Science Informatics Major, Molecular Biology Concentration (B.S.) - Undergraduate - 2012 University Catalog
You are viewing the 2012 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.
A minimum of 120 semester hours of coursework is required for the baccalaureate degree with a minimum 2.0 overall GPA, and a minimum 2.0 major GPA. However, more than 120 semester hours may be required depending upon the major field of study. In addition to the major requirement outlined below, all university students must fulfill the set of General Education requirements applicable to their degree (for further information, see General Education Requirements).
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY CONCENTRATION
Complete 85 semester hours including the following 2 requirement(s):
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SCIENCE INFORMATICS MAJOR COURSES
Complete the following 5 requirement(s):
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SCIENCE INFORMATICS COURSES
Complete the following 9 courses:
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SCIENCE INFORMATICS - BIOLOGY
Complete the following 3 courses:
BIOL 230 Cell and Molecular Biology (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) 4 BIOL 380 Genetics (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) 4 BIOL 434 Introductory Molecular Biology (3 hours lecture) 3 -
SCIENCE INFORMATICS - CHEMISTRY
Complete the following 5 courses:
CHEM 120 General Chemistry I (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) 4 CHEM 121 General Chemistry II (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab) 4 CHEM 230 Organic Chemistry I (3 hours lecture) 3 CHEM 231 Organic Chemistry II (3 hours lecture) 3 CHEM 370 Biochemistry I (3 hours lecture) 3 -
SCIENCE INFORMATICS - COMPUTER SCIENCE
Complete the following 5 courses:
CMPT 183 Foundations of Computer Science I (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab) 3 CMPT 184 Foundations of Computer Science II (3 hours lecture) 3 CMPT 250 Web Tools 2-3 CMPT 287 Data Structures, File Structures and Algorithms (4 hours lecture) 4 CMPT 300 Introduction to Science Databases (1 hour lecture) 1 -
SCIENCE INFORMATICS - MATHEMATICS
Complete the following 3 courses:
CMPT 285 Discrete Mathematical Structures (3 hours lecture) 3 MATH 122 Calculus I (4 hours lecture) 4 STAT 330 Fundamentals of Modern Statistics I (3 hours lecture) 3
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SCIENCE INFORMATICS MOLECULAR BIOL CONC
Complete the following 2 requirement(s):
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Complete the following 4 courses:
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Complete 1 course from the following:
BIOL 436 Phylogenetic Zoology (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab) 4 BIOL 439 Biology of Animal Parasites (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab) 3
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Course Descriptions:
BIOL112: Principles of Biology I (3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory)
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: MATH 100 or a satisfactory score on the Math department's precalculus readiness test.
BIOL113: Principles of Biology II (3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory)
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: MATH 100 or a satisfactory score on the Math department's precalculus readiness test.
BIOL230: Cell and Molecular Biology (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
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 (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
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 (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
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 majors in Biology, Molecular Biology and Science Informatics. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 230 with a grade of "C-" or better and CHEM 120.
BIOL434: Introductory Molecular Biology (3 hours lecture)
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 (6 hours lab)
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.
BIOL436: Phylogenetic Zoology (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)
Phylogenetic Zoology is a comprehensive survey of evolutionary zoology. The focus of the course is on the ecological and evolutionary processes that shape the natural histories of aquatic and terrestrial animals. Integrated lecture and laboratory investigations will explore the anatomy, physiology, diversity, ecology and evolutionary significance of animal clades. This course is designed to fulfill major elective requirements of the biology major. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 213.
BIOL439: Biology of Animal Parasites (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)
The basic principles of parasitism. Ecological, morphological, and physiological adaptations for parasitism. Evolution of parasites and integration with the host. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: BIOL 113 with a grade of "C-" or better (or BIOL 132 with a grade of "C-" or better if completed prior to Fall 2002).
CHEM120: General Chemistry I (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
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. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the Mathematics readiness test OR MATH 100 with a grade of C- or better. Satisfactory score on the Chemistry/Biochemistry Department readiness test OR CHEM 113 with a grade of C- or better.
CHEM121: General Chemistry II (3 hours lecture, 3 hours lab)
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 with a grade of C- or better.
CHEM230: Organic Chemistry I (3 hours lecture)
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 with a grade of C- or better.
CHEM231: Organic Chemistry II (3 hours lecture)
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 with a grade of C- or better.
CHEM370: Biochemistry I (3 hours lecture)
Organization of the living cell; structure, function and chemistry of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids; bioenergetics and oxidation. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: CHEM 231 with a grade of C- or better.
CMPT183: Foundations of Computer Science I (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab)
Basic theory of digital computers. Syntax and semantics of a programming language. Algorithms: logic, design, testing and documentation. 3 sh.
Prerequisites: MATH 100, MATH 112, MATH 114, MATH 116, MATH 122 or MATH 221.
CMPT184: Foundations of Computer Science II (3 hours lecture)
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 (3 hours lecture)
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 (4 hours lecture)
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 majors in Computer Science and Science Informatics. 4 sh.
Prerequisites: CMPT 184. Prerequisite or co-requisite: CMPT 285.
CMPT300: Introduction to Science Databases (1 hour lecture)
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 (4 hours lecture)
Limits, continuity; derivative and differentiation; applications of the derivative, maxima, minima, and extreme considerations; antiderivatives; Riemann integral. 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 (1 hour seminar)
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 (1 hour seminar)
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 (1 hour seminar)
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 (1 hour seminar)
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 (2 hours lecture)
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 (3 hours lecture)
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 (3 hours lecture)
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 (3 hours lecture)
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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