Comparative Bioinformatics -- BSCI380 Course Information Fall, 2006

4 Credits.

Lecture MWF 11-11:50 am, 1229 HJ Patterson Hall.

Laboratory M or W 2-5 pm, 1121 Plant Sciences Building.

Prerequisites: Biol 106, BSCI 222, and Math 141 or 221 (or consent of instructor).

Recommended courses: BSCI 370; Introduction to Evolution

Undergraduate Program: Approved as an upper level lab course for the following biological sciences specializations: GENB, CBMG, MICB, PLNT, BEES.

Texts: Pevsner, J. 2003. Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics. John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, New Jersey.

Web Site: http://www.life.umd.edu/labs/delwiche/bsci348s/main.html

Grading (expected point totals):

Grading will use the letter grade +/- system, and will be based on the cumulative point total. Default grades are as follows: A, >90%; B, >80%; C, >70%; D, >60%. Students who finish the semester with at least the indicated fraction of points will receive at least that letter grade. At the discretion of the instructor the minimum number of points required for any given grade may be adjusted downward. In some cases the actual number of points possible differs from that listed above. In that case grades will be issued based on the actual total. The grade of A+ will be given to exceptional students, A- to students at the lower end of the "A" range, B+ to students at the upper end of the "B" range, etc.

Students are expected to attend class and participate in class discussions. All assignments are mandatory, and must be completed at the scheduled time, subject to standard university guidelines. Makeup assignments as allowed by the University must be requested (in writing and signed by the student) within one week of the missed exercise. At the instructor's discretion, the format of any assignment, including makeup assigments, may be changed, although they will always be at the same level of difficulty. Note that makeup assignments may be in the form of an oral exam.

Any lapses of academic integrity will be handled through the Honor Council, which has requested that the following information be provided:

The University of Maryland, College Park has a nationally recognized Code of Academic Integrity, administered by the Student Honor Council. This Code sets standards for academic integrity at Maryland for all undergraduate and graduate students. As a student you are responsible for upholding these standards for this course. It is very important for you to be aware of the consequences of cheating, fabrication, facilitation, and plagiarism. For more information on the Code of Academic Integrity or the Student Honor Council, please visit http://www.shc.umd.edu.

To further exhibit your commitment to academic integrity, remember to sign the Honor Pledge on all examinations and assignments: "I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on this examination (assignment)."