Policies and Requirements
Fall 2001

Tuesday-Thursday, 2:30-3:45 PM
202 Biology Building

Instructors

Dr. Margaret Johnson

Office: 315 Biology Building
Telephone: 348-1819
Office hours: Monday, 3-5 PM or by appointment
majohnso@ua.edu

Dr. Harriett Smith-Somerville

Office: 416 Biology Building
telephone: 348-1830
Office hours: Tuesday, 4-5 PM, or by appointment
hsmithso@ua.edu

Prerequisites

Undergraduate courses in Cell Biology (BSC 300) and Genetics (BSC 315)

Course Goals

The objectives of this course are to acquaint students with selected lower organisms as experimental systems and to provide an introduction to the methodology applicable to these organisms.

Course Description

The course is designed to create a framework that integrates the excitement of asking important biological questions with choices of suitable model organisms among the lower eukaryotes for experimentation. Using current and historical literature, we will discuss research topics in molecular genetics that utilize the following lower eukaryotic model systems: Tetrahymena thermophila, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Each organism will be introduced by the instructors or guest lecturers. The remainder of the course will be presentations by students based on suggested topics with a discussion of each topic following each presentation. The course will conclude with one or more round table discussions on lower organisms as model systems.

Presentations

Each student will present a review of a topic for each organism. The topic may be chosen from those suggested by the instructors or may be selected by the student. Each presenter will provide a list of 2 or more references and place copies of these references in 324 Biology Building in the folder provided.


Discussions

Students are expected to participate in discussions of material presented and in round table discussions. A list of references relevant to the topic will be posted at least 2 days prior to the presentation. Copies of these papers will be placed in 324 Biology Building near the copier.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is required. Unexcused absences will result in a reduction of one letter grade.

Exams and Grading

There will be no exams. The grade will be based on class presentations and participation in discussions.

Academic Misconduct

All acts of dishonesty in any work constitute academic misconduct. This includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, fabrication of information, misrepresentations, and abetting of any of the above. The Academic Misconduct Disciplinary Policy will be followed in the event that academic misconduct occurs. Students should refer to the Student Affairs Handbook, which can be obtained in The Office of Student Life and Services in the Ferguson Center.

Disability

If you are registered with the Office of Disability Services, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible to discuss any course accommodations that may be necessary. If you have a disability but have not contacted the Office of Disability Services, please call 348-5175 or visit Osband Hall to register for services.