Required Text: Klug and Cummings (2003) Concepts of Genetics, 8th ed.
Suggested for lecture: a three-ring binder for assorted handouts
Required Lab Manual: Symbiosis, Prentice Hall Custom Laboratory Program for Biology, L. Rapp, Biol-360 Genetics. Also required for lab: three-ring binder, three-hole paper, calculator and Fly Lab (purchase the Flylab packet at the bookstore).
Course website: http://faculty.stcc.edu/rapp/biol360/biol360.htm
Course Description:
This course offers an introduction to the principles of classical, molecular, population and evolutionary genetics. The history and development of the field of genetics, Mendel’s contributions, the molecular and chromosomal basis of inheritance, meiosis and probability theory are highlighted along with gene mapping, variation in inheritance patterns, DNA mutation and repair, and the genetics of cancer and human disease. Modern genetic technologies and their everyday applications are also discussed. Laboratory experiments are designed to complement and demonstrate the major concepts presented in lecture. PREREQUISITES: BIOL 106 and CHEM 101.
Course Objectives:
The purpose of this course is to provide the students with an understanding of the mechanisms of inheritance. We will review the history of genetics and learn how classical experiments have led to our current understanding of genetic principles. We will also learn about current methods of gene manipulation and their effects on society.
General Conduct
Students are expected to observe the code of conduct outlined in the college catalog. Behavior that disrupts the establishment or maintenance of the learning environment will not be tolerated and will result in dismissal from the course following one written warning. Cell phones and beepers MUST BE DISABLED before entering lecture or lab. Students who disrupt the class with said items will be asked to leave and will not be allowed to return to that class or lab session.
Attendance/Tardiness:
This is college. It is your responsibility to come to class
Attendance at all classes is strongly advised. Attendance on exam dates is required (see “Testing” below). A student who is absent from lecture or lab is responsible for the content of that class as well as any announcements made. A student who misses class or lab also forfeits any points towards a final grade available on that given day. When absent, obtain the lecture notes from a classmate.
Students should arrive promptly and remain until the end of the class. Tardiness will not be tolerated, and is treated as disruptive behavior (see “General Conduct” above). The instructor reserves the right to refuse late arrivals.
Academic Dishonesty
Cheating, plagiarism, illicit collaboration and misrepresentation of one’s own work will not be tolerated. The result of such will be failure in the exam, paper, etc. or failure for the course. In addition, the student(s) will be reported to the Dean of Students for disciplinary action, including removal from the class. There will be no warnings given.
Testing
1. Students arriving late for an examination will not be allowed extra time to finish the test.
2. The exams will cover material up to the class before the exam period unless otherwise indicated.
3. Class examinations will be given at the times scheduled. Special arrangements for rescheduling for individuals will only be made for compelling reasons.
If a scheduled exam must be missed, I should be contacted as soon as possible to explain your absence. A make-up exam will be rescheduled at MY convenience, and must be completed before or during the next scheduled class period. The make-up test may differ substantially from the original. There can be only one make-up exam during the semester – NO EXCEPTIONS.
Problem sets:
Problem sets are designed to help you prepare for exams. The exams will have problems similar to the assigned problems from the text and the problem sets. Problem sets will be assigned approximately one week prior to their due date. All problem sets are due at the beginning of class and are considered late if handed in during or at the end of class. One problem set handed in one day late will be accepted with no penalty. After that, problem sets handed in one day late will have a grade reduced by 20%. Problem sets turned in more than one day after the due date will not be accepted. Also, no make-up problem sets will be given under any circumstances. Problem sets handed in should be originals and in your own handwriting (you can type up answers, but they should not be an exact copy of a classmates). Problem sets must be stapled; they will not be accepted loose. Problem sets may not be returned in time to study for the exams so you should keep a copy to compare the answers posted in lab or on the course website.
Lab homework:
Lab reports are due on the Thursday after the lab unless otherwise indicated. All lab reports are due at the beginning of lab and are considered late if handed in during or at the end of lab. One lab report handed in one day late will be accepted with no penalty. After that, lab reports handed in one day late will have a grade reduced by 20%. Lab reports turned in more than one day after the due date will not be accepted. Also, no make-up lab reports will be given under any circumstances. Lab reports handed in should be originals and in your own handwriting (you can type up answers, but they should not be an exact copy of a classmates). Lab reports much be stapled; they will not be accepted loose.
Grading:
Each lecture exam (3 exams total) 10% each
Final exam 15%
Problem sets 20%
(If 6 problem sets are assigned, the lowest grade will be dropped)
Presentation and paper 5%
Laboratory 30%
(15% Lab reports, 7.5% each lab exam)
Note: It is department policy that a student must pass the lab component of this course to pass the entire course.