Lectures

The lectures are based on the Socratic method of teaching. This method is the oldest, and arguably the most powerful teaching method to foster critical thinking.

Each lecture will be posted on this site before the lecture is presented in class. This will eliminate wasted time copying lecture notes during class, and will allow you to focus on the concepts discussed.

The lectures have two very distinct roles:

1.) The first part of each lecture is similar to a pre-lab talk that will introduce you to the experiment being performed that week. Here we will also discuss through question and answer the theoretical background behind each laboratory technique that you will perform.

2.) The second part of half the lectures involves learning how to read and understand peer-reviewed scientific journal articles. There are many articles assigned for reading. Some will be optional while others are mandatory. The optional articles will help you develop a deeper background to better understand the lecture/lab materials. The mandatory articles will be discussed in class and form the basis for preparation for the final exam.

You are expected to answer three questions before class on the mandatory articles that you will have read, and you are expected to hand these answers in before the lecture begins. I WILL NOT MARK THE ANSWERS OF PEOPLE WHO DO NOT SHOW UP AND STAY FOR THE LECTURE; THESE INDIVIDUALS WILL RECIEVE A MARK OF ZERO FOR SKIPPING CLASS. If you have a documented medical or compassionate reason for missing the lecture, the marks for answering the questions will be reweighted. One of these questions will be chosen at random for marking worth a 1 mark toward your final mark. There are 7 mandatory articles to read. REMEMBER PLAGIARISM IS AN ACADEMIC OFFENCE THAT WILL RESULT IN FAILURE OF THIS COURSE!!! Don't copy the answers off your friends, and don't lend your answers to your friends--a mark is not worth failing the course over.

Science is a fast paced field. Learning how to read (and potentially write) scientific journal articles is a skill you must master in order to keep-up with the literature. No matter what profession you ultimately choose, identifying and critically appraising information is a requirement for success.

LECTURES

Sept. 8

Introductory Lecture

-Why this course exists

-Introduction to genetic research

-Summary of experiments and assignments for the term

-Mark breakdown

-Principles/Guidelines to ensure fair grading for all students

-Lab safety rules

Sept. 15

Lecture 2

-Restriction Enzymes (Discovery, Properties, Uses)