SYLLABUS Master in Science Education 610 Heredity and Evolution Thursdays 5 30 to 8 30 Class begins 9 15 05 and ends 12 15 05 Instructor Tim Bennett 409 west Maple St Waykland MI 49348 Office hours M F 9 A M to 11 A M And 1 P M to 4 P M It is wise to call ahead Home 269 792 1625 long distance to Wayland Office Room 205 Browne Center Phone 616 632 2446 Fax 732 4465 E mail bennetim aquinas edu Course Objectives The learner will Compare and contrast the processes of mitosis and meiosis as they relate to the function of cell reproduction and the transmission of genetic information Analyze Mendel s principles of dominance segregation and independent assortment in order to solve genetic problems that involve monohybrid and dihybrid crosses Identify and analyze chromosomal events that can create new phenotypes and evaluate modern methods of genetic screening in relation to minimizing potentially tragic events Demonstrate how DNA is replicated and how the structure and behavior of DNA determines the structure and behavior of RNA during transcription Analyze the various ways gene activity is activated and inactivated and how this relates to cancer Evaluate the limits and possibilities of further research in genetic engineering Analyze the ideas and evidence that explain how life might have changed through time and compare and contrast the differing views on how species might have changed and emerged Reconstruct the developmental thinking path that resulted in the articulation of the views Darwin had on evolution Analyze how variation occurs in populations including natural selection mechanisms mutations gene flow changes in allele frequencies and population size Analyze the process of speciation in reference to allopatric parapatric and sympatric modes Evaluate the evidence that supports evolution determine the best description of how life might have arisen on Earth and present a way to approach this material in your classroom Translate the new concepts gained into working lesson plan ideas for use in individual classrooms Text Biology The Unity and Diversity of Life 2001 9th Ed Cecie Starr and Ralph Taggart Wadsworth Publishing Company Belmont CA ISBN 0 534 53001 X Session Topics Session 1 Introduction course overview historical overview of the beginnings of heredity how ideas of the past compare to present views review of mitosis and meiosis chromosomes replication and genetic abnormalities Session 2 The thinking of Darwin and Wallace voyage of the Beagle how life forms have changed through time natural selection mechanisms Session 3 Mendelian genetics an exercise in scientific thinking Mendel s experimental approach genes segregation of alleles Session 4 Mendelian Genetics continued Theory of Independent Assortment dominance relations pleiotropy epistasis environmental conditions altering gene expression Session 5 Possible field trip tying Darwin Mendel and Wallace together a look at where Darwin s work has gone and if it is still valid Session 6 Genetic characteristics observed in humans dominant and recessive nature of characteristics abnormalities which result from genetic damage or mistakes moral and ethical considerations resulting from chromosomal abnormalities Session 7 Structure and function of DNA replication process double helix of nucleotides isolation of DNA from onion Session 8 Structure and function of RNA transcription and translation formation of proteins and enzymes mutations recombinant DNA and genetic engineering issues and concerns Session 9 Microevolution genetic drift divergent and convergent evolution mechanisms of gene flow isolation and speciation homologous structures versus Homoplasy parallel evolution Session 10 Fossil record carbon dating fossil formation use of fossils to trace changes over time evaluating the fossil evidence Session 11 Origins of life Miller Urey experiments primordial earth and primordial life proteinoids protocells microspheres coacervates biogenesis eproduction abiogenesis Session 12 Evaluation presentation of final projects course evaluation final chance for burning questions and summary statements Course Requirements Journals and Logs Learners will keep a journal or logbook which is to include their own personal record of classroom activities documenting the following observations procedures concepts insights data results conclusions materials methods answers to assigned questions and anything else which would be of use in applying the course work to their own classrooms Reaction Reflection Papers Learners will be required to prepare a two to three page typed and professionally constructed paper each week In this paper the learner will reflect on class activities respond to questions raised present personal reactions and positions on issues identified suggest improvements express feelings and propose problems It is expected that these papers will be virtually free of spelling mistakes and glaring grammatical errors Evidence of Technology Utilization and Integration Learners will present evidence of information gained through the use of technology internet CD ROMs Laser Disks etc a minimum of six times during the twelve week course This information needs to be documented as to source and duplicated in sufficient quantities for all members of the class including the instructor Presentations Individual or small group presentations will be periodically assigned throughout the course as issues worthy of debate are encountered such as evaluating the use and future of genetic engineering or the origins of life Enthusiastic participation will be expected Culminating Projects A final project which demonstrates synthesis of the material presented during the course will be presented at the last session or earlier if dictated by class size This project is to be developed as a classroom unit plan learning center integrated culminating activity or other format immediately useful in your classroom The project must be thoroughly developed aligned with Michigan Core Curriculum standards and benchmarks and include all of the elements necessary to prepare students for success in science education Grading Procedure Assessment is based on the belief that quality work is the goal Full points will be awarded in all cases when all criteria have been met Re submissions are expected for all assignments not meeting all criteria R R Papers One point for each paper Eleven papers expected for a total of 11 points Technology use One point for each sample for a