In contrast to the traditional format of biology lab courses, MCB422 relies entirely on computer simulations of classical genetic experiments. MCB422 features three major topics (see below): a) Cricket (phage genetics) features classical experiments deducing the nature of genes and the genetic code as originally performed by Sidney Brenner, Seymour Benzer, Sir Francis Crick, and many others; b) MendelStar ( Mendelian genetics) features the many forms of genetic inheritance that have been discovered since Gregor Mendel and c) PathFinder (yeast genetics) features modern experiments designed to genetically dissect molecular signaling pathways of the cell cycle.

Officially supported browsers:
Mac: Safari 4.0 or greater
Win: Internet Explorer

The goals of the course are:
- to acquaint you with the tools and principles of Genetics--and how to apply them!
- to foster your "critical thinking" skills
- to leave you with understandings that will persist beyond the end of the semester

THIS IS NOT A COURSE TO LEARN GENETICS. MCB/ECOL 320 IS A PREREQUISTE. MCB422 IS A COURSE TO LEARN HOW TO SOLVE PROBLEMS BY APPLYING GENETICS AND HOW TO THINK CLEARLY AND CREATIVELY.

The course was developed entirely by Dr. Bruce Patterson who has created computer simulations of genetic experiments that enable you to relearn the principles of genetics by applying them yourself. Since Bruce is now responsible for the 181/182 laboratories, the course will be guided this semester by MCB Professor Sam Ward, and experienced TA Iris Howlett, but the teaching and learning will come from your own experimental efforts working with the ingenious simulations Bruce has developed.

Syllabus: Description of the philosophy and requirements for the course including contact information.

Calendar: Description of schedule including required readings, deadlines, topic introduction dates and quizzes.

Grades and Notebook submission: Links will be added soon to take you to the D2L website of the course. Log in using your UA-net-ID and open link to MCB422 in "academic courses" window. Submit notebook reports (see below) in the "dropbox" and monitor your progress in the "grades" section of the site.

Since the modules can be done from any computer you don't have to be in the computer lab except for quizzes, which will be given at 9:45 on the scheduled day and cannot be taken except in the lab. However Sam and Iris will be in the labs to help point you in the right direction. We strongly encourge students to work together in groups so you can discuss the problems and solutions and help each other learn how to do various experiments. If you identify yourself as a group we will assign you all the same problem, but you must still write up your results on your own.

The course consists of three modules:
Module I: Cricket
Phage genetics determining key features of the genetic code a la Crick et al.. (The link takes you to tutorials and supporting material.)
Current version is 7.20

Module II: MendelStar
Mendelian genetics and extensions thereto with colorful butterflies.
Current version is 8.81

Module III: PathFinder
Yeast genetics counting genes and ordering genes in cell cycle pathway.
Current version is 7.16

DOWNLOADS

MCB422 Player: Executable version of the course software (browser independent; not required)
Mac
Win

Instructors:
Frans Tax: fetax@email.arizona.edu
Office Hour: Wed 1-2 in LSS346

TA:
Min Zhu: minzhu@email.arizona.edu

OTHER RESOURCES
Some verbiage you might find interesting:
Having ideas; attacking problems

A Problem solving algorithm

Deductive Thinking Exercises