Biology 3431: Genetics

Fall 2007

Course Objectives and Grading

[Return to Genetics Main Page]

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

The overall objective of the course is for students to understand and to be able to apply basic principles of genetic analysis. These principles include the Mendelian laws of inheritance, factors that contribute to modification of Mendelian patterns, chromosome organization and gene mapping, genetic variation and mutation, the molecular basis for the action and regulation of genes, the structure of selected eukaryotic, prokaryotic and organellar genomes, and the contribution of mutation and chromosomal reorganization to biodiversity.

On completion of this course, you should be able to

• construct and analyze monohybrid and dihybrid crosses with autosomal markers.
• explain how the Mendelian laws emerge from the process of meiosis in sexually reproducing organisms.
• explain how Mendelian inheritance patterns can be modified by linkage, sex chromosomes, gene interaction, and variable gene expression.
• map genes by recombination analysis.
• describe the molecular structure of DNA.
• interpret Mendelian patterns in molecular terms.
• describe the major events of DNA replication, transcription and translation.
• explain the structure and molecular basis of the genetic code.
• describe and compare the structure of prokaryotic, eukaryotic and organellar chromosomes.
• explain selected models for regulation of prokaryotic genes.
• explain selected models for regulation of eukarytic genes.
• describe and explain various techniques used in analyzing genes and genomes.
• describe the structure of eukaryotic genes and genomes.
• explain how genetic mutation alters gene function.
• explain how chromosomal rearrangements contribute to genome building and biodiversity.
• identify and navigate major genetics data bases to get information about specific genes.
• read, understand and explain scientific arguments presented in the professional literature.

Objectives specific to the laboratory are described in the laboratory syllabus.

Pedagogical and Learning Strategies:

To accomplish these objectives, the student will

• read assigned chapters in the required textbook.
• attend class regularly and on time and engage in class discussion of concepts introduced by the instructor.
• consult with the instructor as necessary for understanding difficult concepts.
• practice genetic analysis by working assigned chapter problems.
• demonstrate his/her understanding of genetic concepts on quizzes and exams.
• explore and collect information on specific genes or genomes from major online databases.
• read and extract information from professional genetics literature.

Strategies specific to the laboratory are discussed in the laboratory syllabus.

Course Policies:

• Classroom access. To reduce classroom interruptions and increase student security, classroom doors will be locked shortly after the beginning of the class period. Students with transportation or scheduling problems that prevent normal class attendance should consult with the instructor to discuss special accommodations.
• Academic integrity means that any work represented as your own is in fact your own, and not copied from another student or from an unattributed source. Credit will not be given for plagiarized or copied assignments and quizzes. Please do not put your friends in the awkward position of assisting you to cheat.
• Missed quizzes or late assignments. No makeups are given for missed quizzes. If a university sponsored event conflicts with a quiz date, your grade on the final exam will be used to "fill in" for missing quiz grades. For full credit, other assignments must be turned in at the posted time. No credit will be given for assignments completed after the assignment has been graded and returned to the class.

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 academic integrity, grade appeal, sexual harassment, student access to records and other; 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. 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 the Director of the Counseling Center.
• 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.
• 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 substantive changes concerning examinations, the grading or attendance policies and changes in project assignments.

Evaluation and Grading

1. Quizzes (200 points): There will be periodic quizzes to test and reinforce your understanding of basic genetics concepts.

2. Problem Sets (200 points): You learn genetics most effectively by practicing genetic analysis. To encourage practice, I will assign selected problems to be worked during class on Fridays.

3. Final Exam (200 points): A final comprehensive exam will be given to allow students to demonstrate their end-or-term understanding of genetics concepts and procedures. If your final exam grade is higher than your combined quiz grades, your quiz grades will be replaced by your final exam grade. Your final exam grade can also be used to "fill in" for quizzes missed due to participation in university-sponsored activities.

4. Laboratory Grade: 200 points. See the laboratory schedule for the components of this part of the course grade.

5. Grading Scale (total of 800 points)

• A = 721-800
• B = 641-720
• C = 501-640
• F = less than 500
  (a D in an advanced major's course is not an acceptable grade)