Special Course Offering - RBIO-101 Molecular Biology Lab - Summer 2012!

Bioinformatics students please note:
Highly recommended special course offering!


3 credits, $2,848 tuition plus $250 materials fee to cover laboratory supplies

The Molecular Biology Lab Course (RBIO 101) will be offered on two evenings per week for four weeks,  at  6:00 PM,  starting June 4, 2012, with an extra class meeting on June 27 (see schedule below).  We highly recommend this course to bioinformatics students with little or no prior experience in labs generally,  or with molecular biology lab techniques in particular.  This hands-on experience for beginners and novices provides experience, vocabulary and enough understanding to empower new bioinformaticians to communicate and collaborate knowledgeably with the bench scientists with whom they will work on the job.  Due to the unique schedule and intensity of the experience, the course is offered only every three years, so it is important to take it now if you have interest.  Enrollment for this course is limited to 12 students, on a first come, first serve basis.

Students who are interested in this course should contact the Division of Graduate Professional Studies to reserve a seat by March 16, 2012, by clicking the online RSVP form HERE or calling 781-736-8787.

Students must also formally register for this course in SAGE, after April 2.

Schedule:

Monday, June 4, 6-10 p.m.
Tuesday, June 5, 6-9 p.m.

Monday, June 11, 6-10 p.m.
Tuesday, June 12, 6-9 p.m.

Monday, June 18, 6-10 p.m.
Tuesday, June 19, 6-9 p.m.

Monday, June 25, 6-9 p.m.
Tuesday, June 26, 6-9 p.m.
Wednesday, June 27, 6-9 p.m.

Course Description:

Molecular Biology Lab: From DNA to Protein

This hands-on course covers basic molecular biology techniques, including how to manipulate DNA and RNA; how to clone a gene using polymerase chain reaction; how to insert the cloned gene into plasmids; and how to express the gene and translate it into a protein. Basic detection and imaging techniques are applied to visualize DNA, RNA and proteins. This course provides the necessary "wet lab" experience required to successfully communicate and collaborate with biologists.

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • Manipulate DNA and RNA and use the basic lab tools.
  •  Clone a gene and translate it into a protein.
  •  Handle basic experiments in a molecular biology lab.