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Molecular Field Techniques 7402
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Class Syllabus
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DAYS
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TBA |
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PROFESSOR
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Michael R.J.
Forstner, Ph.D. |
ROOM
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TBA |
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PHONE
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512-245-3362 |
TEXT
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Molecular Systematics |
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EMAIL
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AUTHOR
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Hillis, Moritz, and
Mable |
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OFFICE
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SCI 240 |
WEBSITE
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http://www.mikeforstner.com |
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OFFICE HOURS
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TBA |
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Course Goals and
Objectives
Students achieve both awareness and expertise in the application of
modern molecular laboratory analyses relevant to assessing
diversity in aquatic systems. The course allows students
to potentially integrate techniques or methods from this
course into their own research program. The scope of the
course is extremely broad, embracing microbiology,
invertebrate, and vertebrate biological assessments. As a
consequence the laboratory methods and techniques provided
in any one semester will focus on those tools most likely to
provide the greatest research enhancement to the doctoral
research they conduct. Students will become familiar with
the application of PCR toward understanding, interpreting,
and monitoring biological diversity in aquatic systems. At
the end of the course the student will understand both the
laboratory methods and their applications in the field.
Description of
Instructional methodologies
This course is a
lecture and integrated laboratory series and includes direct
student involvement using individual design and
implementation of projects.
Assessment of
Student Learning
Students are
assessed by grading a completed individual research project
and written exams.
Course Outline
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Week 1 |
Introduction to aquatic systems
assessment and molecular markers |
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Week 2
Lab1 |
Molecular genetics relevant to
applied use of molecular markers
Laboratory procedures and safety,
sample handling, and data management |
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Week 3
Lab 2 |
Molecular marker development through
the advent of PCR
Culture techniques and DNA
extractions |
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Week 4 Lab 3 |
Historical applications of PCR
Gels, electrophoresis, and other
methods of assessment (RT-PCR) |
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Week 5
Lab 4 |
Molecular mechanics of the PCR
reaction
PCR I - single fragment
amplificiations |
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Week 6 Lab 5 |
Sampling design and collection
Sequencing |
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Week 7
Lab 6 |
DNA template quality and results
Sequence assessment and evaluation,
Web and computer tools |
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Week 8
Lab 7 |
Applications in Aquatic systems
Multiplex PCR, complex sample pools,
and marker proofing |
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Week 9
Lab 8 |
Applications: Aquatic Bacteria and
Microbial diversity
DGGE |
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Week
10 |
Applications: microbial community structure |
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Week 11 |
Applications: Biofilms |
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Week
12 |
Applications: Invertebrates, Vertebrates |
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Week
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Applications: Plants |
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Week 14 |
Data management, project scope, and
long term monitoring applications |
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