General Genetics (BioSc231) Syllabus Instructor Dr. Dave Westenberg Department of Biological Sciences Office: 105A Schrenk Hall 341-4798, Lab: G-6 Schrenk Hall 341-6586 [email protected] Office Hours - MWF 9:00 – 10:00, or by appointment or just stop by my office or lab and if I'm available I'll be happy to answer questions Course Description: This course will cover the principles of heredity and reasons for variation in all living organisms. After completing this course you should be familiar with several phenomena, principles, rules and laws of genetics including: Mendel’s Law of segregation and independent assortment; meiosis and mitosis; origins of specific phenotypic and genotypic ratios; mechanisms of sex determination; sex linkage; gene mapping; complementation; DNA structure and function; cytoplasmic inheritance; chromosomal aberrations; mutations. Textbook: An Introduction to Genetic Analysis by Griffiths et al You will be expected to have read the assigned chapter and related questions before the corresponding class period. The end of chapter "Review the Basics" questions and assigned questions will serve as the basis for classroom discussion. Make sure that you are familiar with all key terms at the end of each assigned chapter. Reserve material: Old exams and links to websites relevant to General Genetics can be accessed through the course HomePage: http://www.umr.edu/-microbio/Bio231.html Grading and Exams: Your grade will be based on your scores on five exams (four midterm exams and one final) (60 points each), quizzes (100 points, 10 points per quiz), homework (60 points) and participation (40 points) for a total of 500 points. Participation includes asking and answering questions, bringing to class relevant information from you own research, etc. Your participation grade will depend on attendance - if you have more than four unexcused absences you will forfeit the 40 points. There will be no make-up exams during the term, however, during the second half of the scheduled final you may have the opportunity to take a comprehensive make-up exam.The exam dates are scheduled as follows: Exam 1 Thursday, September 11 Exam 2 Tuesday, October 7 Exam 3 Tuesday, October 28 Exam 4 Thursday, November 20 Exam 5 Wednesday, December 17, 4:00 – 6:00 All exams will take place in the regular lecture room (206 Schrenk) unless notified otherwise. Depending on interest, I will be offering review sessions before each exam and the time and date will be arranged during class. This is intended to be an opportunity for you to ask questions and request clarification of specific topics – so come prepared. The general topics to be covered and the relevant chapters are listed below. Topic Chapter Introduction to Genetics - an overview Mendelian Genetics Chromosomal Basis of Heredity Exam 1 (9/11) Gene Interaction Gene Mapping Specialized Mapping Exam 2 (10/7) The Structure and Replication of DNA Genetics of DNA Function The Molecular Biology of Gene Function Exam 3 (10/28) Mutations Mechanisms of Gene Mutation Chromosomal Mutations - Structure Chromosomal Mutations - Number Exam 4 (11/20) Recombinant DNA Applications of Recombinant DNA Cancer as a Genetic Disease Population Genetics Final Exam (12/17) 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 15 16 17 18 12 13 22 24 If you have any comments or concerns regarding this course or the instructor (good or bad) please feel free to discuss them with me. If you are not satisfied with my response or prefer to speak with someone else, you may contact the Chair of the Biology Department, Dr. Ron Frank ([email protected], 341-4831) or the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Paula Lutz ([email protected],