PVI CyberScience Courses

Course topics include MicroBiology and Genetics...

Course Format:

The courses are advanced level semester electives, coupled with bimonthly afternoon laboratory sessions at PVI. This format requires a highly motivated, organized student capable of independent work.

Cyberscience courses consist of self paced, online lecture notes. Lecture pages are similar to PowerPoint slides. Lectures are supplemented with online discussions, activities and podcasts. Students should plan 120 – 150 minutes per week for lecture content. Additional time for reading the textbook and laboratory procedures is required.

Quizzes are non-proctored and may be completed at the student’s convenience prior to the deadline. Quiz topics will include textbook chapters, laboratory preparation, lecture content.

Laboratory investigations will take place twice each month at Paul VI Catholic High School. Lab materials will be available between 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Students may complete the lab activity in 1 – 2 hours anytime between 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Lab reports will be submitted by uploading to the course website.

Chapter test will be online and proctored. Tests may be completed at PVI in the following locations: science department, library, and tech lab. Agreements for proctors off site will be arranged as needed at the beginning of the course. Students may complete the chapter test any time prior to the test deadline.

At this time, course credit will be issued from Paul VI Catholic High School at the Honors grade level.

Summary:

  • Online delivery (120 – 150 minutes per week)
  • Laboratories: PVI Lab (bimonthly , 1 – 2 hour, available between 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
  • Chapter Reading Quizzes (approx. 8, timed, un-proctored)
  • Lecture Checkpoint Quizzes (approx. 16, un-proctored)
  • Pre-lab Quizzes (approx. 8, timed, un-proctored)
  • Lab Reports (approx. 8, electronic submission)
  • Chapter Tests (approx. 8, remote/ proctored)

 

Course Descriptions

Fall 2010 – Microbiology

Microbiology offers a strong review of microbial anatomy and metabolism before focusing on identification, infectious diseases, microbial genetics, and immunology.

The laboratory sessions will deal with culturing live organisms, microbial identification and classification, as well as plasmid integration and microbial cloning techniques. Laboratory training will include Bio-Safety Level 2 procedures in the BSL-2 Laboratory at PVI.

Spring 2011 – Genetics

Genetics features a reacquaintance with the tenets of Mendelian inheritance, reinforced with classical laboratory exercises using Drosophila. Dominant, recessive and sex-linked patterns of expression will be observed. This classical approach is integrated with modern, molecular genetics and amplified with hands-on laboratory experience in biotechnology to include cloning, gene transfer and integration, manipulation of gene expression and the use of DNA in determination of relatedness.

Instructors

Dr. Michael Potter

Experience:

  • Paul VI Catholic High School science department, 2001 to present as instructor in Biology and AP Biology
  • Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
  • Teaching Fellow Wesleyan University, Middletown Connecticut
  • Private practice of General Surgery/Trauma Surgery for 30 years, Fairfax, Virginia

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science, Georgetown University , Washington, D.C. Major-Biology Minor-Chemistry/Philosophy
  • Master of Arts, Physiology, Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut
  • Doctor of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.
  • Postgraduate Training General Surgery, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C.

Mrs. Eileen Liberti

Experience:

  • Paul VI Catholic High School science department 2007 - present.
  • Six years teaching at Corpus Christi School in Falls Church including middle school science.
  • Over ten years in marketing and sales in pharmaceutical and biochemical research products.
  • Two years working in molecular biology research lab at Boston University Medical School.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science Saint Bonaventure University, Olean, NY Major- Biology Minor- Psychology
  • Additional courses/seminars in biotechnology, biology and oceanography including Cornell Institute for Biology Teachers Marine Lab, Key Largo, Florida
  • Awards: 2004 Grants in Education Recipient from The Washington Post