PLSCI 4300 - Applications in Molecular Diagnostics


(CU-CEL, CU-ITL, CU-UGR)     
Multi-semester course, Fall (weeks 8-14). 1 credit. First course: R grade only (in progress).

Prerequisite: at least one college-level introductory biology course, such as BIOG 1140  or BIOG 1440 ; and biochemistry, such as BIOMG 3310  or BIOMG 4400 . Corequisite: SPAN 1501  or SPAN 3020 . Permission of instructor required. Students must complete PLSCI 4300 and PLSCI 4301  to receive a final grade in PLSCI 4302 . In preparation for the travel-component course, PLSCI 4301 , students are expected to enroll concurrently in a Spanish-language class.

J. Thompson.

Globalization and the increased movement of people, plants and animals across the planet provide new challenges in combating the spread of pathogens. Essential to the control and monitoring of disease spread is the development and implementation of appropriate diagnostic methods. This course offers a theoretical and practical introduction to the main molecular diagnostic methods employed by researchers today. The molecular techniques learned will be translatable to almost any target organism and will provide the student with the essential concepts and hands-on training for further diverse applications, career choices and experiences.

Outcome 1: Demonstrate ability to operate alone and in a group in preparing reactions for molecular diagnostic assays (ELISA, Western Blot, PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, RCA, LAMP, RPA, Arrays and NGS).

Outcome 2: Evaluate and critically examine scientific research articles.

Outcome 3: Develop an appreciation for the diversity of research groups in Cornell, Ithaca and Chile.

Outcome 4: Discuss and appraise molecular biological concepts and their applications.

Outcome 5: Analyze data critically and assess strengths and weaknesses of diagnostic methodologies.

Outcome 6: Assess the changing priorities of regional/global disease challenges.

Outcome 7: Speculate on new diagnostic applications and innovations.

Outcome 8: Articulate worldview from a non-US perspective.

Outcome 9: Express and formulate cultural dimensions of trip to Chile.



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