Biology

Session I  (June 3 - June 28)

BISC 104 - Science or Science Fiction?

Martina Koniger, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences

This course will examine the scientific facts behind phenomena portrayed in a variety of Hollywood and foreign movies. We will cover topics ranging from the definition and recreation of life, genetics and behavior to evolution and environmental issues. The course will include weekly screenings of movies outside of class time as well as lectures, assigned readings and discussions. While obtaining an introduction to key concepts in biology, students will also explore misconceptions about science and scientists that are perpetuated by these movies.

Prerequisite: Fulfillment of the basic skills component of the Quantitative Reasoning requirement.

Meeting times: M, W, F 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Location: SCI 268

Credit: 1.0 unit (4 sem. hrs.)

Tuition: $2,300

Registration Fee: $50 (non-refundable)

Session II  (July 1 - July 26)

BISC 320 - Methods in Proteomics w/ LAB

Gary Harris, Professor of Biological Sciences

The discipline of proteomics deals with virtually all aspects of the complex protein population of a living cell.  This course will introduce you to some of the experimental approaches and methods researchers use to gain insights into this complex world.  One of the most important of these methods, viewed by many as the core technology of most proteomic studies, is mass spectrometry. Modern mass spectrometers can be utilized to identify and characterize individual proteins, and members of protein complexes.  As a student in this course you will have hands on experience in methods of organelle isolation, one-dimensional and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D PAGE), affinity chromatography and the operation of a tandem mass spectrometer and its associated software package.  The lecture portion of this course will focus on the primary literature, primarily dealing with the question of how proteomics is contributing to our understanding of, and the treatment of, various diseases.  This course will include a component of laboratory based independent research and a final paper in the form of a grant proposal.

Prerequisite: 219, 220 and CHEM 211, or by permission of the instructor

Meeting times:

Lecture:  M,W,F  9:00-11:30am  in SCI 155

Lab: T,W,Th.  12:30- 4:00pm   in SCI 304

Credit: 1.25 unit (5 sem. hrs.)

Tuition: $2,875

Registration Fee: $50 (non-refundable)