TJHSST Biotechnology Laboratory

DNA CONTENTS
DNA Science I
DNA Science II
Class Pictures
Web Links
Blackboard
Textbook and Laboratory Manual:

 Watson, James D., Gillman, M., Witkowski, J.,Zoller, M.Recombinant DNA, 2nd ed. Scientific AmericanBooks: New York, 1992.

Freyer, G.,Micklos, D. Laboratory DNA Science. Cold Springs Harbor Laboratory Press, 1990.

Program Goals:

DNA Science I is intended to provide students with both the prerequisite knowledge and skills necessary for performingmolecular biology research.The course centers most of its 18 weeks in developing an understanding of critical concepts and techniques associated with recombinant DNA technologies. Specifically, these technologies focus on both the fundamental relationships between the fields of biochemistry and microbiology and how these technologies have resulted in an explosion of new ideas in the realm of molecular biology.Over the course of the semester, the students develop a working understanding of the following:

    (1) historical events leading up to the development of modern molecular biology dogma;
    (2) biochemistry related to the nature DNA structure and function;
    (3) gene expression and regulation;
    (4)methods of creating recombinant DNA molecules;
    (5) horizontal and vertical gel electrophoresis;
    (6) restriction enzymes;
    (7) DNA analysis and amplification techniques;
    (8) mutagenesis, selection, and microbial physiology; and
    (9) the danger and benefits of using recombinant DNA techniques to humanity and the environment.

Requirements:

 Each student is expected to fulfill a number of requirements.The grade earned for a particular assignment is based on the accuracy, thoroughness, and quality of the student's work.An assignment is given a 10-percent deduction for every day that it is handed in late; this includes weekends as well as anchor and block days.For example, if an assignment is due on a Tuesday and is handed in on the following Thursday, a late penalty of 20 percent is assessed to the work.The following are the major categories of assignments, which are given through the course of the semester:

    (1) Laboratory Reports: The laboratory investigations performed during the program are as follows:

      - Measurements, Micropipetting, and Sterile Techniques
      - Bacterial Culture Techniques
      - DNA Restriction and Electrophoresis
      - Effects of DNA Methylation on Restriction
      - Bacteriophage Infection of E. coli
      - Rapid Colony Transformation of E. coli DH5a with pBLU
      - Plasmid Minipreparation and Restriction Analysis of Purified pAMP
      - Isolation of E. coli chromosomal DNA
      - Recombination of Antibiotic-Resistance Genes
      - Transformation of E. coli with Recombinant DNA
      - Restriction Mapping of the l Chromosome
      - Restriction Mapping ofpBR322
      - Detection of anAlu Insertion Polymorphism by Polymerase Chain Reaction
      - Southern Blotting Techniques

    (2) DNA Science News: It is necessary for each student to read two current scientific journal articles/periodicals.The students are required to submit each reading for approval before presenting the article.All approvals must be submitted fives days in advance of the presentation.In addition, a typed (single-spaced) 250-critical word summary of the DNA news, including the title, source of information, author(s), and date must be submitted in the correct bibliographical APA format.All articles must be from January 1999 to the present. The two articles are classified as "primary" and "secondary" publications.In the article summary, the most salient theme that was learned should be presented.Each student is required to give a five-minute presentation of the article.Visuals are strongly recommended.

    (3) Book Report: A group -- consisting of two or three students -- book report from either a fiction or nonfiction novel related to some aspect of biotechnology is required.The book may be chosen from the "Biotechnology Reading List" supplied by the teacher or or may be selected from another source so long as teacher approval is granted.No duplications of books within a given class are allowed.Any approved novel not on the list will be added to the list for subsequent classes.The final report shall be composed of five typed pages (double-spaced) consisting of the following:
      a) bibliographical citation on top of page;
      b) summary (1.5 pages);
      c) issues related to biotechnology and bioethics (1.5);
      d) personal opinion (1.5); and
      e) recommendation of book, with reasoning (0.5).

    Good literary style and grammar are greatly appreciated! A 10- to 15-minute dramatization or skit of the book that portrays the most salient details of the novel is required. This portion of the book report is graded by peers for originality and clarity.

    (4) Final Project: The goal of this assignment is to allow students to explore some aspect about the vast technologies of molecular biology, their biological origins and social/ political ramifications.This project is in lieu of a final exam.

    (5) Chapter Tests and Quizzes: All tests and quizzes are a combination of multiple choice questions and essays.

Grading:
The grading system follows the Fairfax County Public Schools grading system, as stated in the TJHSST Student Handbook. The teacher uses a point-system to determine the semester grade. The quarter grade serves only as an interim score to the final semester grade. The final semester grade is a cumulative point value that encompasses all assignments from the entire semester; total points earned divided by total points possible equals grade percentage.

Attendance:
An excellent attendance record must be kept to guarantee success in the program.Class and eighth period attendance is taken into account during the biotechnology laboratory/mentorship selection process for rising seniors enrolled in the course