An introduction to the theory, strategies, and practice of data management and analysis in molecular biology. Topics include DNA and protein sequence analysis, biological databases, genomic mapping, and analysis of gene expression data. Prerequisites: PLNT 2530 (039.253) or the former 039.450 or PLNT 3140 (039.314) or MBIO 3410 (060.341) or PLNT 4310 or the former PLNT 4540 or consent of instructor.
By the end of the course, students should
All work is to be completed independently by the student unless otherwise specified. Students are reminded that academic dishonesty including plagiarism, cheating and examination impersonation is subject to severe academic penalties as described the University Policies on Academic Integrity. All work submitted for assignments, lab reports or exams is presumed to be the work of the student. Use of Artificial Intelligence for composing written submissions or as a source of information, unless explicitly requested by the instructor, is considered a violation of academic integrity.
Assignments: 3 @ 20% each Assignments will be designed to test both understanding of theory and the ability to apply theory to a specific problem. Up to four assignments may be handed in, but only the top three grades will count. Students will post completed assignments to their web sites for viewing by the instructor. Examples of possible topics include:
|
60% |
Mid-term examination |
20% |
Final examination |
20% |
TOTAL |
100% |
Grade Point |
Letter Grade |
Meaning |
comments |
4.5 (90 - 100%) |
A+ |
Exceptional |
synthesis, ability to put things together from different parts of the course, original and creative thinking |
4.0 (80 - 89%) |
A |
Excellent |
|
3.5 (70 - 79%) |
B+ |
Very good |
learning concepts or inferring them from the context;
working with data eg. Given the results of an
experiment, what does it tell you? Given an equation,
can you use it correctly? |
3.0 (60 - 69%) |
B |
Good |
|
2.5 (50 - 59%) |
C+ |
Satisfactory |
memorization of facts |
2.0 (40 - 49%) |
C |
Adequate |
|
1.5 (30 - 39%) |
D+ |
Marginal |
|
1.0 (20 - 29%) |
D |
Marginal |
Students will have their grades for at least two assignments and
the midterm exam before the University VW date. When considering a
VW, students should be aware that if you withdraw from a course,
you may be given a lower priority in registering for that course
in subsequent academic terms.
If you are a student with a disability, please contact SAS for academic accommodation supports and services such as note-taking, interpreting, assistive technology and exam accommodations. Students who have, or think they may have, a disability (e.g. mental illness, learning, medical, hearing, injury-related, visual) are invited to contact SAS to arrange a confidential consultation.
Student Accessibility Services
http://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/accessibility/
Students should familiarize themselves with University policies regarding academic integrity, student discipline, and respectful learning environment, for example, and on academic and student supports that are available, including a statement regarding mental health with referral information to the Student Counselling Centre and University Health Services. A summary of this information can be found at
Schedule “A”: Policies and
Resources
The Department of Plant Science in consultation with the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences has devised a plan so that there is minimal impact on the delivery and content of the course, should the instructor fall sick and is unable to contnue lectures in-person. Please be assured that the alternative plan outlining any deviation from the normal mode of instruction will be communicated to you as quickly as possible if/when the need arises.
The University is committed to a respectful work and learning environment. You have the right to be treated with respect and you are expected to conduct yourself in an appropriate and respectful manner. Policies governing UM community behaviour include:
Respectful Work and Learning Environment (https://umanitoba.ca/about-um/respectful-work-and-learning-environment-policy)
Student Discipline (https://umanitoba.ca/governance/governing-documents-students#student-discipline)
Violent or Threatening Behaviour (https://umanitoba.ca/governance/governing-documents-students#violent-or-threatening-behaviour)
The UM website, Engaging in Respectful Conduct (https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/respectful-conduct), includes more details about expectations for behaviours related to university activities.
The UM has several policies and procedures that deal with the rights and responsibilities of the University community with regards to all forms of sexual violence. For a comprehensive list of policies and associated resources, visit the Sexual Violence Resource Centre’s information page (https://umanitoba.ca/student-supports/sexual-violence-support-and-education/sexual-violence-get-informed). Please note that there are many supports available in addition to these policy documents (see UM Learner Supports).
No audio or video recording of lectures or
presentations is allowed in any format, openly or
surreptitiously, in whole or in part without permission of the
Instructor. Course materials (both paper and digital) are
for the participant’s private study and research.
It is the general University of Manitoba
policy that all technology resources are to be used in a
responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner. The student
can use all technology in classroom setting only for educational
purposes approved by instructor and/or the University of
Manitoba Student Accessibility Services. Student should not
participate in personal direct electronic messaging / posting
activities (e-mail, texting, video or voice chat, wikis, blogs,
social networking (e.g. Facebook) online and offline “gaming”
during scheduled class time. If student is on call (emergency)
the student should switch his/her cell phone on vibrate mode and
leave the classroom before using it. (©S Kondrashov. Used
with permission)