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An off‐the‐shelf, authentic, and versatile undergraduate molecular biology practical course
Author(s) -
Whitworth David E.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
biochemistry and molecular biology education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.34
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1539-3429
pISSN - 1470-8175
DOI - 10.1002/bmb.20893
Subject(s) - context (archaeology) , dna extraction , computational biology , biology , workbench , relevance (law) , computer science , polymerase chain reaction , genetics , gene , data mining , paleontology , political science , law , visualization
We provide a prepackaged molecular biology course, which has a broad context and is scalable to large numbers of students. It is provided complete with technical setup guidance, a reliable assessment regime, and can be readily implemented without any development necessary. Framed as a forensic examination of blue/white cloning plasmids, the course is a versatile workbench, adaptable to different degree subjects, and can be easily modified to undertake novel research as part of its teaching activities. Course activities include DNA extraction, RFLP, PCR, DNA sequencing, gel electrophoresis, and transformation, alongside a range of basic microbiology techniques. Students particularly appreciated the relevance of the practical to professional practice and the authenticity of the experimental work. © 2015 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 43:434–440, 2015.