This course is no longer offered
20357 Laboratory: Molecular Biology 1
Credits: 3 advanced credits in Life Sciences
Prerequisites:2 Genetics or The World of Bacteria. Students must also fulfill all English requirements and take bibliographic instruction in the Library.
The course is based on a reader edited by Bracha Kimchi, Reuven Babai and Fruma Yehiely.
In the last decade of the 20th century, amazing progress was made in understanding the molecular and genetic basis of many processes through the use of methods of molecular biology. The extensive accumulated knowledge is applied in medicine, industry and agriculture, and at the same time raises new research questions and ethical issues. The course provides knowledge and understanding of methods of molecular biology, their applications and potential, and enables students to gain hands-on experience in applying some of these methods in the laboratory.
The laboratory is conducted as an intensive 5-day workshop during which an experimental system is constructed which focuses on operon cloning from different sources of genomic DNA, identifying bacteria containing the required DNA sequence using various methods, restriction mapping, and using PCR. Additional principles and methods are presented through demonstrations and guest lectures, students practice the use of Internet databases for determining the homology of DNA sequences, and are familiarized with current research trends in Israel and the world.
1Beginning in Spring 2006, course credits will be divided: 2 intermediate credits and 1 advanced credit.
2Changes in the Life Sciences curriculum have resulted in changes in the requirements for this course. Students who began their studies in Life Sciences prior to Fall 2001-2002 should consult an academic advisor.