Science Informatics Major, Molecular Biology Concentration (B.S.) - Undergraduate - 2010 University Catalog

You are viewing the 2010 University Catalog. Please see the newest version of the University Catalog for the most current version of this program's requirements.

This interdisciplinary degree is supported by the departments of Biology and Molecular Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Computer Science, Earth and Environmental Studies, and Mathematical Sciences. Students are especially prepared to work in New Jersey's high tech pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and other data intensive industries and to engage in graduate studies in the underpinning disciplines. The degree is unique in requiring both Science Informatics interdisciplinary courses and courses in science, computer science, and mathematics within the liberal arts tradition. 

Students in the Molecular Biology concentration expand their background in basic biology and molecular biology, and study genomics (all the DNA sequences of an organism, their structure, and relationships) and proteomics (proteins of an organism and their sequential relationships). Students work with web-based software for molecular analysis and local systems such as the GCG Bioanalysis Suite. The concentration focuses on  molecular biology informatics techniques, their applications, and their implications for solving problems.

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY CONCENTRATION

Complete 85 semester hours including the following 2 requirement(s):

  1. SCIENCE INFORMATICS MAJOR COURSES

    Complete the following 5 requirement(s):

    1. SCIENCE INFORMATICS COURSES

      Complete the following 9 courses:

      SCIF 151 Colloquium in Science Informatics I 1
      SCIF 152 Colloquium in Science Informatics II 1
      SCIF 250 Science Informatics Sophomore Summer Internship 2
      SCIF 253 Colloquium in Science Informatics III 1
      SCIF 254 Colloquium in Science Informatics IV 1
      SCIF 350 Science Informatics Junior Summer Internship 2
      SCIF 475 Ethics in Science Informatics 2
      SCIF 491 Research Experience in Science Informatics I 3
      SCIF 492 Research Experience in Science Informatics II 3

    2. SCIENCE INFORMATICS - BIOLOGY

      Complete the following 3 courses:

      BIOL 230 Cell and Molecular Biology 4
      BIOL 380 Genetics 4
      BIOL 434 Introductory Molecular Biology 3

    3. SCIENCE INFORMATICS - CHEMISTRY

      Complete the following 5 courses:

      CHEM 120 General Chemistry I 4
      CHEM 121 General Chemistry II 4
      CHEM 230 Organic Chemistry I 3
      CHEM 231 Organic Chemistry II 3
      CHEM 370 Biochemistry I 3

    4. SCIENCE INFORMATICS - COMPUTER SCIENCE

      Complete the following 5 courses:

      CMPT 183 Foundations of Computer Science I 3
      CMPT 184 Foundations of Computer Science II 3
      CMPT 250 Web Tools 2-3
      CMPT 287 Data Structures, File Structures and Algorithms 4
      CMPT 300 Introduction to Science Databases 1

    5. SCIENCE INFORMATICS - MATHEMATICS

      Complete the following 3 courses:

      CMPT 285 Discrete Mathematical Structures 3
      MATH 122 Calculus I 4
      STAT 330 Fundamentals of Modern Statistics I 3

  2. SCIENCE INFORMATICS MOLECULAR BIOL CONC

    Complete the following 2 requirement(s):

    1. Complete the following 4 courses:

      BIOL 112 Principles of Biology I 4
      BIOL 113 Principles of Biology II 4
      BIOL 350 Microbiology 4
      BIOL 435 Experimental Molecular Biology 3

    2. Complete 1 course from the following:

Course Descriptions:

BIOL112: Principles of Biology I

Principles of Biology I involves the study of life from molecule to multicellular organism with focus on structure and function of cells, mechanisms of heredity and change, and the ways in which these processes shape higher levels of biological organization. This course is designed to fulfill the first core course requirement of the biology major. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: For incoming freshmen Spring 2007 and before, BIOL 100 or minimum MSUPT composite score of 160 for writing and reading. For incoming freshmen as of Fall 2007 and thereafter, Basic Skills Reading Test of >61 AND Basic Skills Math Test (arithmetic) of >74 OR grade of "C" or better in BIOL 100.

BIOL113: Principles of Biology II

Principles of Biology II will provide an introductory level study of biodiversity and the origins of life, phylogenetic relationships among organisms, genetics, developmental biology, reproduction, the biology of populations and communities, and ecosystem processes. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Interdisciplinary Core, Scientific Issues. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: For incoming freshmen Spring 2007 and before, BIOL 100 or minimum MSUPT composite score of 160 for writing and reading. For incoming freshmen as of Fall 2007 and thereafter, Basic Skills Reading Test of >61 AND Basic Skills Math Test (arithmetic) of >74 OR grade of "C" or better in BIOL 100.

BIOL230: Cell and Molecular Biology

An introduction to the chemistry, structure, and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Topics covered include membrane structure and transport processes, bioenergetics and energy transformations in cells, DNA replication and expression, protein synthesis, and cell movement. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: CHEM 120 with a grade of "C-" or better.

BIOL350: Microbiology

A study of bacteria, yeast, molds and other microorganisms in relation to modern biological concepts and the welfare of man. Standard techniques employed in the laboratory. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: BIOL 230 and CHEM 120.

BIOL380: Genetics

Lecture and lab. Heredity, gene and chromosomal structure and function, gene regulation, mutation and repair, genes in populations, genetic manipulation, and applied genetics are covered. Lab exercises demonstrate genetic concepts. A semester-long project with research paper is required. Required of all biology majors and minors. Meets the University Writing Requirement for BDPT, BIBM, BICM, BIDE, BIED, BIES, BIME, BIOL, BMPA, MBDP, MOBI, SIBC, SICS and SIMB majors. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: BIOL 230 with a grade of "C-" or better and CHEM 120.

BIOL434: Introductory Molecular Biology

This course is designed to examine the molecular biology of plant and animal cells. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BIOL 350, and 380, and CHEM 370.

BIOL435: Experimental Molecular Biology

A laboratory course that will introduce biology and molecular biology majors to the basic techniques of modern molecular biology. Techniques to be covered include nucleic acid isolation, restriction enzyme mapping, plasmid manipulation and subcloning, genomic library construction, PCR amplification, and DNA sequence analysis. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: BIOL 434.

CHEM120: General Chemistry I

Introductory lecture and laboratory course for science majors, prerequisite for all advanced chemistry courses. Introduction to atomic and molecular structure, bonding, stoichiometry, states of matter, solutions, and selected topics in descriptive inorganic chemistry. Laboratory stresses techniques and data treatment and their use in examining chemical systems. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Natural/Physical Science, Laboratory or Non-Laboratory Science. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: One year of high school chemistry.

CHEM121: General Chemistry II

Introductory lecture and laboratory course for science majors, prerequisite for all advanced chemistry courses. Introduction to thermochemistry, kinetics; general acid base, precipitation, redox equilibria, electrochemistry and selected topics in descriptive inorganic chemistry. Laboratory stresses techniques and data treatment and their use in examining chemical systems. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: CHEM 120.

CHEM230: Organic Chemistry I

Structure and bonding in organic compounds: nomenclature, reactions, properties, and aromatic compounds: stereochemistry; structure analysis by IR, NMR, UV, and MS; introduction to molecular orbital theory. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: CHEM 121.

CHEM231: Organic Chemistry II

Nomenclature, reactions, properties, and synthesis of ethers, epoxides, alcohols, amines, and carbonyl compounds; carbohydrates; amino acids, peptides and proteins; pericyclic reactions; synthetic polymers. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: CHEM 230.

CHEM370: Biochemistry I

Organization of the living cell; structure, function and chemistry of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids; bioenergetics and oxidation. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: CHEM 231.

CMPT183: Foundations of Computer Science I

Basic theory of digital computers. Syntax and semantics of a programming language. Algorithms: logic, design, testing and documentation. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Mathematics, Computer Science. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: MATH 100, MATH 112, MATH 114, MATH 116, MATH 122 or MATH 221.

CMPT184: Foundations of Computer Science II

Continuation of CMPT 183. Algorithm development involving user functions; subroutines, recursions, structures file manipulation. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: CMPT 183.

CMPT250: Web Tools

This course discusses and investigates the current web tools and technologies that are used in web site design. Focus will be on the markup languages of XHTML and XML; Dynamic HTML; Client side programming language JavaScript; Server side programming, Servlets, JavaServer pages and ASP. 2 - 3 sh.

Prerequisites: CMPT 184.

CMPT285: Discrete Mathematical Structures

The structures include sets, graphs, digraphs, trees, networks, lattices, matrices, semigroups and groups. Many practical business and scientific problems can be posed and solved by the use of these structures. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: MATH 112.

CMPT287: Data Structures, File Structures and Algorithms

Creation and manipulation of in-memory data structures including graphs, lists, queues, sets, stacks and trees; searching, sorting and other algorithms for in-memory data structures. File, file structures and external sorting. Meets the University Writing Requirement for CPIN, CPPC, CPSC, SIBC, SICS and SIMB majors. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: CMPT 184. Prerequisite or co-requisite: CMPT 285.

CMPT300: Introduction to Science Databases

This course presents and discusses the concepts of the databases used in scientific applications and their differences with respect to other databases. 1 sh.

Prerequisites: CMPT 250, CMPT 287.

MATH122: Calculus I

Limits, continuity; derivative and differentiation; applications of the derivative, maxima, minima, and extreme considerations; antiderivatives; Riemann integral. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Mathematics, Mathematics. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: MATH 111 or MATH 112 or placement through the Montclair State University Placement Test (MSUPT) or a satisfactory score on department's Calculus Readiness Test. (Students who did not satisfy the course prerequisite at MSU and students who received a grade of D-, D, or D+ in the prerequisite course taken at MSU are required to demonstrate competency on the department's Calculus Readiness Test.)

SCIF151: Colloquium in Science Informatics I

This course introduces Science Informatics majors to the University, the department of the College of Science and Mathematics, the culture of higher education and the field of science informatics. Students learn about campus resources and activities, careers in science informatics and techniques that foster the development of good study skills and academic success. Issues related to health, wellness, diversity and prejudice are investigated. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - New Student Seminar. 1 sh.

Prerequisites: Science Informatics majors only.

SCIF152: Colloquium in Science Informatics II

This second of a series of four colloquia will continue to build a science informatics identity among students while exploring the field of science informatics, options for post-baccalaureate study and careers in the discipline. Students will explore both scientific and societal issues related to contemporary problems such as genetic engineering. Students will explore potential topics for future investigation and research. 1 sh.

Prerequisites: Science Informatics majors only.

SCIF250: Science Informatics Sophomore Summer Internship

During the summer under the guidance of a sponsor in a medical or industrial site outside of the University, students will investigate advanced, individual research problems appropriate to science informatics. Although students are strongly encouraged to enroll in an off-campus externship, an equivalent on-campus experience with the Biology and Molecular Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Computer Science or Mathematical Sciences department will be accepted for credit. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: Permission of program advisor. Only for Science Informatics majors who have completed their sophomore year.

SCIF253: Colloquium in Science Informatics III

In this third of a series of four colloquia, students continue their guided examination of contemporary issues investigated with the varied methodologies and tools of science informatics. Information about how disciplines within science informatics prepare research results and associated recommendations for their colleagues, government agencies and the public. The influence of public opinion and the political decision-making process upon scientific research is explored. Students explore possible research problems for later investigation. 1 sh.

Prerequisites: SCIF 152.

SCIF254: Colloquium in Science Informatics IV

This fourth of a series of four colloquia is a continuation of the third colloquium, SCIF 253, in which students continue their guided examination of contemporary issues investigated with the varied methodologies and tools of science informatics. Information about how disciplines within science informatics prepare research results and associated recommendations for their colleagues, government agencies and the public. The influence of public opinion and the political decision-making process upon scientific research is explored. Students explore possible research problems for later investigation. 1 sh.

Prerequisites: SCIF 253.

SCIF350: Science Informatics Junior Summer Internship

During the summer under the guidance of a sponsor in a medical or industrial site outside of the University, students will investigate advanced, individual research problems appropriate to science informatics. Although students are strongly encouraged to enroll in an off-campus externship, an equivalent on-campus experience with the Biology and Molecular Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Computer Science or Mathematical Sciences department will be accepted for credit. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: CMPT 250 and CMPT 285 and CMPT 287 and BIOL 434.

SCIF475: Ethics in Science Informatics

This course investigates ethical issues in science informatics research and the application of science informatics to product development and commercialization. For example, topics of accuracy, privacy, confidentiality, accessibility, stability, and completeness are considered in the context of genome databases and their associated computing technology. Science informatics law domains such as intellectual property (patents, trademarks, trade secrets), and licensing (patents, intellectual property or software) are presented. A seminar format and case studies facilitate interaction among faculty, students, and the issues. 2 sh.

Prerequisites: SCIF 350.

SCIF491: Research Experience in Science Informatics I

The student works as a member of an interdisciplinary Science Informatics student team and develops a research proposal to a science informatics problem posed by Montclair State faculty, other academic institutions, or industry representatives. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: SCIF 350.

SCIF492: Research Experience in Science Informatics II

The student works as a member of an interdisciplinary Science Informatics student team and implements his/her research proposal developed in SCIF 491 for a science informatics problem posed by Montclair State faculty, other academic institutions, or industry representatives. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: SCIF 491.

STAT330: Fundamentals of Modern Statistics I

Displaying, describing and modeling data; arrangements for producting data; probability; methods for drawing conclusions from data: significance testing, confidence interval estimation, linear regression, analysis of variance. Examples from many disciplines including the social and natural sciences. Statistical software is used. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: MATH 221.

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