Biology 1322:
Introduction to Genetics

General Course Information
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Role of the Course in the Biology Curriculum

Biology 1322 is the second of the two entry courses (the first is Biology 1321) for the Wesleyan Biology Core. In your first semester, you became familiar with concepts and skills related to one of the two major organizing theories of the life sciences: cell theory. Next year, you will encounter the other organizing theory: evolutionary theory. Genetics lies at the intersect of the two theories. Genes organize the macromolecular structure of the cells, direct the development of organisms, and record the history of evolving populations.

Catalog Description and Course Prerequisites

Introduction to Genetics. An introduction to the structure and operation of genes as they are expressed in cells, organisms and populations. Prerequisites: Biology 1321/1121. Concurrent enrollment in Biology 1121

Learning goals for this class:

On completing this class, students should be able to

  • Construct and analyze a scientific argument.
  • Identify components of DNA Explain or diagram the process of DNA replication
  • Describe the informational function of DNA
  • Explain the relationship between protein primary structure and protein function
  • Explain the organization of eukaryotic genes.
  • Explain the relationship between DNA and proteins
  • Describe or diagram the process of protein synthesis
  • Identify the functions and interactions of different classes of RNA in protein synthesis
  • Explain the structure of the genetic code.
  • Explain how mutation leads to changes in protein structure.
  • Describe the organization of eukaryotic and prokaryotic chromosomes
  • Explain the role of meiosis in gamete production
  • Describe, diagram or model the process of meiosis
  • Explain how meiosis and fertilization produce genetic variability
  • Explain the Mendelian inheritance patterns and relate them to meiosis
  • Analyze monohybrid and dihybrid crosses, including those with X-linked markers
  • Explain how Mendelian inheritance can be modified by gene interaction or genomic organization
  • Explain how chromosome modification is related to genetic disorders or genomic evolution
  • Identify the basic elements of a genetic regulatory system
  • Explain how selective genetic activity is related to developmental changes
  • Explain the role of restriction enzymes and cloning vectors in gene cloning.
  • Explain the principles of DNA sequencing
  • Explain how DNA markers can be used in profiling individuals or species
  • Explain the general features of the human genome.
  • Explain how genetic technology can be applied to biotechnology and genetic engineering
  • Learning objectives specific to the laboratory are listed in the Laboratory Schedule.

Learning activities will include combinations of the following:

  • Reading assigned text materials
  • Doing assigned self tests and problem sets from text or other sources
  • Class discussion of assigned materials
  • Class or online discussion of genetics news stories
  • Laboratory investigations
  • Computer simulations
  • Use of genetics databases
  • Online investigations
  • Quizzes and exams
  • Strategies specific to the laboratory are described in the Laboratory Schedule.

Course policies on attendance, participation and assignments

1. Attendance: The university policy on class attendance will be followed. Please familiarize yourself with this policy as described in the current university catalog. You've paid to be here at the rate of about $75.00 per class session. We get to keep it whether you're here or not.

2. All written work done outside of class should be prepared as an MS Word document. MS Word is installed in all university computers. If you must use an off campus computer for written work, and you don't have MS Word, please save your document as *.rtf (rich-text format). Written assignments should be turned in as follows:

  • Problem Sets should be uploaded to the Problem Sets area of the WebCT.
  • Lab Reports and Summaries should be attached to a WebCT Email.
  • Online Discussion responses should be posted to the WebCT Discussion Board under the appropriate topic.

3. Late assignments. You will benefit most from completing assignments by the assignment due date. Late assignments will be accepted only until the graded assignment has been returned to the class (either section). Credit on late assignments will be reduced by 10%.

4. Documentation of completed work. Keep your outgoing copies of all written assignments posted to the WebCT. This is your documentation that the work was completed, and you should keep it until final course grades have been posted. You are responsible for verifying that documents attached to WebCT mail messages are in fact attached. Just check your outbox; if you can see the attachment, you'll know it was sent.

3. Correspondence. Please use the WebCT E-mail for all communication with me about this course. This practice will guarantee that I will not mistake your message for spam. You can also use the WebCT E-mail to schedule office visits. Please send me a WebCT Email message if you are absent from class for any reason, including participation in university-sponsored activities.

6. In-class activities . There will be no makeups offered for missed quizzes or other in-class activities. You may, however, take quizzes with either of the two class sections.

7. Grading questions. Review all returned quizzes, reports and other assignments immediately. If you believe that a grading error has been made, return the exam or assignment to me with a brief written justification of why your grade should be changed. This applies only to content issues. Correcting errors in addition does not require justification. Requests for regrading will be accepted for up to one week after your exam or assignment has been returned to you.

Graded Course Activities:

Participation/Preparation: 100 points. Each week, you will be given a reading assignment (usually from your text book) and will complete an online self-test in preparation for class discussion. Incorrect anwers on the self-tests will be noted, but not penalized. Points will be deducted only for incomplete or missing work. Class time will be used to clarify concepts that appear to be troublesome.

Graded Class Activities: 200 points. There will be some kind of graded class activity each week.

Problem Sets: 200 points. Selected chapter problems will be assigned to be worked during or outside of class. Problem Sets will be posted in the Problem Set area of the WebCT. Due dates for each problem set will be indicated with the Problem Set.

Final Exam: 200 points. There will be a comprehensive final exam at the end of the semester. If your final exam grade is higher than your average course grade, you will be given the higher grade.

Discussion: 100 points. Each student must post a response to five of the discussion topics in the Discussion area.

Grades:
A: 721-800 points
B: 641-720 points
C: 521-640 points
D: 401-520 points
 

University Policies:


Students should read the current Texas Wesleyan University Catalog and Student Handbook to become familiar with University policies. These policies include but are not limited to class attendance, academic integrity, grade appeal, sexual harassment, student access to records, and others; policies specified in the current catalog are applicable unless otherwise stated in this syllabus.

Texas Wesleyan University adheres to a disability policy which is in keeping with relevant federal law. The University will provide appropriate accommodation as determined by the Director of the Counseling Center, Dr. Michael Ellison. Students must notify instructors of any permanent or temporary disabilities and must provide documentation regarding those disabilities prior to the granting of an accommodation. For assistance, students should consult with Dr. Ellison.

Due to the limitless variety of potentially hazardous chemicals which may be found in a scientific or other laboratory environment, students having known, or potential, health-related concerns, such as allergies, asthma, contact dermatitis, pregnancy, or other physiological sensitivities should check with their physician on the advisability of laboratory work. The instructor and/or chair of the teaching department will provide, upon request, a list of chemicals that will be used in experiments during the semester. More detailed information (that is, Material Safety Data Sheets) will be furnished by the deans upon written request.

Note: Course syllabi are intended to provide students with basic information concerning the course. The syllabus can be viewed as a 'blueprint' for the course; changes in the syllabus can be made and students will be informed of any substantive changes concerning examinations, the grading or attendance policies and changes in project assignments.