Republic of the Philippines

BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Pablo Borbon Main I
Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

BS Biology Program

COURSE SYLLABUS WITH SPECIFICATION

UNIVERSITY VISION
A globally recognized institution of higher learning that develops competent and morally
upright citizens who are active participants in nation building and responsive to the
challenges of 21​st​ century.

UNIVERSITY MISSION
Batangas State University is committed to the holistic development of productive citizens
by providing a conducive learning environment for the generation, dissemination and
utilization of knowledge through innovative education, multidisciplinary research
collaborations, and community partnerships that would nurture the spirit of nationhood
and help fuel national economy for sustainable development.

COURSE CODE: BIO 445

COURSE TITLE: Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
CREDIT UNIT: 3
PRE-REQUISITE: BIO 244, BIO 246 and CHEM 106
ACADEMIC YEAR: 2018-2019
REFERENCE: CMO No. 49, Series 2017
PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
The BS Biology program is structured as a generalized framework of study with the end
view of grounding students with the fundamental concepts, principles, and theories of the
biological, natural and physical sciences and the conduct of research (Article IV, Section
5, CMO No. 49, s. 2017). This includes the acquisition of appropriate skills, and training
in the efficient processing and presentation of information in both written and oral form.

The BS Biology program is structured to meet the needs of professional biologists who:

1. can be employed in government/ private institutions and other agencies where

scientists with biological expertise are needed;
2. can engage in entrepreneurial activities;
3. conduct research in the various areas of biology;
4. undertake post graduate education in Biology and allied fields; and,
5. pursue a career in teaching.

PHILOSOPHY

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This course covers the molecules in cells, and describes the major molecular processes
that lie behind most biological events, replication of DNA, transcription, translation. It
also emphasizes the technique and experiments that lead to this information. It introduces
both the principles and the applications of recombinant DNA technology to animals,
plants and microbial organisms. It also describes the use of genetically engineered
products to clean the environment and improve human health. In addition, the scientific
basis, historical development and current applications of traditional and modern
biotechnology will be introduced.

AUDIENCE
This three-unit course is intended for fourth year undergraduate students of BS Biology
students of Batangas State University.

STUDENT OUTCOMES
Student Outcomes
1. Articulate the latest developments in their specific field of √
practice;
2. Effectively communicate orally and in writing using both √
English and Filipino languages;
3. Work effectively and independently in multi-disciplinary and √
multi-cultural teams;
4. Demonstrate professional, social, and ethical responsibility, √
especially in practicing intellectual property rights and
sustainable development;
5. Preserve and promote “Filipino historical and cultural heritage”; √
6. Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge and understanding √
in the core areas of physical and natural sciences
7. Apply critical and problem solving skills using the scientific √
method;
8. Interpret relevant scientific data and make judgments that include √
reflection on relevant scientific and ethical issues
9. Carry out basic mathematical and statistical computations and √
use appropriate technologies in (a) the analysis of data; and (b) in
pattern recognition, generalization, abstraction, critical analysis
and problem solving
10. Communicate information, ideas problems and solutions, both, √
orally and in writing, to other scientists, decision makers and the
public
11. Relate science and mathematics to the other disciplines √
12. Design and perform safe and responsible techniques and √
procedures in laboratory or field practices
13. Critically evaluate input from others √
14. Appreciate the limitations and implications of science in √
everyday life
15. Commit to the integrity of data √
16. Develop in-depth understanding of the basic principles governing √
the science of life
17. Develop and utilize techniques/procedures relevant to biological √
research work in laboratory or field settings
18. Carry out basic mathematical and statistical computations and √
use appropriate technologies in the analysis of biological data
19. Extend knowledge and critically assess current views and √
theories in various areas of the biological sciences

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INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the course, the students should be able to:

1. Be familiarized with parts of the cell and differentiate kinds of cells based on
composition;
2. appreciate that molecular biology is a dynamic and ever-changing experimental
science;
3. compare & contrast mechanisms of DNA replication, repair, recombination,
transcription, gene regulation, RNA processing and translation in prokaryotes,
eukaryotes and viruses;
4. explain the science behind biotechnology; ii) discuss how advances in
biotechnology affect our lives presently and may do so in the future; iii) consider
how entrepreneurs actually convert scientific advances into concrete commercial
or social changes;
5. understand the safety and importance of genetically modified products and
organisms; and,
6. develop ability in critiquing primary research papers.

RELATIONSHIP TO STUDENT OUTCOMES

SO/ OS OS OS OS OS OS OS OS OS OS S
O
S
O
S
O
S
O
S
O
S
O
S
O
S
O
S
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IL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
O
IL ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
O1
IL ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
O2
IL ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
O3
IL ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
O4
IL ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
O5
IL ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
O6

Mapping of Intended Learning Outcomes vs Student Outcomes

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

ILO ILO ILO ILO ILO ILO

Topics
1 2 3 4 5 6
1. Biology of Cells
1.1​ Unicellular vs Multicellular ✓ ✓
a. Differentiate cells based on number
or clustering
1.2.​ Eukaryotic vs Prokaryotic ✓ ✓
a. Differentiate cells based on
components
b. Explain the evolution of cells briefly
1.3. ​Parts of the Cell ✓ ✓
a. Determine the parts and function of
each cell component
2. Macromolecules in the Cell
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 2.1. ​Lipids ✓
a. Define the functions of lipids ✓ ✓
b. Determine structure of lipids
2.2. ​Polysaccharides ✓
a. Define the functions of
polysaccharides ✓ ✓
b. Determine structure of
polysaccharides
2.3. Nucleic acids ✓
a. Determine the basic structure of
nucleic acids ✓ ✓
b. Differentiate RNA from DNA
c. Discuss the different kinds of DNA
2.4 Proteins ✓
a. Explain the basic components of ✓ ✓
proteins (amino acids)
3. Molecular Organization of Eukaryotic Cells
1 Biomembrane​s ✓
a. Explain the structure and function of ✓
biomembranes
3.2 Multiprotein Assemblies ✓
a. Discuss the different levels of DNA ✓
packaging
3.3 Molecular Structure of Genes and ✓
Chromosomes
a. Define the differences between ✓
chromosomes and chromatin
b. Discuss the basic parts of genes
4. Molecular Biology of Organisms
4.1. Theories of Inheritance ✓ ✓
a. Explain the different theories of
inheritance
4.2. Central Dogma of Molecular Biology ✓ ✓ ✓
a. Discuss the whole process of the
central dogma from DNA to proteins
b. Explain the other processes involved
in the central dogma which also
occurs in viruses
4.3. Epigenetics ✓ ✓ ✓
a. Explain the concept of epigenetics
b. Discuss the effects of real world
stresses on gene expressions
4.4. Molecular Genetics of Prokaryptes, ✓ ✓
Eukaryotes and Viruses
a. Explain the differences in the ✓
molecular level between
prokaryptes, eukaryotes and viruses
5. Basic Methods in Molecular Biology
5.1. DNA extraction
a. Discuss the methods in DNA ✓ ✓ ✓
extraction (Traditional and Modern)
5.2 Polymerase Chain Reaction ✓
a. Describe the concept of PCR ✓ ✓
b. Discuss the applications of PCR
5.3 Agarose Gel Electrophoresis ✓
a. Explain the importance of AGE
✓ ✓
b. Discuss the methods in gel
preparation
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5.4 Recombinant DNA Technology ✓ ✓
a. Discuss recombinant DNA ✓ ✓
technology and its applications
5.5 DNA Sequencing ✓
a. Explain the different methods and
✓ ✓ ✓
new technologies in DNA
Sequencing
6. Special Topics
6.1 GM Products ✓
a. Discuss the importance of GM
products ✓ ✓ ✓
b. Explain the emergence and ethical
issues surrounding GM products
6.2 Biosafety and Bioterrorism ✓
a. Discuss the safety and policies on
GMOs
✓ ✓ ✓
b. Explain the practices on biosafety
c. Show examples of bioterrorism and
actions taken by scientists
6.3 Forensics ✓ ✓
a. Explain forensics and importance of
✓ ✓
molecular identification in civil and
criminal cases
6.4 Cancer ✓ ✓ ✓
a. Briefly discuss the overview and
✓
concept behind the generation of
cancer cells
6.5 Stem Cells & Gene Therapy ✓ ✓ ✓
a. Show different examples of stem
cell and gene therapy ✓
b. Discuss the importance of gene
therapy

TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES

Teaching and Learning Strategies

This course will be taught through a combination of lecture, oral and video presentations,
group dynamics and seminars.

Assessment Strategies
Major Examination - 60%
Class Standing - 40%
Attendance 5
Quizzes/Assignments 15
Oral Presentation 20

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Major Examinations
Attendance
Exercises/Seat works
Oral and Written Outputs

COURSE POLICIES
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Grading System

The work of students shall be graded at the end of each term in accordance with
the following system:

Numerical Grade Percentage Equivalent Description

1.00 98-100 Excellent
1.25 94-97 Superior
1.50 90-93 Very Good
1.75 88-89 Good
2.00 85-87 Meritorious
2.25 83-84 Very Satisfactory
2.50 80-82 Satisfactory
2.75 78-79 Fairly Satisfactory
3.00 75-77 Passing
5.00 Below 75 Failure
Inc. *Incomplete
Drp Dropped

Students who will get a grade of 70-74 must be given a removal examination. A
grade of “3.0’ will be given to those who will pass the removal examination and those
who will fail will be given a grade of “5.0”.

*A grade of “Incomplete” must be complied with by the student within one (1)
semester or one hundred fifty (150) days. A student who fails to complete the
deficiency/deficiencies at the end of the succeeding semester shall automatically obtain a
grade of 5.0 in the course.

Attendance Policy

Prompt and regular attendance of students is required. Total unexcused absences

shall not exceed ten (10) percent of the maximum number of hours required per course
per semester (or per summer term). A semester has 18 weeks. For example, a semestral
subject with :
✓ 3 units (3 hrs lec), 10% x 3 x 18 = 5.4 hrs or 6 hrs.
✓ 3 units (2 hrs lec, 3 hrs lab), 10% x 5 x 18 = 9 hrs.
✓ 5 units (3 hrs lec, 6 hrs lab), 10% x 9 x 18 = 16.2 hrs or 16 hrs.
Please refer to the provisions in the Norms of Conduct for the full text of
guidelines for the attendance.

Missed Exams

Missed exams because of sudden illnesses or personal/family emergency must be

reported to the instructor immediately (or as soon as reasonably possible) in order to
make alternative arrangements.
Alternative examination time or date from your instructors can be requested upon
submission of relevant documents such as medical certificates and signed excuse letters.
If the request is granted, the instructor will determine an alternative time and date for the
exam.
Accepted family emergencies include death of an immediate family member or
sudden severe illness. Other emergencies will be evaluated by the instructor and not all
excuses will be accepted for request of an alternative exam.
There will be no alternative quizzes that will be held for missed quizzes and
seatworks.

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Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty includes acts such as cheating during examinations or

plagiarism in connection with any academic work. Such acts are considered major
offenses and will be dealt with according to the University’s Student Norms of Conduct.

Dropping

Dropping must be made official by accomplishing a dropping form and

submitting it at the Registrar’s Office before the midterm examination. Students who
officially drop out of class shall be marked “Dropped” whether he took the preliminary
examination or not and irrespective of their preliminary grades.

A student who unofficially drops out of class shall be given a mark of “5.0” by
the instructor.

ACADEMIC INFRASTRUCTURE

Textbook
Campbell, NA & Reece, JB. (2011). ​Campbell Biology​. 9​th​ ed. Benjamin Cummings
Pub. Co. Inc.

References
Alberts, et al. (2014) ​Molecular Biology of the Cell.​ Garland Science: New York and
Abingdon.
Ausubel, et al. (2003). ​Current protocols in molecular biology​. John Wiley & Sons Inc.
Weaver, R.F. (2012). ​Molecular Biology.​ McGraw-Hill Global Education Holdings,
LLC.
Starr, Cecie, Christine Evers and Lisa Starr. (2016). ​Biology Today and Tomorrow with
Physiology.​ 5th edition. Philippines: Cengage Learning Asia Pte Ltd.

Online
Journals: https://www.sciencedirect.com/
Request through: http://bit.ly/2H6gPUq

COURSE OUTLINE/CALENDAR

BatStateU Graduate Attributes

A BatStateU Graduate is expected to be a:
1. Competent Professional who possesses the knowledge base, skills and ethical
values capable of making positive contribution to society
2. Critical Thinker and Researcher who is proficient to carry out logical, abstract,
critical and creative thinking, in the generation of new ideas
3. Morally Upright Individual who are active participants in nation building and
responsive to the challenges of the 21st century
4. Globally Engaged Citizen who promotes a deeper understanding for linguistic
and cultural diversities as a result of precise evaluation of modern practices and problems
5. Productive Citizen who manifests a service-oriented and environment conscious
citizen who seeks to contribute to the advancement of the society.
6. Lifelong Learner who maintains an attitude to learn and adapt to change
throughout life

Week Course Contents Learning Activities Assessment Tasks

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Week 1 Course Introduction, Orientation

UNIT 1: ​Biology of Cells Lecture, Quizzes, Recitation

Assignment

Week 2-3 UNIT 2: ​Macromolecules in the Lecture, Quizzes, Recitation

Cell Assignment

Week 4-5 UNIT 3: ​Molecular Organization Lecture, Quizzes, Recitation

of Eukaryotic Cells Assignment

Week 5: EXAM
Week 6-10 UNIT 4: ​Molecular Biology of Lecture, Quizzes, Recitation
Organisms Assignment

Week 11-13 UNIT 5:​ Basic methods in Lecture, Quizzes, Recitation

Molecular Biology Assignment

Week 13: EXAM

Week 14-17 UNIT 6: ​Special Topics Lecture, Quizzes, Recitation,
Assignment, Oral Presentation
Presentation

Week 18: FINAL EXAM

Prepared by:

Emilia Andrea V. Sabban

Part-time Lecturer
Date Signed: July 26, 2018

Reviewed by:

Amor P. Magtibay
Biology Department Chair
Date Signed:

Approved by:

Dr. MATILDA H. DIMAANO

Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Date Signed

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