to all students as well as the instructor and WILL NOT BE
TOLERATED.
What You Can Expect of Me:
You should expect that I am well-prepared for class, that I am clear about my expectations for you and
the criteria that I use in assigning grades, and that everyone in the class is treated with consideration and
respect. If you feel that I am not living up to these expectations, please bring it to my attention; you will
not be penalized for helping me become a better teacher or for clarifying my expectations.
VII. COURSE SCHEDULE AND TOPIC OUTLINE:
Note: This schedule and topic outline is subject to change. Changes will be announced in class and may
not appear on online versions of this schedule. Dates in bold indicate a test, quiz, or assignment due.
You must attend the section for which you are registered. If a situation arises which causes you to
miss class, contact the professor immediately, preferably by e-mail.
(Any changes will be announced in class and posted in the full syllabus online)
WEEK

DATE

TOPIC

ASSIGNMENT

M 8/22
W 8/24
F 8/26
M 8/29
W 8/31

Chapter 3: Protein Structure and Function

Cont.
Cont.
Chapter 3 (cont.) Protein Structure and Function
Chapter 5: Fundamental Molecular Genetic
Mechanisms; Chapter 6: Molecular Genetic
Techniques; Chapter 8: Genes, Genomics, and

Read Chapters 3 and 5

F 9/2

Read Chapters 6, 8, 9 refer to lecture

notes
Review website:

Chromosomes; Chapter 9: Transcriptional Control

of Gene Expression (9.1)
Control of gene expression in bacteria (9.1)
Quiz #1 Friday 9/2

Secret of Photo 51
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/photo51/

M 9/5

Labor Day; No Classes

Continue reading on genetics, genomics,

and gene expression.

W 9/7

W 9/7; Class meets in the Library (second floor

lab B); Jmol tutorial with computers

Refer to Jmol notes in Blackboard for

more details on this project.

F 9/9

F 9/11;Jmol part 2 Library Lab B (again);

consider an independent project also come with
ideas for your article project!
Chapters 6 and 8: Molecular genetic techniques
and genomics;Read student projects on
microarrays, etc.

M 9/12

W 9/14

The Berry Twins Story Genes, Genomes, and

Personalized Medicine Gene Maps, Models and
Aquaporin exercise (worksheet due by 9/16)

F 9/16

Chapter 4: Culturing and Visualizing Cells

Chapter 7: Biomembrane Structure
Wrap up Cells and Biomembranes
Chapter 11: Transmembrane Transport of Ions and
Small Molecules

M 9/19
W 9/21
F 9/23

M 9/26
W 9/28
F 9/30
M 10/3
W 10/5
F 10/7

Exam #1 (includes material covered to date)

Friday 9/23; Turn in a copy of your article for
the summary project as a part of the exam
Continue: Transport of Ions Across Membranes
Chapter 22: Cells of the Nervous System
(Learning in Aplysia spp.)
Continue: Cells of the Nervous System
Jeans for Genes Day Nobel Prize DayPhysiology or Medicine;
Quiz #2 Wednesday 10/5
Ion Transport and Nerve Cells (Cont.) - Nobel
Prize Day- Chemistry
Article Summary DUE at beginning of class on
Friday 10/7; Consider making a project for the
Student Research Symposium next semester, or
completeing a protein modeling research project
(educational material or 3D printed protein with
model description sheet
http://cbm.msoe.edu/crest/crestJmolResources.php
http://cbm.msoe.edu/stupro/crest/resources.html

Refer to specific notes on Blackboard

Download and install Jmol on your
computer, if you would like to use your
own
http://jmol.sourceforge.net/download/

Read Chapters 4 and 7

Think about topics for your Article
Project! Consider doing a protein
modeling independent study project

Study for Exam; Read Chapter 11

Read Chapter 22; Learning in Aplysia

spp. handouts
Continue reading Chapters 11 and 22

8
Midterm
Exam
Week

9
10

EXAM Time no Regular Classes

Exam #2 (material covered since last test)
W 10/12

M 10/17
W 10/19
F 10/21
M 10/24
W 10/26
F 10/28

11

M 10/31
W 11/2
F 11/4

12

M 11/7
W 11/9
F 11/11

13

M 11/14

14

W 11/16
F 11/18
M 11/21
W 11/23
F 11/25

15

M 11/28

Final
Exams

https://www.fcas.nova.edu/coursewizar
d/crninfo.cfm?
txtTerm=201720&txtCRN=20365 ; See
Coursewizard
Cell Communication Chapter15: Signal
transduction and G Protein-Coupled Receptors
Cont.
Chapter 16: Signaling Pathways that Control Gene
Expression
Quiz #3 Wednesday 10/26
Highlights of the Molecular Cell Biology of
Development ; Cell Signaling (Continued)
Chapter 17: Cell Organization and Movement I:
Microfilaments ; Chapter 18: Cell Organization
and Movement II: Microtubules and Intermediate
Filaments; Chapter 19: The Eukaryotic Cell Cycle(highlights)
Continue Cytoskeletal filament and Chapter 20:
Integrating Cells Into Tissues
Exam #3 (material covered since last test);W
11/9
Watch the Video Venom Cure F 11/11

Chapter 21: Stem Cells, Cell Asymmetry, and Cell

Death;
Cont. reviewing topics
Cont. reviewing topics
Watch Video, Curing Cancer Monday 11/21
THANKSGIVING No Classes; Enjoy the
break!!!

W 11/30
F 12/2

Chapter 24: Cancer; Molecular Biology of Cancer

and treatments; Cancer Warrior to be watched
independently online (discovery of angiogenesis)
Quiz #4 Wednesday 11/30
Topic Wrap Up and Review

W 12/7

Final Exam

https://www.fcas.nova.edu/coursewizar
d/crninfo.cfm?
txtTerm=201720&txtCRN=20365 ; See
Coursewizard

Read Chapter 15 See Lecture Notes

Read Chapter 16 See lecture notes
TGF pathways (p. 723) and course
notes on Blackboard
Read Chapters 17 and 18 (some of 19)

Read Chapter 20
Go to the website:
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/venomc
ure/
This program is NOT available online;
but the website has interesting resource
information.
Continue reading and studying chapters
17-20 and 21(esp. pp. 1011-1022)
Go to the website
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/dna/episode4/i
ndex.html
Only portions of the program can be
watched online.
Read Chapter 24
Watch, Cancer Warrior online. Go to
the website
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/cancer/
The entire transcript is available.
Study for Finals!!!

VIII. GRADING CRITERIA:

Grade Component
Portion of Total Grade
1. 4 in-class quizzes
20%
(only 3 count lowest 1 grade dropped)
2. Exam I
13%
3. Exam II
13%
4. Exam III
13%
5. Final Exam
23%
(Comprehensive; may replace an exam grade)
6. Jmol tutorial Exercise
4%
7. Genes, Genomes, and Personalized Medicine Worksheet
4%
(Gene map and aquaporin protein structure and function exercise)
7. Article Summary
10%
(See complete description posted in Blackboard and presented in class)
The final grade will be determined by converting the score for each category into the appropriate
percentage for the overall course and adding these percentages together. There will be an Excel
spreadsheet available in the Blackboard lecture notes area to help you calculate your own grades. The
course grading scale is as follows. Final grades falling precisely within 0.5% of the final grade cut-off
will be rounded up.
Percentage
Final Grade
93.0
A
90.0-92.9
A87.0-89.9
B+
83.0-86.9
B
80.0-82.9
B77.0-79.9
C+
73.0-76.9
C
70.0-72.9
C67.0-69.9
D+
60.0-66.9
D
59.9
F
Quizzes (20% of course grade): There are 4 scheduled in-class quizzes. Quizzes will be given during
the first 20 minutes of class ONLY. If you come in late you will still only have until 20 minutes from
the start of class time to complete your quiz. The quiz format will consist of the following:
10 Fill-in-the blanks (@ 2 points each)
2 Short Answer-Discussion (@ 6 points each)
You must be present to take the quiz. Quizzes cannot be made up. The
lowest quiz grade will be dropped. Although 4 quizzes are scheduled, only 3 of them will count
toward your final grade. If you have to miss class on the day a quiz is given for any reason, this quiz will
be one of the one that will be dropped. You will not be able to make up missed quizzes.
Exams (I , II, and III; each contribute 13% of course grade): The three exams will cover the
information presented/discussed in class or readings assigned in class prior to the exam date. Each test

will last for 50 minutes. Specific details about exam format will be discussed in class. However, in
general, each test will consist of the following format (with the option to omit one question from each
section):
Fill-in the blank
Multiple Choice
Matching
Identify
Discussion
There are no make-up exams. On test days, you will not be given extra time to finish your test if you
come to class late (see college exceptions policy). If you have a documented disability which affects
testing, you must address this with the professor before any tests or quizzes are given in writing via
email.
Final Exam (23% of course grade): The final is cumulative (with an emphasis on the last portion of
the course) and will be given according to the Final Exam Schedule. You will have two hours to
complete the exam. If your final exam grade is higher than any of your three regular exam grades, I will
replace the lower of your regular exam grades with the score from the final exam. No other test grades
may be replaced or changed in any way.
Jmol Tutorial Exercise (4% of course grade): Complete tutorial worksheet. If you are interested in an
educational protein resource style research experience and would like to create your own Jmol tutorial
for future students and also possibly get your Jmol manipulated model 3-D printed let Dr. Schmitt know
and there will be an opportunity for you to get involved in this molecular modeling project.
Genes, Genomes, and Personalized Medicine Worksheet - Gene map and aquaporin protein
structure and function exercise (4% of course grade): Complete the worksheet on reading a gene
map, and relationships between genes, proteins, structure, function and disease.
Article Summary (10% of course grade): Detailed directions are given separately in Blackboard. I
will only accept this project up to 3 business days late (with a 20% penalty for each day late).
IX: COLLEGE-WIDE POLICY STATEMENTS
Last Day to Withdraw: To withdraw from a course, it is not sufficient simply to stop attending class or
to inform the instructor of your intention to withdraw. In accordance with college policy, contact your
advisor to begin the withdrawal process. The last day to withdraw from this course may be viewed at
http://www.fcas.nova.edu/calendars/
Students must visit www.fcas.nova.edu/about/policies.cfm to access additional required college-wide
policies. It is your responsibility to access and carefully read these policies to ensure you are fully
informed. As a student in this class, you are obligated to follow these college-wide policies in addition
to the policies established by your instructor.
The following policies are described on this website:

Academic misconduct

Writing across the curriculum

Last day to withdraw

Email policy
Student course evaluations
Student responsibility to register
Student responsibility for course prerequisites