The course begins with an experiment in which students determine the chemical composition of three different bacteria. Phase microscopy and spectroscopy are used to determine the size, density, percentage protein and RNA of bacteria. The experiment involves isolation of DNA, analysis of DNA, 'cutting and 'pasting' DNA into a vehicle for transfer, transferring DNA, and verifying that the correct piece was transferred. Cloning is a fundamental technique used in many labs. A genetic approach to a metabolic question is used to map genes involved in Vitamin B12 biosynthesis in the next experiment.
Several weeks are then devoted to the purification of a protein used in sugar metabolism.
Finally the course ends with two experiments on bacterial physiology, the heat shock response and transport. Evaluation of students is structured following the same philosophy. All experiments are summarized in written laboratory reports, loosely following a scientific journal format. In lab, students are asked to analyze experimental data and to draw conclusions. The approach we use greatly stimulates student participation during lab exercises, since they are asked to express their opinion on possible pitfalls in the interpretation of the data they generate.