Brian P. Hedlund


Biology 493/796: Topics in Microbiology Fall 2006

 

Course description and prerequisites: In this course the students are to obtain a broad view of the scope of research in the field of microbiology. This includes research in applied and basic themes through the use of classic and molecular techniques. The background required for this course includes courses in general biology, biochemistry, general microbiology and genetics. In addition to the required background, the students taking this course need consent by the instructor. 1 credit undergraduates. 1-2 credits graduates.

Class: Wednesday 5:30-7:20 pm; White 111

Course website: www.unlv.edu/faculty/hedlund/Bio493

Instructors:
Dr. Brian Hedlund, Assistant Professor,
School of Life Sciences
Email: brian.hedlund@unlv.edu
Phone: 895-0809
Office hours: By appointment

Dr. Eduardo Robleto, Assistant Professor,
School of Life Sciences
Email: Eduardo.robleto@unlv.edu
Phone: 895-2496

Dr. Helen Wing, Assistant Professor,
School of Life Sciences
Email: Helen.wing@unlv.edu
Phone 895-5279

Dr. Dennis Bazylinski, Associate Professor,
School of Life Sciences
Email: Dennis.bazylinski@unlv.edu

Dr. Nick Nika, Assistant Professor,
School of Life Sciences
Email: joseph.nika@unlv.edu
Phone 895-3170

Class limit: 15

Format : This class will be conducted in a seminar format in which each student will give one ~50 minute Powerpoint presentation. Students are to pick a paper focusing on some aspect of microbiology (bacteria, archaea, viruses or microbial eukaryotes) and to notify Brian Hedlund by the fourth week of class (Sept. 20) with their choice. Students are welcome to use papers provided by the instructors on the first day of class; however, they may alternatively choose another article provided they receive approval from the instructors. Recommended journals include: Applied and Environmental Microbiology, EMBO Journal, Environmental Microbiology, Infection and Immunity, Journal of Bacteriology, Molecular Microbiology, Nature, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and Science. The presentation should include appropriate background, a discussion of the techniques used, and strengths and weakness of the paper. Therefore, students must read other sources in order to place their paper within the context of other studies. Students not presenting should come to class prepared with at least one question or comment for the discussion following the presentation.

  
Presentation schedule
Date Presenter Paper (click for PDF)
8/30 Organizational meeting N/A
9/6 Library workshop N/A
9/13 No Class  
9/20 Brian paper
9/27 Brian paper
10/4 Stephanie paper
10/11 Janis paper, supplement
10/18 Eric paper
10/25 Rosario paper
11/1 Brian paper
11/8 Kyle paper
11/15 Tristy paper
11/22 Nick paper
11/29 TBA  
12/6 TBA  

Grading : Students will be evaluated on their power point presentation (60%) and on their participation (40%). Final grades will be based on the following standard scale: A, 100-90%; A-, 89-87%; B+, 86-83%; B, 82-80%; B-, 79-77%; C+, 76-73%; C, 72-70%; C-, 69-67%; D, 66-57%; and below 57%, F.

Academic dishonesty: Academic dishonesty defined by UNLV (see page 58 in the undergraduate catalog http://www.unlv.edu/pubs/catalogs/undergraduate/pdf/main/acadpol.pdf ) “includes any act that violates the academic processes of the university. These acts include, but are not limited to, cheating on an examination, stealing examination questions, substituting one person for another at examinations, falsifying data, destroying or tampering with or stealing a computer program or file, and plagiarizing (using as one's own the ideas or writings of another)”. The punishment recommended by UNLV for academic dishonesty may be the following: A failing grade for the course and initiating of disciplinary review as described in the university's rules and disciplinary procedures for members of the university community. The result of the review may be a warning, probation, suspension, or expulsion.

Academic dishonesty (Copyright issues): The University requires all members of the university community to familiarize themselves and to follow copyright and fair use requirements. You are individually and solely responsible for violations of copyright and fair use laws. The university will neither protect nor defend you nor assume any responsibility for employee or student violations of fair use laws. Violations of copyright laws could subject you to federal and state civil penalties and criminal liability as well as disciplinary action under university policies. To help familiarize yourself with copyright and fair use policies, the university encourages you to visit its copyright web page at: http://www.unlv.edu/committees/copyright .