BIOL 4830 Research in Molecular Biology Lab
Satisfies the advanced experience requirement for the Biology major. An advanced project laboratory course for hands-on training in the experimental techniques of molecular biology under faculty supervision. In addition to formal lab training and discussions, students will have access to the lab outside class hours to work on projects intended to produce publication quality data. The research project will focus on environmentally-mediated gene expression in the organism Pseudomonas fluorescens. Methods taught include: DNA cloning techniques, DNA sequencing, polymerase chain reaction, and the use national databases for research and analysis. It is ideal for students who desire a solid introduction to hypothesis-driven research in molecular biology through practical training.
Course overview
- Department
- Biology
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Annually
Catalog details
- Prerequisites
- BIOL2040
Requirements fulfilled
- Biology B.A.: 3000-level-or-higher Biology elective options (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Biology B.S.: 3000-level-or-higher Biology elective options (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Biology B.A.: Advanced Experience (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Biology B.S.: Advanced Experience (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.58 / 5 · Excellent
- Instructor rating
- 4.66 / 5 · Excellent
- Terms evaluated
- 10
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Ismael Fofana | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 4–6 hrs/week | 6 of 10 |
| Fall 2025 | Ismael Fofana | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 1–3 hrs/week | 7 of 9 |
| Spring 2025 | Ismael Fofana | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 1–3 hrs/week | 8 of 11 |
| Fall 2024 | Ismael Fofana | 4.6 | 4.9 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 4.4 | 4.9 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 1–3 hrs/week | 9 of 10 |
| Spring 2024 | Ismael Fofana | 5.0 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 1–3 hrs/week | 6 of 11 |
| Fall 2023 | Ismael Fofana | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 9 of 10 |
| Spring 2023 | Ismael Fofana | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.0 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 1–3 hrs/week | 8 of 12 |
| Fall 2022 | Ismael Fofana | 4.3 | 4.4 | 3.5 | 3.9 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 4.9 | ≤ 1 hr/week | 8 of 11 |
| Spring 2022 | Ismael Fofana | 4.6 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 5.0 | 4.6 | 1–3 hrs/week | 5 of 13 |
| Fall 2021 | Ismael Fofana | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 1–3 hrs/week | 4 of 11 |