2009 SGI Archive

Course Syllabus

June 8 to July 31, 2009
Course Title: NURS 860: Molecular Genetics in Research, Health and Society
Graduate Credit Hours: 12
Length of course: 8 weeks

Course description
This eight-week course is designed to provide a foundation in molecular genetics for use in clinical practice and the research laboratory. Basic concepts and principles of genetics are covered in the lecture component. The laboratory component focuses on techniques integral to current molecular genetics. Tutorials, utilizing a case-based approach, are used to integrate the concepts and principles of genetics with laboratory experiments that are designed to provide an understanding of genetic testing, detection of genetic disease, how to understand the strengths and limitations of genetic approaches and how to use the information clinically to counsel individuals and families. Ethical, legal and clinical practice issues and perspectives, and the role of the nurse in the area of genetics are also addressed in a seminar format.

Objectives

Increase knowledge of molecular genetics for use in research, teaching and clinical practice
Gain ability to use molecular genetics as markers for biological and psychosocial research.
Evaluate families with genetic problems and make appropriate referrals to genetic and community resources.
Analyze strategies used for gene therapy and trends likely to result in advanced diagnostic and clinical therapeutics in the future.
Develop educational programs on human genetics and health care for nurses and consumers.
Evaluate the accuracy of genetic information conveyed to consumers and strategies for correcting the misinformation.
Analyze the strengths and weakness of genetic tests and inaccuracies that can be introduced during the testing period.
Analyze ethical and legal issues related to genetic testing and genetic counseling and their implications for practice and research.

The following laboratory techniques and experiments are performed during the course:

Measurements, Micropipetting, and Sterile Techniques
Bacterial Culture Techniques
DNA Restriction Enzyme Digest and Electrophoresis (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms)
Effects of DNA Methylation on Restriction Enzyme Digestion
Bacteriophage Infection of E. coli (transduction)
Rapid Colony Transformation of E. coli DH5a with pBLU
Plasmid Minipreparation and Restriction Analysis of Purified pAMP
Isolation of E. coli chromosomal DNA
Transformation of E. coli with Recombinant DNA including antibiotic-resistance genes
Restriction Mapping of Chromosome 1
Restriction Mapping of pBR322
Detection of anAlu Insertion Polymorphism by Polymerase Chain Reaction
Southern Blotting Techniques

Tentative Course Schedule

Lecture: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-Noon.
Molecular Mechanisms Case Studies: Tuesday, Thursday, 1-3 p.m.
Seminar: Wednesday, 1-3 p.m.
Lab: Friday, Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and as scheduled.

Class schedules vary the first week of classes and after the July 4th break. Additional classes may be scheduled at times other than those above.

Required Text
Hartl, D.L. and Jones, E. W. (2009). Genetics: Analysis of Genes and Genomes, Seventh Edition. Boston: Jones & Bartlett.

Evaluation of Student Learning

Quizzes (3)	70%
Quiz 1 - 23.3%
Quiz 2 - 23.3%
Quiz 3 - 23.4%
Research Proposal -	30%
Laboratory Experiments -	Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory

*There will be four quizzes. You may drop your lowest quiz grade or opt not to take quiz four. Only three quiz scores will be averaged.

The Georgetown University Graduate "letter" grading scale will be used for quizzes, research proposal and final course grade. Letter grades will equate to the following percentage scores in all graduate program courses:

93-100

B+

87-89

B-

82-80

<70

A-

90-92

83-86

70-79

Methods
Lecture/discussion, seminars, tutorials, audiovisuals, laboratory experiments, guest speakers and field trips.

Mandatory Attendance Policy
You are receiving a government stipend to attend the SGI, thus attendance is mandatory at all classes (lectures, seminars, labs, field trips). If you have a prior commitment that conflicts with the SGI, then you should wait until another time to apply for the program. We recognize that unanticipated emergencies may occur and you may need to be absent from class. These situations are handled on a case-by-case basis. All absences must be pre-approved in order to be an excused absence. Unexcused absences, absences with out leave [AWOL], are grounds for dismissal or other consequences at the discretion of the Intramural Research Training Director and SGI Academic Coordinator.

NINR Summer Genetics Institute Speakers, Faculty, and Staff

Dr. Laura Jane Bishop Research Associate National Reference Center for Bioethics Literature Kennedy Institute of Ethics Georgetown University Washington, DC	Dr. Robert Blakesley Associate Investigator Genome Technology Branch Director Sequencing Group Intramural Sequencing Center National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH Rockville, MD
Dr. Jan Kuzaza Blancato Associate Professor of Oncology Georgetown University School of Medicine Washington, DC	Dr. Carolyn Bondy Head, Developmental Endocrinology Branch Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH Bethesda, MD
Dr. Lawrence Brody Genome Technology Branch Head Molecular Pathogenesis Section National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH Bethesda, MD	Ms. Kathleen Calzone, MSN, RN Center for Cancer Research, Genetics Branch National Cancer Institute, NIH Bethesda, MD
Dr. Frank Castora Department of Biochemistry Eastern Virginia Medical School Norfolk, VA	Dr. Yvette Conley University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing Pittsburgh, PA
Ms. Martina Darragh, MLS National Reference Center for Bioethics Literature Kennedy Institute of Ethics Georgetown University Washington, DC	Dr. Alan Decherney Chief, Reproductive Biology and Medical Branch Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH Bethesda, MD
Dr. Raymond Dionne Scientific Director, Intramural Research Program National Institute of Nursing Research, NIH Bethesda, MD	Dr. Kenneth Fischbeck Chief, Neurogenetics Branch National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, NIH Bethesda, MD
Dr. John Golin Department of Biology Catholic University of America Washington, DC	Dr. Patricia A. Grady Director National Institute of Nursing Research, NIH Bethesda, MD
Dr. James Greene Department of Biology Catholic University of America Washington, DC	Dr. Alan Guttmacher Acting Director National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH Bethesda, MD
Dr. Jean Jenkins Senior Clinical Advisor National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH Bethesda, MD	Dr. Chahira Kozma Department of Pediatrics Georgetown University Medical Center Washington, DC
Dr. Wolfgang Leitner National Cancer Institute, NIH Bethesda, MD	Dr. Gregory Leppert R/M Nardone Associates, Inc. Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences, NIH Bethesda, MD
Dr. Joel Moss Chief and Principal Investigator Pulmonary Critical Care Branch National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, NIH Bethesda, MD	Dr. Michael Mullins Department of Biology Catholic University of America Washington, DC
Ms. Julie Murphy, MS Project Manager Genetics and Public Policy Center Johns Hopkins University Washington, DC	Mr. Mark Nardone Director Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences, NIH Bio-Trac Program Bethesda, MD
Dr. Roland M. Nardone Professor Department of Biology Catholic University of America Washington, DC	Dr. Francine Nichols NINR Academic Coordinator (Contractor) Professor Georgetown University School of Nursing and Health Studies Washington, DC
Dr. Enrique Zudaire ATC - Advanced Technology Center Gaithersburg, MD

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How much is the stipend?

A: The amount of the monthly NIH IRTA stipend is not determined at this time. We anticipate that it will be enough to cover modest living expenses for food, phone etc.

Q: Is the IRTA stipend taxable?

A: Yes. Although no deductions are made monthly, stipends are subject to state and federal income taxes. Quarterly tax payments are advised. A tax advisor can provide further information.

Q: Is housing available?

A: Yes. Double occupancy housing has been arranged near the NIH campus. Housing is paid by NINR. All incidental expenses - food, phone, etc. - are the responsibility of the participants.

Q: Can I have single room?

A: Yes, if space is available. However, you will be responsible for paying the total fee for a private room which is approximately $125 per night.

Q: Is health insurance required?

A: Yes, SGI participants must have their own personal health insurance in order to participate in this program.

Q: Are SGI participants reimbursed for transportation expenses to the SGI?

A: No, SGI participants are responsible for all of their own transportation expenses to and from the SIG and during the program.

Q: Is parking available?

A: Yes, parking is available for a monthly fee (approximately $100 per month)

Q: Can educational loans be deferred while I am in this program?

A: Yes, SGI participants are NIH fellows and have been able to defer student loans while in this program. As an NIH fellow you are considered to be engaged in full time study. To obtain deferment, it is required that you remain in student status at your school during the time you would be in this program. Contact your loan officer to discuss this matter.

Q: Are textbooks provided for the SGI?

A: Yes, required textbooks for the SGI are furnished by NINR.

Q. Is there college credit for the SGI?

A. Yes, the SGI is approved for 12 hours of graduate credit in nursing (doctoral level) from a major university in the Washington, DC/Baltimore area. Tuition for the graduate credit is paid by NINR.

Q. Do I have to take the course for a letter grade?

A. Yes, all participants must take the course for a letter grade. The grading scale of the University that is providing college credit will be used.

Q. How is the course graded?

A. Participants will receive a letter grade for exams and papers in the course, and for the final course grade. Laboratory experiments are graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory. You must have a passing grade on exams and papers in the course and a "satisfactory" grade for laboratory experiments in order to pass the course. The final grade for the course will be a letter grade.

Q: Is computer equipment provided?

A: No. High speed internet is provided in your room. All phone and on-line expenses other than the high speed internet access in your room are the responsibility of the participants. Computers are available at the NIH library on a first come, first serve basis.

Q: Will I need to bring a laptop computer?

A: Yes. You need to bring a laptop computer for exams, the research proposal and for checking your e-mail. You need to have your own Internet service Provider (ISP) such as MSN or AOL. Also, your laptop must have an ethernet cord.

Q: Do I need to bring a printer?

A. We highly recommend that you bring a small printer with cables, etc. with you. Printers are available at the NIH library on a first come, first serve basis.

Housing and Suitemates Policy

SGI participants will be assigned a suitemate from the SGI group based on responses to a suitemate questionnaire. The double occupancy housing consists of two bedroom/two bathroom suites and shared living/dining room and kitchen. We know that some individuals may find sharing an apartment difficult, so you need to keep this in mind when you are deciding to apply to the Summer Genetics Institute.

Mandatory Attendance Policy

You are receiving a government stipend to attend the SGI, thus attendance is mandatory at all classes (lectures, seminars, labs, field trips). If you have a prior commitment that conflicts with the SGI, then you should wait until another time to apply for the program. We recognize that unanticipated emergencies may occur and you may need to be absent from class. These situations are handled on a case-by-case basis. All absences must be pre-approved in order to be an excused absence. Unexcused absences, absences with out leave [AWOL], are grounds for dismissal or other consequences at the discretion of the Training Director and Program Coordinator.

If you have specific questions, you may also send an email to ninrsgi@mail.nih.gov.