Syllabus
Science Prerequisites for Health Professionals
BIOL 1055: Molecular Biology (Fall 2023)
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
Program Outcomes
In lecture courses, students should be able to:
- Communicate scientific concepts and information clearly.
- Illustrate fundamental laws, theories, and principles of scientific disciplines.
- Apply knowledge and critical thinking skills to scientific problems.
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.
SELF PACED DESIGN
On the course start date, students will have access to orientation. This must be completed to be able to gain access to the first module in the course. Students must complete the first module to gain access to the next one. We recommend that students spend about 15 hours per week to complete a course in 16 weeks. When trying to complete the course in less than 16 weeks, we typically see students do this successfully within 12-14 weeks. Instructors will be timely in grading and feedback, but it will not be instant.
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 exam duration 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. The official UNE webcam is required.
Proctored exams are closed for review. You will not be able to review them at any time. Please contact your instructor for specific feedback.
There is a highly recommended Practice Proctored Exam available to all students. This exam does not cover course material and is not included in your overall course grade. It prepares test takers for what the testing environment will be like, what forms of identification are needed, and provides a chance to test your external webcam with a live proctor. This is a great way to become familiar with and prepare for your exam!
Grading Policy
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Grade Breakdown
| Quizzes | 420 points |
| Tests | 225 points |
| Activities (Concept Mapping, Case Studies, Ted Talk Reflections, Journal Club, Virtual Lab, DNA hands-on activity) | 255 points |
| Final Exam | 100 points |
| Total | 1,000 points |
Schedule
|
Week |
Topic |
Readings/Resources |
Assignments |
|
1 |
DNA and RNA |
Chapter 4 Supplemental Material Videos |
TED Talk Reflection Online DNA activity Hands-on DNA model activity Quiz |
|
2 |
Proteins |
Chapter 3 Supplemental Material Videos |
TED Talk Reflection Homology Modeling Game Foldit Quiz |
|
3 |
Central Dogma: Fundamentals |
Chapter 6 Supplemental Material Videos |
Central Dogma Online Activity Genetic Code Discussion Quiz |
|
4 |
Central Dogma: Transcription |
Chapter 6 Supplemental Material Videos |
Quiz
|
|
5 |
Central Dogma: Translation |
Chapter 6 Supplemental Material Videos |
TED Talk Reflection Concept Map Quiz |
|
6 |
Mutations |
Chapter 23 Supplemental Material Videos |
TED Talk Reflection Gleevec Case Study Test |
|
7 |
DNA Replication: Overview |
Chapter 17 Supplemental Material Videos |
Online Interphase Matching Activity Quiz |
|
8 |
Fidelity of Replication |
Chapter 5 Supplemental Material Videos |
TED Talk Reflection Discussion Forum Test |
|
9 |
DNA Replication |
Chapter 5 Supplemental Material Videos |
TED Talk Reflection Concept Map Quiz |
|
10 |
DNA Replication |
Chapter 5 Supplemental Material Videos |
TED Talk Reflection Case Study Quiz |
|
11 |
DNA Repair |
Chapter 5 Videos |
TED Talk Reflection Case Study Quiz |
|
12 |
DNA Recombination |
Chapter 5 Videos |
Concept Map Test |
|
13 |
Regulation of Gene Expression |
Chapter 7
Videos |
Concept Map Quiz |
|
14 |
Regulation of Gene Expression |
Chapter 7
Videos |
TED Talk Reflection Journal Club Quiz |
|
15 |
Molecular Biology Techniques |
Material provided Videos |
Ted Talk Microarray virtual lab Quiz |
|
16 |
Finals Week |
|
Test 4 Final Exam |
Student Resources
Online Student Support
Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you - they will monitor course progression and provide assistance or guidance when needed. Please don’t hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, course materials, billing, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies.
Questions? Visit the Student Support Science Prerequisites page
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.
Student Lounge
The Student Lounge Discussion Forum is a designated support forum in which students may engage with each other and grapple with course content. Feel free to post questions, seek clarification, and support each other, but be mindful of UNE's Academic Integrity Policy.
Your instructor will monitor this forum. However, if you are seeking specific and timely answers to questions about course content or your personal grades, please contact your instructor via course messages. For questions about course materials, program policy, and how to navigate and proceed through the course, please contact your Student Service Advisor through the Student Portal.
Policies
Proctored Examinations
Your course may have proctored exams. The University of New England has contracted with ProctorU to provide students with the most convenient online exam proctoring system. This system provides a simple, no cost to the student, secure, online proctor for exams and allows the student to take all the exams at home and on their own schedule.
Upon enrollment into the course, each student will register with ProctorU and establish a login name and password. This will give the student access to all of ProctorU's services. When ready, students will schedule each of their proctored exams with ProctorU. Exams must be scheduled at least 72 hours in advance to avoid fees. Prior to taking their exams, students must be sure that they have downloaded any required additional software. They must also be sure their testing site's connection meets the minimum requirements by using ProctorU's "Test It Out" utility.
Upon the exam day and hour, students will log in to ProctorU and click on "exams". After following the procedures outlined at ProctorU's website, the student will log in to Brightspace and locate their correct exam. The proctor will then allow student access to that exam.
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. Students can schedule their second attempt by following the same ProctorU instructions as with the original exam.
All students are encouraged to utilize a second attempt on their exams in order to improve their overall performance in the course.
Course Discussions
Discussion topics cover events or materials related to this course that contribute to a deeper understanding of key concepts and allow you to interact with your classmates and the instructor. Each discussion topic may require you to conduct internet research, read additional materials, visit a specific webpage, AND/OR view a short video before writing a response following the specific guidelines in the discussion topic prompt.
To earn full credit you will need to post a response to the discussion topic, respond to the original posts of other students, and then contribute meaningfully to an ongoing discussion. You may need to post your initial response before you will see any posts from your classmates. For special cases where one or two students are accelerating faster through the course, the instructor will participate in the discussion so that everyone has the opportunity to interact.
Please see Brightspace for a full description, along with specific guidelines, for each discussion topic. Discussion board assignments should be completed, along with all other assignments in the course, in the order that they appear. Due to the course design, you may be unable to take a proctored exam if you do not complete all assignments that appear prior to that exam.
Please also refer to the Grading Policy/Grade Breakdown section of the syllabus to learn the percentage of your grade that each discussion is worth.
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. This is, however a self-paced course and you can complete the course in less time.
- Courses in the SPHP program are equivalent to one-semester courses designed to be completed in 16 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 start and end dates are in respect to Eastern Time.
Withdrawal and Refund Policies
Please visit the enrollment page to review the withdrawal and refund policies.
Grade Policy
Students are expected to attempt and complete all graded assignments and proctored exams by the end date of the course. View the incomplete grade policy..
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.
Using Generative AI When Completing Coursework
Generative AI (GenAI) applications (like ChatGPT) have proven to be powerful and effective tools, and students are encouraged to become familiar with and use them. However, as with any tool, students must use GenAI in ways that support learning, not replace it. Learning to use AI responsibly and ethically is an important skill in today’s society.
In their courses, students are not allowed to use advanced automated tools, such as generative AI tools, on assignments unless explicitly directed to do so. Each student is expected to complete each assignment, including labs and quizzes as applicable, without substantive assistance from others, including automated tools.
Using AI-content generators to complete assignments without proper attribution violates academic integrity. By submitting assignments in UNE courses, you pledge to affirm that they are your own work and you attribute use of any and all tools and sources.
Unauthorized Use
Unauthorized use of AI is treated as a violation of academic integrity.
Citing AI Use
If permitted, students should indicate and cite any use of AI tools.
Instructor responsibility
Instructors should clearly reiterate, using UNE Online’s Policy, how students can use AI tools in their courses, and communicate this policy to students at the beginning of the semester.
Student responsibility
Students must follow the academic integrity policy of the University of New England.