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Semester:
Section:
Credits:
Location:
Schedule:
Fall 2016
A
3
SMD 425
Monday 10:00-11:30
Wednesday 8:30-10:00
* Important Note: This syllabus, along with course assignments and due
dates, are subject to change. It is the students responsibility to check
Blackboard Learn for corrections or updates to the syllabus. Any changes will
be clearly noted in course announcement or through Blackboard.
Course Description
Introduction to the major processes in molecular biology of health conditions. Examination of
the ethical considerations and complex interactions of genetics, environment and behaviour.
Prerequisites: BIO1140; Prerequisite or co-requisite: HSS1100
Previously: HSS3301
Course Outcomes
A solid understanding of molecular process that drive cell function is pivotal to the
appreciation of health and disease. In the context of the current course students will be
pushed to gain an appreciation of the complex machinery that is at work in every cell in the
human body. With this knowledge a student will be able to better understand underlying
causes of disease and gain insight into how these processes can be targeted in a therapeutic
setting.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course students will be expected to:
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4. Identify key technological advances that have been made possible through
our detailed understanding of cellular and molecular biology
a. Identify and describe scientific techniques routinely used within the field of
molecular biology
b. Summarize the recent technological advances that have evolved into
important molecular screening tools and therapeutics
c. Describe the ethical considerations associated with several of these
technological advances
Teaching methods
In this course learning means...
Exchange of knowledge, ideas and perspectives
Acquisition of tools that promote further pursuit of knowledge
Continual evolution of knowledge and skill sets
In order to achieve this, the selected teaching approaches will rest on the following
principles...
Clear learning objectives and expectations that will challenge a students current
knowledgebase, ideas and perspectives
Establishment of relevant connections between course material and real world
Use of multiple learning and teaching modalities that will at times venture outside
conventional teaching methods
Use of active learning exercises, ensuring strong student interaction with both
course content and peers
Integration of transparent feedback tools
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Learning Materials
Required Textbook
Cell and Molecular Biology: Concepts and Experiments, 8th
Edition Gerald Karp, ISBN 978-1-118-88384-6 2016 (Can also
use previous editions).
Additional supplementary material to be provided on Blackboard
Vista (i.e. web-links, videos, audio clips, PDFs).
Course Calendar
Date
Topic
1. Wed Sept 7
2. Mon Sept 12
3. Wed Sept 14
4. Mon Sept 19
5. Wed Sept 21
6. Mon Sept 26
7. Wed Sept 28
8. Mon Oct 3
9. Wed Oct 5
THANKSGIVING NO CLASS
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MIDTERM EXAMINATION
Lectures 1-16, 35%
Metabolomics
28. TBD
Evaluations
In Class Quiz #1
In Class Assignment #1
Mid-term examination
In Class Quiz # 2
In Class Assignment #2
Final examination
Weight:
Weight:
Weight:
Weight:
Weight:
Weight:
10%
5%
35%
10%
5%
35%
Date: Sept 26
Date: Oct 19
Date: Nov 2
Date: Nov 16
Date: Nov 21
Date: TBA (Between Dec 9-22)
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*** Final exams are not flexible. Travel/holiday plans will NOT be accommodated. Do NOT
book travel within the final exam schedule!
Exam/Quiz Format: In class quizzes and mid-terms will be multiple choice questions. In
class quizzes will be held during the first 20 minutes of class on the date indicated.
Additional Information
Evaluation of course by students
All students are asked to complete a course and professor evaluation. For further information
concerning course evaluations visit: http://www.evaluaction.uottawa.ca/
Fraud, cheating and plagiarism
The regulation regarding any of these practices by the students are described by the
University of Ottawa and definitions of these practices and consequences thereof are
described at the following address:
http://www.uottawa.ca/plagiarism.pdf#search=%22plagiarism%22
In the event of fraud, cheating or plagiarism the following options will be considered:
1. A mark of zero on the assignment, test or exam
2. A mark of zero (failure) for the course
3. Expulsion from the HSS program, and University of Ottawa.
Class Code of Conduct
Here we will strive to create and maintain a positive and productive learning environment in
which all persons treat each other with respect and courtesy.
Cell Phones / Pagers
Use of cell phones in class is not permitted; they must be turned off or set to vibrate mode.
Pagers are permitted provided that ringers are silenced.
Laptops/Tablets
Use of laptops or tablets is permitted for taking notes or accessing course related material. If
it is deemed that you are using your laptop/tablet for personal use (i.e. checking facebook,
twitter) you may be asked to refrain from further use of the device. Please be cognizant of the
students around you. Your behavior can be a distraction to your classmates.
Noise and Conversation
Please refrain from conversations and discussion during lectures out of consideration for both
the professor and your classmates.
Campus Resources:
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