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Course Description for Spring 2010
All students who major in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology are required to take two semesters of independent research (BCMB 4960L/H and BCMB 4970L/H, each 4 hr credit). Honors students may elect to complete BCMB 4990H as an Honors Thesis (also 4 hr). BCMB 4960L/H requires little or no previous laboratory experience but BCMB 3100 or BCMB 4010 are recommended as a pre- or co-requisite.
Objective
The objective of these courses is to train students in the basic techniques used in biochemistry and molecular biology, and the application of the scientific method. Students typically become part of a dynamic research environment and gain experience in both the experimental approach and the culture of a research laboratory. Students in these courses have been co-authors of research papers published in the primary scientific literature.
How
to find a Laboratory
These courses are unusual in that the onus is on the student to find a Faculty member that will accept the student into their laboratory. Attached is a list of professors and their research interests. All are familiar with the requirements of these courses and most have mentored students in the past. Prospective students should arrange for an appointment with prospective Faculty members to discuss research areas. Students choose laboratories based on personal research interests, their knowledge of the professor, recommendations from other students, etc. Although it is possible for students to take BCMB 4960 and BCMB 4970 courses in separate laboratories, they are usually carried out in the same laboratory. Indeed, most professors prefer students to complete more than one semester.
When
to find a Laboratory
BCMB 4960 and BCMB 4970 courses must be arranged during the
semester prior to when the student will begin the course. It is
never too early to talk to professors about their research and about
the possibility of taking this course with them.
Registration
Permission of the Department is required to register for these
courses. In addition, a REGISTRATION FORM must be completed by the
student and signed by the major professor. The form can be obtained
from the Biochemistry Office (Life Sci., B122) or from a Biochemistry
Advisor. Copies of the form must be given prior to the beginning of the semester to the Biochemistry Office (Life Sci., B122).
Time Requirement
BCMB 4960L and BCMB 4970L are taken for 4 hr credit each. For this students should expect to be in the laboratory for a minimum of 12 hr/ week (for 15 weeks) in the Spring/Fall or 24 hr/week (for 7.5 weeks) in the Summer. The exact schedule will be determined by the Faculty mentor and the student.
Examinations
and Grades
The final grade is determined by the major
professor. This is based on:
a) Performance in the
laboratory (75%)
This does not mean the number or accuracy of the results!
It reflects the aptitude, effort, reliability, dependability,
perseverance and meticulousness of the student in the laboratory
setting.
b) Written Presentation
of Research (25%)
Each student must write a Research Report,
which describes what has been accomplished in the laboratory.
The report should resemble a brief scientific paper and be of at least 8 pages in length (double spaced, 1” margins). The report should be sub-divided into:
- Summary
- Introduction
- Experimental Methods
- Results
- Discussion
- References
For detailed instructions, please see the following link.
The complete Research Report should be sent by email as a single word.doc or pdf file attachment to
Dr. Adams (adams@bmb.uga.edu) by 5 pm on the last day of classes.
Class
Orientation / Instructions
The BCMB 4960 class will meet once at the beginning of the semester for orientation and for instructions on preparing the final Research Report (this is not necessary for BCMB 4970). The date and time of this meeting is:
Thursday Jan. 7th or Friday Jan. 8th, 12.00 - 12.15 p.m. in Room A204B, Life Sciences
Note that Research Reports not sent to Dr. Adams by
5 pm on Thursday April 29th
will result in a C grade (no exceptions).
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