Revised Spring 2013 COURSE OUTLINE Course Number: BIO208 Credits: 4 Course Title: GENETICS Hours: 3 lecture/3 laboratory Required texts: iGenetics: A Molecular Approach, 3rd ed. Peter J. Russell Benjamin Cummings Publishers www.geneticsplace.com . Course Coordinator: Laura Blinderman Office: MS 110 Phone: 570-3833 [email protected] www.mccc.edu/~blinderl Catalogue Description: A survey course examining gene activity at the molecular and organismal levels. Principles of transmission, molecular, and population and evolutionary genetics are covered with emphases placed on genetic technology and applications. The laboratory exercises address topics in heredity, chromosome structure, recombinant DNA, bioinformatics, and other molecular biology techniques. Three hours of lecture and one three hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: Successful completion of BIO 101 (C grade or higher).2 Course Competencies/Goals 1. Elucidate the structure, packaging, and regulation of DNA (GE 1, 2, 3, 4 CS, A, B, F) 2. Analyze the architecture of eukaryotic and prokaryotic genes and describe the regulation of gene expression at the molecular level (GE 1, 3 CS A, B, D) 3. Explore transmission genetics and solve problems in the transmission of traits (GE 1, 2, 3, 4, 9 CS A, B, D, E, F) 4. Investigate chromosomes, sex linkage, karyotypes, and aneuploidy (GE 1, 2, 3, 9 CS A, B, D, E, F) 5. Examine microbial genetics, mechanisms of gene transfer, and the use of microbes as model organisms (GE 3, 9 CS A, B) 6. Explore techniques and goals of genomics, biotechnology, transgenics, and cloning (GE 1, 2, 3, 4, 9 CS A, B, D, E, F) 7. Elucidate the molecular mechanisms of DNA mutation and repair (GE 2, 3 CS B) 8. Investigate population and evolutionary genetics (GE1, 2, 3, 9 CS A, B, D, E, F) 9. Conduct scenario- and problem-based learning in bioinformatics (GE 1, 2, 3, 4 CS A, B, D, E) 10. Develop skills in pipetting, gene cloning, bacterial transformation, restriction enzyme digestion, DNA fingerprinting, PCR, bioinformatics, gel electrophoresis, DNA and protein purification, spectrophotometry, centrifugation, and other laboratory techniques (GE 1, 2, 3, 4, 9 CS A, B, D, E, F) 11. Develop professional skills in maintaining a laboratory notebook, developing and implementing an experiment, troubleshooting, presenting data (oral and written) and collaboration with others. (GE 1, 2, 3 CS A, B, F) General Education (GE) Knowledge Goals Goal 1. Communication. Students will communicate effectively in speech and writing. Goal 2. Mathematics. Students will use appropriate mathematical and statistical concepts and operations to interpret data and to solve problems. Goal 3. Science. Students will use the scientific method of inquiry, through the acquisition of scientific knowledge. Goal 4. Technology. Students will use computer systems or other appropriate forms of technology to achieve educational and personal goals. Goal 9. Ethical Reasoning and Action. Students will understand ethical issues and situations. MCCC Core Skills (CS) Goal A. Written and Oral Communication in English. Students will communicate effectively in speech and writing, and demonstrate proficiency in reading. Goal B. Critical Thinking and Problem-solving. Students will use critical thinking and problem solving skills in analyzing information. Goal D. Information Literacy. Students will recognize when information is needed and have the knowledge and skills to locate, evaluate, and effectively use information for college level work. Goal E. Computer Literacy. Students will use computers to access, analyze or present information, solve problems, and communicate with others. Goal F. Collaboration and Cooperation. Students will develop the interpersonal skills required for effective performance in group situations.3 Grading Lecture: The lecture grade is based on examination grades, in-class activities, and homework assignments. The instructor must be informed within 12 hours of a missed exam. Makeup exams, given only for a valid and documented absence, are discouraged, and consist of essay questions. Laboratory: The laboratory grade is based on pre-labs, laboratory work, attendance, and participation. The instructor will evaluate student performance throughout the semester. More than one unexcused absence will result in a lower lab grade. There are no makeup laboratories. Lab exercises and lab notebook 30% Lecture exams 55% Lecture homework , Presentation and/or paper 15% Classroom conduct The college welcomes students into an environment that creates a sense of community pride and respect. Attendance It is a student’s responsibility to attend all classes. If a class meeting is missed, the student is responsible for content covered, announcements made in his/her absence, and for acquiring any materials distributed in class. The laboratory component of the course is critical to satisfying the course objectives. Missed laboratories and associated assignments cannot be made up. A student who misses more than two unexcused laboratory sessions will fail the course. A passing grade must be obtained in the laboratory in order to pass the course. Check the MCCC website www.mccc.edu for all weather cancellations Tardiness It is expected that students will be on time for all classes. Students late for an exam may be denied the opportunity to take the exam. A student who enters the laboratory late may not be able to participate in the lab. Behavior Students are expected to follow ordinary rules of courtesy during class sessions. The instructor has the right to eject a disruptive student from the class at any time. Phones and other devices are to be turned off prior to the start of class and are not to be used during the class or laboratory session. Text messaging during class is not acceptable.4 Accommodations A student who has special needs because of a disability is entitled to receive accommodations. Eligible students are assured services under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Contact Arlene Stinson, Director of Academic Support Services, LB221, 570-3525. Academic Integrity Statement: Cheating of any kind is not tolerated. Cheating includes copying papers or website information, presenting another person's work as one's own in any way, looking at a student's