GENETICS (BG 202)
COURSE SYLLABUS, 1997
Instructor: Dr. David B. Ritland
Office: Erskine Building, Room 6 (ÒThe CaveÓ); Phone is 379-8817.
Normal office hours indicated by asterisks (other times available
by appointment):
M T W R F
9:00
10:00
11:00
12:00
1:30 * *
2:30 * *
3:30 * *
4:30 * *
5:30 * * * *
Meeting Schedule
Lecture: MÐF 12:00 p.m., Room E16
Lab: T or W 2:30Ð5:30 p.m., Room E17
Catalog Description
A study of inheritance, including Mendelian principles, molecular
genetics, chromosome mapping, cytogenetics, population and human genetics.
Course Outline and Objectives
The study of genetics is a study of how molecular instructions are
decoded, expressed, and inherited in cells, individuals, families, and
populations. This course provides an overview of the three main
divisions of genetics -- transmission (classical) genetics, molecular
genetics, and population genetics -- and reveals how the science of
genetics is related to other branches of biology. Lectures will detail
our current understanding of the rapidly evolving field of genetics,
while laboratories will provide hands-on experience with the tools and
procedures that have contributed to this understanding. The objective of
this course is to familiarize students with a diversity of genetic
perspectives, including:
¥ the various ways in which information is passed from generation
to generation;
¥ the Òrules of thumbÓ that help us determine the mode of
inheritance exhibited in a given case;
¥ how patterns of inheritance are influenced by chromosomal and
environmental effects;
¥ the process whereby genetic instructions encoded in DNA are
decoded and translated into
the proteins that control and sustain life;
¥ how gene activity is regulated so that different cells follow
different genetic instructions;
¥ why mutations occur and what happens when they do;
¥ what tools are available allowing us to decode and even
manipulate genetic instructions; and
¥ how genetic characteristics of entire populations change over time.
¥ Genetics also fulfills NASDTEC Biology Standards IÐIII, VÐVII.
Exam Schedule
Exam 1: Th 2/20 Exam 4: Th 4/3
Exam 2: Th 2/27 Exam 5: 4/24
Exam 3: Th 3/13 Final Exam: To be announced
Topics to be Covered
Unit 1: Introduction
Unit 2: Transmission Genetics (Inheritance)
¥ Cellular Basis of Inheritance: Genes, Chromosomes, and Cell Division
¥ Mendelian Genetic Analysis
¥ Extensions of Mendelian Genetics
¥ Studying Inheritance in Families: Pedigree Analysis
¥ Contemporary Applications of Mendelian Genetics
Unit 3: Gene Structure and Function
¥ Historical Overview of Molecular Genetics
¥ DNA Structure and Replication
¥ Protein Synthesis: Transcription and Translation
Unit 4: Gene Regulation
¥ Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes
¥ Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes
¥ Developmental Genetics
Unit 5: Mutation
¥ Chromosomal Mutations
¥ Single-Gene Mutations
¥ Causes and Consequences of Mutation
¥ Repairing Mutations
Unit 6: Human Genetic Disease
¥ Gene to Protein to Disease
¥ Major Classes of Genetic Disease
¥ Detecting and Predicting Genetic Disease
¥ Treating Genetic Disease
Unit 7: Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
¥ Isolating, Fragmenting, and Separating DNA Molecules
¥ Gene Libraries and Gene Cloning
¥ Chromosome Mapping
¥ Genetic Engineering
Unit 8: Population Genetics
¥ Genetic Variation in Populations
¥ Measuring Genetic Variation
¥ Detecting Genetic Changes in a Population
¥ Causes of Genetic Changes in a Population
Attendance Policy
Lecture attendance is not mandatory; however, (1) poor attendance
is often reflected in a poor grade, and (2) in individual cases,
compulsory attendance may be required. Excessive incidence of tardiness
will result in a grade reduction of 5Ð10%.
Laboratory attendance is mandatory; all scheduled laboratory work
must be completed by each student. In most cases, it is simply not
possible to make up a missed laboratory. Each unexcused absence =
reduction of lab grade by 1/2 letter grade. Serious illness, urgent
familial obligation, and college business merit an excused absence;
however, you must notify me beforehand (379-8817) that you will miss a
lab, and you canÕy miss more than two labs for any reason. Late papers
or worksheets incur a grade penalty.
Examinations are mandatory; again, only serious illness, urgent
familial obligation, or college business merit an excused absence, and
you must notify me beforehand that you will miss an exam. If you miss an
exam, your make-up exam will be given the last week of classes.
Examination dates are given above.
Honor Code violations result in a course grade of ÔFÕ and
dismissal from the class.
Laboratories
The laboratory component of Genetics, which includes both
classical and modern experiments, will demonstrate how lecture concepts
are applied in various research and clinical contexts. The laboratory
course consists of two ÒtracksÓ: molecular genetics and transmission
genetics (inheritance).
Track 1: Molecular Genetics
This track consists of a series of in-lab exercises designed to
acquaint you with the methods of modern genetics. You will be practicing
the same techniques used in research laboratories to detect human genetic
disease, to genetically alter living organisms, and to link criminal
suspects to the Òscene of the crime.Ó Specific techniques will include
the following: isolation of DNA from living cells; separation of DNA
molecules and proteins via gel electrophoresis; cloning of genes in
living cells and in test tubes; insertion of genes into living cells
(Ògenetic engineeringÓ); and identification of unique DNA patterns in
different individuals (ÒDNA fingerprintingÓ). We may also visit the
Greenwood Genetic Center to see how genetic principles and techniques are
applied to the detection and management of human genetic disease.
Track 2: Transmission Genetics
This portion of the course addresses patterns of inheritance in
the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, whose well-studied genetics and
rapid life cycle make it the critter of choice in short-term Mendelian
experiments.
We will conduct one breeding experiment ourselves and analyze
data from previous experiments. You will have the opportunity to
summarize and interpret your findings by way of a couple relatively short
(compared to Ecology) written reports. The objectives of the
Transmission Genetics track are as follows:
(1) Provide hands-on experience working with research organisms
in an accurate and precise manner;
(2) Develop analytical thinking skills as you decipher the
genetic mechanisms at work in the various crosses;
(3) Offer opportunities to hone the skills of data analysis,
synthesis, and communication via the written reports.
Grading
Final grade is based on both lecture and laboratory components.
Lecture contributes 75% to final grade; lab contributes 25%.
Lecture grade is based on five term exams and the final exam.
The laboratory grade will be determined on the following basis:
¥ Drosophila experiments and reports - 40%
¥ Worksheets, quizzes, and problem sets associated with
other labs - 60%
Grade cut-offs: A ³ 90, B ³ 80, C ³ 70, D ³ 60.