Mol. Bio. in our Daily Life
2024 Summer
Experiments a lot & “thinking training” via Common assignment and individual project.
Students in any division interested in life science are welcome.
Introduction to Molecular Biology Experiments
This course is essentially a six-day intensive course that provides the experimental experience equivalent to an introduction to molecular biology. The course is characterized by small class sizes that transcend the boundaries between the non-sciences and sciences and a class design that is as individualized as possible to create the best program. The practical training is divided into two main parts. In the first half, Part A, participants will learn basic techniques and concepts through experiments to identify fish species of the genus Tuna as a common subject. In the second half, Part B, participants will work on free assignments, building on what they learned in the first half. On the last day of the course, participants will make a presentation in the lab meeting style.
Contents
0. For students who are considering taking this course
We welcome participation by life science novices and non-science majors from any division. Only students attending the face-to-face class are eligible to take the course.
Selection
If the number of students exceeds capacity, a selection process will be held for those who can take the course.
Registration ｜Send course request to contact faculty member
watch video Guidance
https://youtu.be/9pwgg0QXijU?si=ajlC1iIlBvF9tGCr
If you want to take the course, please send an email or registration Google form.
📧 kashima+MolBioDailyLife@g.ecc.u-tokyo.ac.jp
[Registration Google form] Molecular Biology in our daily lives
1. Objectives, content, and flow of this practical course
A-side｜Acquiring basic experimental skills and thinking
A4-10 is chapter number 5 in the lab book for this class. 💻: uses a terminal; 💡: task involves a lot of thinking process; 🤝: involves collaborative work: requires discussion with faculty, TA, group members and colleagues.
Classifying tuna (sushi, fillet, block) by taste and shape is complicated unless you are a fish expert. So how can we accurately and reproducibly identify the different types of tuna?
In this exercise, you will first receive tuna fillets or sushi as specimens. Next, the tuna will be analyzed using molecular biological techniques to determine the type of tuna. Finally, you will give a mini-presentation on the results obtained in this course. This course is designed to (1) master basic experimental skills and discussion methods, and (2) understand life science terminology and methods, such as DNA and PCR, which are often discussed in the daily news.
Perform DNA extraction, amplification by PCR, DNA sequencing by Sanger sequencing method, and sequence analysis from tuna fillets or blocks. The final DNA sequence information obtained is compared with known tuna sequences by database reference. Based on the results, students will discuss which species of tuna genus they were given the fillets and present the results discussed in a lab meeting style.
Explanation of the contents of this course
DNA extraction from tuna specimen
DNA amplification by PCR
Electrophoresis of the DNA fragments and detection
Sequencing of PCR products by Sanger sequencing method
Identification of tuna species based on the sequencing results
Presentation and discussio
B-side｜"Thinking Training" via individualized assignments
B0-10 are the chapter numbers in the lab book for this class; after completing B10 ⏩, return to ⏩B4 to check for reproducibility or revisit the conditions until just before the presentation, time permitting. 💻: use a terminal, 💡: task involves a lot of thinking process, 🤝: involves collaborative work, requires discussion with faculty, TA, group members, and colleagues, 🛒: procure supplies, 💴: up to ¥300 per person, 📖: use lab notebook (handwritten or electronic version) .
In addition to the above flow, individuals/groups are given simple assignments that even beginners can understand, with individualized attention to the participating students’ learning achievement and experimental progress. We cannot easily find the answer by searching the Web/Generative AI, browsing past print collections. Also, each student/group needs to design and conduct various experiments.
“Thinking training” will be added to the work content of the prescribed practical flow, the experience of challenging tasks for which the answers are not fixed. We hope that you will enjoy your stay on this course.
2. Guidance
Participation in English will be handled on an individual basis. This is in order to propose the best-individualized schedule and program. For inquiries, please send an e-mail to the address below.
3. Schedule of the practical course
The lab will be open from Thursday, August 1, 2024, through Monday, August 13, 2024. During this period, actual attendance for 6 days is required for credit; a lab meeting-style presentation will be held on August 13 for all participants.
Example of schedule coordination: UT1 and UT2 can attend all six days; attendance days vary; UT3 entered more than six days of possible attendance. In the case of this UT3, the faculty member will later email you an individualized schedule that has been readjusted so that you will attend six days. The available attendance days will be adjusted to the number of students who can participate on Day 6.
4. Pre-Lab
The Pre-Lab allows entry to the lab on specified dates and times before the practical training period for face-to-face individual assistance. Participation in the Pre-Lab requires individual reservation via email and is entirely optional, unrelated to course credit.
Main purposes of use:
Confirming laboratory conditions and asking questions about classes in person before registration.
Preferential individual instruction on Day1 and Day2 content rather than in groups.
Wanting to practice with the pipette man (micropipette dispenser) briefly in the lab.
Needing makeup sessions for missed days in the Day1 and Day2 schedules.
Considering past seniors' approaches and personal ideas for the latter half's free assignments beforehand.
Booking:
Booking is mandatory. Please email to the address below:
✉️ kashima+MolBioDailyLife@g.ecc.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Location: KOMCEE EAST 3rd Floor, Educational Development Experimental Laboratory [Google Map]
Date and time available for booking:
April 09 (Tue) 11:00 - 13:00
April 23 (Tue) 11:00 - 13:00
April 30 (Tue) 11:00 - 16:00
May 07 (Tue) 11:00 - 13:00
May 14 (Tue) 11:00 - 13:00
May 21 (Tue) 11:00 - 13:00
May 28 (Tue) 11:00 - 13:00
June 03 (Mon) 11:00 - 13:00
June 04 (Tue) 11:00 - 13:00
June 10 (Mon) 11:00 - 13:00
June 11 (Tue) 11:00 - 13:00
June 17 (Mon) 11:00 - 13:00
June 18 (Tue) 11:00 - 13:00
July 01 (Mon) 11:00 - 16:00
July 02 (Tue) 11:00 - 13:00
July 08 (Mon) 11:00 - 16:00
July 09 (Tue) 11:00 - 13:00
5. Contact
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
5. Evaluation
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Content %
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Attendance: Lecture 10
Attendance: Experiment 20
Lab Book 50
Assignment 10
Presentation 10
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合計 100
6. Laboratory
This page is about the following class.
Molecular Biology in our daily lives.
Target: Students in any division interested in life science are welcome.
Course Code: 40294
Term/Semester: S2
