Syllabus
Post Baccalaureate in Pre-Health
BIOL 1055: Molecular Biology – Accelerated – 8 Week – Spring A 2025
Credits - 3
Description
This course will introduce and emphasize on the basic concepts of molecular biology and the application of these concepts in the medical field. The knowledge attained in the course will be used to understand human diseases. Topics include knowing about biomolecules like DNA, RNA and proteins, central dogma, DNA replication, DNA repair and regulation of gene expression. Each of these topics will be explored through course readings, video lectures, case studies, journal clubs, discussions forums and digital concept mapping. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of molecular biology concepts through quizzes and a cumulative final exam.
Materials
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
Course Objectives
After completing this course, students will be able to:
- Describe the structure and function of biomolecules like DNA, RNA and proteins.
- Illustrate how the information flows from DNA to RNA to proteins in prokaryotic and eukaryotic system.
- Explain how alterations/ mutations at genetic level affect proteins and causes human disease.
- Describe and illustrate the significance of DNA replication process for cell division.
- Explain the importance of fidelity of the process of DNA replication.
- Identify the protein machinery involved in DNA replication process in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
- Describe the involvement of DNA repair mechanisms in response to the effect of DNA mismatch and DNA damage both in prokaryotic and eukaryotic system.
- Discuss different kinds of genetic recombination processes and their significance.
- Describe and illustrate regulation of gene expression at different levels in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic system.
- Describe how molecular biology techniques like PCR, sequencing, microarrays, DNA fingerprinting and CRISPR etc.are used in the medical field.
Assignments
The assignments will include weekly quizzes and 4 tests. Before taking quizzes and tests students can get an experience by making use of provided practice questions. There are assignments associated with weekly online activities which include Ted Talks, case studies, concept maps, discussion forums, journal club and virtual lab. At the end of the course there will be a proctored final exam. The duration of exam is 30 minutes and no resources will be allowed during the exam.
This Final Exam must be taken through ProctorU. See UNE’s ProctorU page for information about signing up and scheduling your exam. A UNE-compliant external webcam is required. A maximum of two attempts will be allowed for proctored exams.
Please contact your instructor for specific feedback on exam attempts.
Grading Policy
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Grade Breakdown
| Assignment Category | Points |
|---|---|
| Quizzes | 420 points |
| Tests | 225 points |
| Activities (Concept Mapping, Case Studies, Ted Talk Reflections, Journal Club, Virtual Lab, DNA hands-on activity) | 255 points |
| Virtual Exam | 100 |
| Total | 1,000 points |
Grade Scale
| Grade | Points Grade | Point Average (GPA) |
| A | 94 – 100% | 4.00 |
| A- | 90 – 93% | 3.75 |
| B+ | 87 – 89% | 3.50 |
| B | 84 – 86% | 3.00 |
| B- | 80 – 83% | 2.75 |
| C+ | 77 – 79% | 2.50 |
| C | 74 – 76% | 2.00 |
| C- | 70 – 73% | 1.75 |
| D | 64 – 69% | 1.00 |
| F | 00 – 63% | 0.00 |
Schedule
Course Dates:
Week 1: Jan 15 – Jan 21
Week 2: Jan 22 – Jan 28
Week 3: Jan 29 – Feb 4
Week 4: Feb 5 – Feb 11
Week 5: Feb 12 – Feb 18
Week 6: Feb 19 – Feb 25
Week 7: Feb 26 – Mar 4
Week 8: Mar 5 – Mar 11
Course Weeks:
|
Week |
Topic |
Readings/Resources |
Assignments |
Due |
|
1 |
Module 1: DNA and RNA Module 2: Proteins |
Chapter 4, Chapter 3 Supplemental Material Videos |
TED Talk Reflections Online DNA activity Hands-on DNA model activity Homology Modeling Game Foldit Quizzes |
TED Talk Reflection is due Sunday at 11:59 PM. All other assignments due Tuesday at 11:59 PM. |
|
2 |
Module 3: Central Dogma: Fundamentals Module 4: Central Dogma: Transcription Module 5: Central Dogma: Translation Module 6: Mutations
|
Chapters 6, 23 Supplemental Material Videos |
TED Talk Reflections Central Dogma Online Activity Genetic Code Discussion Concept Map Gleevec Case Study Quizzes Test |
Initial discussion post due Sunday at 11:59 PM. Responses due Tuesday at 11:59 PM. All other assignments due Tuesday at 11:59 PM. |
|
3 |
Module 7: DNA Replication Module 8: Fidelity of Replication |
Chapters 17, 5 Supplemental Material Videos |
Online Interphase Matching Activity Quiz TED Talk Reflection Discussion Forum Test |
Initial discussion post due Sunday at 11:59 PM. Responses due Tuesday at 11:59 PM. All other assignments due Tuesday at 11:59 PM. |
|
4 |
Modules 9 and 10: DNA Replication |
Chapter 5 Supplemental Material Videos |
TED Talk Reflections Concept Map Case Study Quizzes |
All assignments due Tuesday at 11:59 PM. |
|
5 |
Module 11: DNA Repair Module 12: DNA Recombination |
Chapter 5 Videos |
TED Talk Reflection Case Study Concept Map Quiz Test |
All assignments due Tuesday at 11:59 PM. |
|
6 |
Module 13: Regulation of Gene Expression Module 14: Regulation of Gene Expression |
Chapter 7
Videos |
Concept Map TED Talk Reflection Journal Club Discussion Quizzes |
Initial discussion post due Sunday at 11:59 PM. Responses due Tuesday at 11:59 PM. All other assignments due Tuesday at 11:59 PM. |
|
7 |
Molecular Biology Techniques |
Material provided Videos |
Ted Talk Microarray virtual lab Quiz |
All assignments due Tuesday at 11:59 PM. |
|
8 |
Finals Week |
|
Test 4 Final Exam |
All assignments due Tuesday at 11:59 PM. |
Student Resources
Online Student Support
Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies. Questions? Email: prehealth@une.edu.
Online Peer Support
Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.
Instructor and Support Contact Information
Check Brightspace for specific instructor and support specialist contact information.
UNE Libraries
- Library Access for all students: Your library login ID and password are the same as the ones you use to log into Brightspace.
- Library Questions: Ask a librarian or phone library staff at (207) 602-2361 or (207) 221-4330.
Further Assistance
Your student service advisor monitors course progression and provides assistance or guidance when needed. They can assist questions regarding ordering course materials, University policies, billing, navigating the course in Brightspace, and more.
Policies
Attendance Policy
Online students are required to submit a graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. If a student does not submit a posting to the graded assignment/discussion prior to Sunday evening at 11:59 pm ET, the student will be automatically dropped from the course for non-participation. Review the full attendance policy.
Assignments
Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted. Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3 point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded. Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.
Proctored Examinations
Your course may have proctored exams. Please see your course for full details, access, testing requirements, and guidelines.
Students must follow all proctoring requirements for their exams to be credited. Please contact your instructor for specific feedback.
Exam Attempts Policy
Students will receive two attempts at all proctored examinations. The higher score of the two attempts will be calculated into the final grade.
All students are encouraged to use a second attempt on their exams in order to improve their overall performance in the course.
Information about exam attempts can be found in your course.
Technology Requirements
Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Programs: Technical Requirements
Course Length
A schedule of lectures and assignments is included in this syllabus.
Courses in the program are equivalent to one-semester courses designed to be completed in 6 or 8 weeks.
- Enrollment in the course begins the day your section opens which is listed in the Academic Calendar found on the Student Success Portal.
- Course due dates, start and end dates are in respect to Eastern Time.
Withdrawal and Refund Policies
Please review the policies in your confirmation email. Contact PreHealth@une.edu with any questions.
Grade Policy
Students are expected to attempt and complete all graded assignments and proctored exams by the end date of the course. Contact support with any questions.
Transcripts
Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, only the student may request official transcripts. This may be done online by going to the University of New England Registrar website and following the directions on the page.
Academic Integrity
The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
- Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
- Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
- Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.