BIOT 240 - Nucleic Acid Methods

(G only)

An introduction to current methods and theory of basic molecular techniques used in the study of nucleic acids. Lecture topics include structure of DNA and RNA, DNA isolation and sequencing, an introduction to genomics and bioinformatics, probe design and hybridization, DNA replication, PCR, microarrays, RNA isolation, regulation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene expression, enzymes used in molecular biology, principles of cloning including the use of vectors for sequencing and expression. PREREQUISITE(S): BIOL 210 and CHEM 150 ; BIOT 200 or consent of department. Three hours lecture, three hours laboratory each week. Formerly BT 213.

4 semester hours

Course Outcomes:
Upon course completion, a student will be able to:

Describe the structure of DNA and RNA
Explain how DNA replication and transcription occur
Compare gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
Describe conceptually commonly-used molecular biology techniques such as DNA and RNA purification and quantization, agarose gel electrophoresis, restriction enzymes, PCR, and microarrays
Explain what bioinformatics is and give examples of it is used in molecular biology
Demonstrate laboratory skills commonly used in molecular biology laboratories such as making solutions, DNA and RNA purification and quantization, agarose gel electrophoresis, use of restrictions and other enzymes, and PCR

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