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Fall Semester '97 |
Volume 5.1 |
Undergraduate Newsletter
Welcome Freshmen, Change-of-Assignment, and students transferring from other academic institutions...
... and Welcome BACK upperclassmen!!
While Fall is traditionally a time to encourage new beginnings and the setting of higher goals, I would like to take up a different topic as we begin a new academic year, one that has recently appeared in newspapers and popular magazines -- an issue called "civility". It seems some writers believe many citizens of this country have lost their sense of civility. Have college students lost their civility? What are the characteristics of the civil student? Is this an out-dated quality with little merit? Allow me the use of editorial privilege to comment on these questions.
The dictionary defines civility as 1. The quality of being civil; courtesy; politeness; 2. A polite act or speech. Thus, being polite in our speech is just one part of civility. In the university environment, student civility applies to interactions with faculty, staff and other students. Courteous behavior (acts) toward faculty would include such things as arriving for class a few minutes early and giving full attention to the instructor during class. (Falling asleep during a lecture, talking to classmates while the instructor is speaking, and reading a newspaper in class rank as MAJOR infractions of civility!) Being rude with staff is simply impolite; being patient when you have asked someone to assist you is simple courtesy. Uncivility of one student toward another often occurs in ways that are easy to overlook. For example, a university is a community where learning is fostered above all else and where success in academics should be praised and emulated. Yet, how often have you heard comments that belittle the accomplishments of others? A university is also a place where diversity is viewed as valuable to learning and to the social progress of humanity. When we refuse to try to understand someone whose views are different from our own, or when we ascribe to an individual the characteristics of a larger group, are we not doing that person a disservice? Is civility a quality to be desired and pursued? If so, each and every member of the university community -- faculty, staff, students -- must personally act in ways that will enhance civility. We cannot control the actions of others, but by measuring our own words and actions, we may exert a positive influence on fellow students and favorably impress faculty and staff. In the doing, we might just discover that it is we who truly benefit.
IN THIS ISSUE
Still Looking for Fall Courses????
If you are in need of another course to complete your Fall schedule, you may wish to consider two new courses that will be offered this Fall for the first time.
BMB 497B - Metals in Biology
Prof. John Golbeck will be teaching this 2 credit course that deals with the very important role metals play in living systems. Metals are critical to such fundamental processes of life as electron transport, oxygen transport, photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation. Trace metals are also involved in some key metabolic reactions in the cell. Dr. Golbeck will cover techniques and instrumentation used to study the role of metals in living things. Because of the advanced nature of this subject, Chem 39 is a prerequisite and 2-3 credits of biochemistry is recommended. The class meets on TR at 9:05-9:55 in 111 Wartik.
MICRB 413 - Microbial Diversity
Ever wonder about those strange bacteria that live in extreme environments like Antarctica, Salt Lake, thermal pools, deep sea hydrothermal vents or acid mine drainage? Did you know that some bacteria carry their own magnetic compass, are a major problem for ocean-going vessels, or (Ghost-Busters notwithstanding) are the champions of slime production? Would you like to know the current and potential role of these bacteria in biotechnology, plant pathology, bioremediation and medicine? If so, you really ought to plan to take Microbial Diversity. Dr. Stephen Knabel will be teaching this 2 credit course on TR at 1:25-2:15 in 105 Wartik. The prerequisites are Micrb 201 and 202.
Throughout the school year, students ask where they might find information about opportunities available to them. Following is a short directory of the more common department/college/university addresses about which students frequently inquire.
| Resource | Location |
|---|---|
| Departmental WEB site | http://www.bmb.psu.edu |
| Departmental Computer Lab | 122 S. Frear |
| Co-operative Education | 520 Thomas Building (applications available for all semesters) |
| Internships | 119 S. Frear (Most deadlines occur in Jan-Mar. See Mrs. Wronski) |
| Study Abroad |
222 Boucke (1- & 2-semester programs available.
Prior planning a must.) |
| Research (496) Applications |
108 Althouse (deadline for Spring semester is October 17.
See Mardi Hockenberry after September 1 for packets.) |
| Student Teaching (408) Applications |
Lobby of Althouse & south corridor of South Frear
(See Dr. Sillman for Micrb 408 and Dr. Grove for BMB 408 -- prior approval necessary) |
| Undergraduate Study Center | 116 S. Frear |
| MCAT, DAT Applications | 213 Whitmore (Pre-professional office) |
| Graduate Record Exams Applications | Lobbies of Kern & Grange (tests given frequently at PSU) |
If you are just surfing...surfing the web that is, and want to learn more about your home department, you can go to http://www.bmb.psu.edu for the latest news. Read about faculty research, courses, databases, etc. Share the information with a friend. Perhaps you can generate interest with other students.
Although Fall semester is just getting under way, preregistration for Spring semester is just around the corner. There are a couple of new courses that will be offered in Spring 98 to which upperclassmen, in particular, should pay attention.
BMB 437
Actually, this is not a new course, but it has been quite a few years since the department has been able to offer it. BMB 437, Physiological Biochemistry, is a 2-credit course that will be taught by Prof. Wesley Hymer. The description of the course as found in the University catalog is: Physiological aspects of biochemistry, with emphasis on mammalian metabolism, specialized tissue and fluid functions, detoxification mechanisms, energies, and physiological interrelationships. The course will look at how mammals, especially humans, maintain normal homeostasis, and what goes wrong in selected metabolic diseases. Not surprisingly, BMB 437 has a prerequisite of BMB 402. It will be offered TR 1:25-2:15.
BMB 444
BMB 444, Laboratory in Carbohydrates and Lipids, completes the series of new laboratory courses focusing on the primary macromolecules found in living cells. It complements BMB 443W and 445W which largely treat proteins and nucleic acids respectively. The catalog description of this course is: Laboratory in the isolation, quantification, and characterization of carbohydrates and lipids. BMB 444 is especially recommended for students who have strong interests in biochemistry. This is a 1-credit laboratory course which will meet twice a week for the first half of the Spring semester. Laboratory sessions will be held WF 9:05-12:05 and will be taught by Dr. Ann Marie Daniel.
The BMB Department is pleased to announce the opening of its new Computer Laboratory in 122 S. Frear. Eleven Gateway P5-133 computers are connected to a Gateway P5-200 server. The system is connected to the University backbone so access to the internet is available. There are NO printer facilities, however, so students using the lab should bring diskettes with them to save their documents which may then be printed at University computer labs around campus. The lab will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. There will be no weekend hours. Also, formal classes have priority on lab use. The computers use Windows NT Workstation 4.0 software. You do NOT need a special password to log on to the computers. Come SEE and USE the lab.
ATTENTION -- Junior C.L.S./MED TECH Students
This year's informational meeting for all students who will be eligible for a clinical practicum starting next Summer will be held on Tuesday, September 8, at 7:00 pm in 114 S. Frear. Dr. Mohr will provide information abut the profession and program and answer questions about the clinical year at that time. Preference cards for affiliated hospitals will be distributed that evening. This is very short notice, so be sure to spread the word to any of your friends who have expressed interest in Clinical Laboratory Science.
To give some idea of where the graduates of our department go after they leave Penn State, we report the results of a Spring '97 Graduation Survey conducted by the Dean's Office. The numbers, generated on the day of graduation, provide future graduates a feel for where they might stand on their graduation day. Remember that not all graduates begin looking for a job before graduation.
There were 14 responses from about 30 graduates in Biochemistry. Seven of the 14 were accepted into graduate or professional schools, including UT-Houston Medical Center, U. Penn, UNC, Medical University of South Carolina, Temple Medical School, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and University of California at San Francisco (UCSF). Three students were seeking positions. For MCB majors, 13 of 18 graduates responded. Four students had secured a position, 3 were still seeking a position, and 6 were accepted into higher degree programs, including: U of Virginia, U of Wisconsin-Madison, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Penn, Washington U, Beaver College, U of Colorado Health Sciences Center. There were 16 of 24 Microbiology majors who responded. Two had acquired positions, 7 were seeking positions and 6 had been accepted into graduate or professional programs while 1 was applying for such a program. The schools Microbiology graduates will attend are: Johns Hopkins, Ohio State University, PCOM, Life University of Chiropractic Medicine, Temple School of Dentistry, and St Francis College.
University Scholars Receive Medallions
University Scholars were recognized at a May 16th ceremony with the awarding of the Scholars Medal. Students from BMB who were recognized that day are listed below along with the faculty member under whose guidance they did the research that constituted their senior thesis. The title of each Scholar's thesis is also provided.
Christine Bell, " In vivo Analysis of a TATA Mutation in the hsp70 Promoter of Drosophila melanogaster" with advisor, Dr. David Gilmour.
Chandreyee Das, "Self-Incompatibility and Pollen Gene Expression in Petunia inflata" with advisor, Dr. Kao.
Robert Netter, "Dynamics of the TBP and TFIA Interaction" with advisor, Dr. B. Frank Pugh.
Amy Youchnow, "Characterization of P-Element Insertions in Five Drosophila Mutants with Varying Restistance to Phenobarbital" with advisor, Dr. David Tu.
From Our Student Organizations ---------
The Biochemistry Society is a great way to get to know people with similar interests, to get (and give!) advice, and to just have fun! You'll find people to study with, meet visiting speakers as well as Penn State faculty, beat up Nittany Chemical Society in broomball, help kids with cancer through Dance Marathon, and share your enthusiasm with prospective students to interest them in biochemistry. You can also learn about grad school, med school, co-op, or undergraduate research opportunities from people who have already faced the same dilemmas. Interested? Come to one of our general meetings (once a month, about one hour long) or contact Jayatri Das at 862-1085 or jxd215@psu.edu.
The Microbiology Club is looking forward to another exciting year at Penn State. We welcome students from all majors to join. It is a great opportunity to meet other undergraduate students as well as faculty members. Many social events are coordinated with the Biochemistry Society such as broomball, hayrides, and the Dance Marathon. Our first meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 17th at 6:00 pm. Be sure to check out our bulletin board on the 1st floor of South Frear for upcoming events. Membership dues are $5 per semester or $9 for the year and will be collected at the meeting. If you have any questions, feel free to call Amanda Mongold at 867-7660 or e-mail at amm169@psu.edu.
FAQ - Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Computerized Audit
HAVE YOU CHECKED YOUR AUDIT LATELY????
The Registrar's Office distributes computerized degree audits to the Department at the end of January and September each year. These audits are for your use. Please be sure to pick up your copy in 108 Althouse. The audits are an important tool for determining graduation requirements and to make sure that you are on track for scheduling courses. It is your responsibility as a student to keep up with your degree requirements and progress. Be sure to review your audit to see if the courses you have taken are being counted in the areas where you planned to use them. If you have elected to take a course that is not normally counted in a certain area and have received the appropriate approval, a petition must be completed and submitted to 108 Althouse. Exceptions are entered onto the computerized audit.
Frequently asked questions:
What if I took a course at another University and it is not counting where it should?
If you took a course that was transferred from another University and entered onto your Penn State transcript, but is not assigned a regular University number and is not fulfilling a category you feel it should, you should consult your advisor and submit a petition to substitute it for an equivalent Penn State course. Important note: If the Admissions Office did not transfer the course with a Penn State number, it usually means that there is no Penn State equivalent. In this event, please come to your advisor prepared with a course syllabus and description so that a determination can be made as to how the course will be used in your curriculum.
I was told at the branch campus that Biol 110 and Biol 230W would count in the BMB major. Now it is appearing in my free electives.
Because the cell biology courses, BMB/MICRB 251 and 252 are not offered at all campuses and the courses are recommended during the third and fourth semesters, we do make exceptions for these substitutions. However, these substitutions are not automatic and should be handled through petitions. Please see your advisor.
I was told that I could take 3 credits of general education in one category, 6 in another, and 9 in another for the Arts, Humanities, and Social & Behavioral Science requirements. Is this true?
Yes. This is called the 3-6-9 rule and is permitted to allow students to study an area of general education in greater depth. This exception does require a petition and the petition must have the approval of the advisor, program director (Dr. Mohr), and the Dean.
I am a scholar student. Do I have to submit these petitions?
If you are a University Scholar, you are (or should be) in frequent contact with your advisor. Each semester you are required to complete an academic plan. There is an area on the academic plan which allows for program exceptions and notations. Please take advantage of this area if you are planning to make any exceptions. If you did not include the exception on your academic plan, then, yes, you should complete a petition.
What should I include when filling out a petition?
Please be sure to use the most recent version of the petition. This can be found in the lobby of 108 Althouse or in the hallway of South Frear. Include the semester you have taken the course(s). Include where you think the exception should be made on your computerized audit. Also include the course title and credits. If the course appears more than once on your transcript, identify the course to which you are referring. Be precise.
Where does the major GPA appear on my audit?
The major GPA appears above the area where your program requirements start. Calculation of your major GPA includes the average of the grades you received in courses fulfilling Prescribed and Additional Courses. This GPA is a good indication of the actual progress you are making in the field you have selected. If you have repeated a course in this category , both grades are calculated in the major GPA.
Does the Department use the computerized audits?
The Department uses the computerized audits extensively. They are sent to students as mandated by the University Senate at the end of the sixth semester. This is the only time students receive the audit in the mail. They are also used for entrance into the major and for the final degree check before graduation. It is for this reason that you should take a serious interest in making sure that your audit is correct.
Where can I get more information in interpreting my audit?
Information booklets are available in the lobby of 108 Althouse and can help clarify some of the information presented in the audit.
Once again, the BMB Department is honored to have two Goldwater Fellowship recipients among its undergraduates for the 97-98 academic year. Each year, 250 Goldwater Fellowships are awarded nationwide to undergraduates majoring in science, mathematics and engineering. This year, as last, all four of Penn State's nominees were selected as recipients. David Dudzinski is working on a simultaneous degree in BMB and Chemistry, is in the University Scholars program, and is working in the research laboratory of Dr. Gregory Farber. David Kaczorowski, a BMB major and a University Scholar, is doing research for his senior thesis in the laboratory of Dr. Frank Pugh. Fellowships cover tuition, room and board, fees and books. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Another major competition occurs yearly for NSF Graduate Fellowships. These awards are made to graduating seniors and first year graduate students. The awards provide $14,000 per year plus tuition and fees for 3 years of graduate study leading to the Master or Doctoral degree in physical, biological and mathematical sciences. This year, Chandreyee Das (Bioch/Chem), a University Scholar, was named a recipient. Chandreyee did her thesis research in the lab of Dr. Teh-hui Kao. In her spare time (!?), Chandreyee also served as President of the Biochemistry Society -- for two years! Chandreyee will be undertaking her graduate study at the University of California, San Francisco. Eileen Whiteman (Bioch/Chem, 96), who just completed her first year of graduate study at the University of Pennsylvania, received an honorable mention in the competition. Our congratulations to Chandreyee and Eileen.
Six departmental undergraduates earned University awards at the end of Spring semester. Winning a John W. Oswald Award was Chandreyee Das (Bioch/Chem, 97). The Oswald Award recognizes graduating seniors who have provided outstanding leadership in at least one or more areas of activity which include: scholarship, athletics, social services, religious activities & student government, journalism, speech, creative/performing arts. Dennise Duan (BMB) earned The President's Freshman Award given to full-time students who have a 4.0 GPA at the end of their first semester of study. Finally, Jeffrey Urban (BMB), Robert Gage (BMB), David Kaczorowski (BMB), and Sandra Urtishak (BMB) received The Evan Pugh Scholar Award, presented to students with 5th semester standing or greater, who are in the top 5% of the Junior and Senior classes. This year, Pugh Scholars earned a 3.95 or higher GPA. WOW!!
Three undergraduate students were also selected as recipients of Pfizer Undergraduate Summer Research Fellowships. The three students and the faculty in whose labs they conducted their Summer research are: Jayatri Das (Prof. Graham Thomas), Sandra Urtishak (Prof. Andrea Mastro), and Elizabeth Przybysz (Prof. Andrea Mastro). This Fall, all three will travel to Groton, Connecticut, to join other recipients in presenting the results of their Summer research. WAY TO GO!!
This publication is available in alternative media on request.
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. The Pennsylvania State University does not discriminate against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 201 Willard Building, University Park, PA 16802-2801; tel. (814) 863-0471; TDD (814) 865-3175.
BMB Undergraduate Newsletter is a publication of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Items for inclusion in the newsletter should be sent to BMB Undergraduate Newsletter, 108 Althouse Laboratory, University Park, PA 16802. Tel. (814) 865-5497; FAX. (814) 863-7024.
U.Ed. SCI 98-17 Editors: Writer - Philip W. Mohr, Ph.D., PWM1@PSU.EDU
Format - Mardi D. Hockenberry, MDH1@PSU.EDU