BI 318 Genetics Syllabus and Course Overview

Course Overview

Introduction

The BI 318 Genetics course at Avila University provides a comprehensive exploration of the principles governing heredity. Students will study classical, molecular, and population genetics, with an emphasis on problem solving, experimental design, and analysis. The course is structured to ensure mastery of genetic concepts through lectures, laboratory work, homework, and article reviews.

Course Information

• Course Number and Name: BI318 Genetics

• Semester: Fall 2026

• Modality: In-person

• Schedule: Tuesday/Thursday 9:30-10:45, ORI 109

• Credit Hours: 3

• Prerequisite: BI 111

Course Professor

• Name: Dr. Katie Burgess

• Email: [e-mail] (Preferred: Canvas Messenger)

• Phone: [phone]

• Office Hours: ORI 210C; Monday and Wednesday 9:00-10:00 or by appointment

Course Description

This course introduces students to the principles of genetics, including inheritance, gene function, the flow of genetic information, regulation of gene expression, and population genetics. Students will engage in problem solving and experimental analysis throughout the semester.

Course Materials

• Textbook: Concepts of Genetics, 13th Edition by Klug, Palladino, and Killian (Pearson)

• MasteringGenetics Courseware: Available through Canvas at no additional cost

Most materials are provided via BibliU. Students should access digital items through the BibliU tab in Canvas. Physical materials can be picked up at the campus bookstore.

Course Outcomes

• Explain genetic processes, including inheritance, gene function, the flow of genetic information, regulation of gene expression, and population genetics.

Grading and Evaluation

Assignment/Activity Type	Point Value	Grade Percentage
Exams	100 pts each	50%
Quizzes	10 pts each	10%
Laboratory assignments	varies	15%
Lecture assignments	10 pts each	10%
Mastering Genetics homework	varies	10%
Article Review	varies	5%

Grading Scale: A: 90–100%, B: 80–89%, C: 70–79%, D: 60–69%, F: 59% and below. Plus/minus grades may be assigned.

Assignment Overview

• Exams: Three exams covering multiple choice, T/F, matching, fill-in-the-blank, and essay questions. Essay questions are drawn from study guides and class discussions.

• Quizzes: In-class quizzes prior to each exam, consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions plus a bonus.

• Laboratory: Two labs: GMO Detection via PCR and Cancer Gene Detection. Labs require pre-lab and post-lab work.

• Article Review: Students read and present portions of journal articles. Presentations occur on designated days.

• Lecture Assignments: In-class and homework assignments to reinforce lecture material. Three lowest grades dropped at semester end.

• Mastering Genetics Homework: Weekly assignments accessed via Canvas. Deadlines are Sunday by midnight.

Course Schedule

Week	Topic	Reading	Assessments
1	Introduction to Genetics, DNA & RNA Structure	Chapter 1, Chapter 10
2	Chromosomes, DNA Replication	Chapter 12, Chapter 11
3	Transcription, Translation & Protein Structure	Chapter 13, Chapter 14	Quiz 1: 9/17/26
4	Present & Review		Exam 1: 9/24/26
5	Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes & Eukaryotes	Chapter 16, Chapter 17, 18, 19
6	Mutation & DNA Repair, CRISPR	Chapter 8, 15	Special Topic #1
7	Mitosis & Meiosis, Mendelian Genetics	Chapter 2, Chapter 3
8	Beyond Mendelian Genetics, Present & Review	Chapter 4	Quiz 2: 10/20/26
9	Biotechnology	Chapter 20	Exam 2: 10/27/26
10	Biotechnology, PCR Lab	Chapter 21	PCR Lab: 11/5/26
11	Electrophoresis Lab, Population Genetics	Chapter 26	Electrophoresis Lab: 11/10/26
12	Population Genetics, Special Topics	Chapter 26, TBD
13	Special Topics	TBD
14	Cancer Genetics, Lab Prep/Pedigree Assignment	Chapter 24	Quiz 3: 12/3/26
15	Cancer Lab, Present & Review		Cancer Lab: 12/8/26
16	Finals Week		Exam 3: 12/17/26

Course Policies

• Academic Integrity: Zero tolerance for dishonesty. Penalties include zero grade, reporting, and possible course failure.

• Attendance: Required for mastery. In-class activities cannot be made up outside class.

• Communication: Canvas is the primary platform for announcements and grades. Professional communication is expected.

• Late Work: Policies vary by assignment type. Make-up exams and quizzes allowed for excused absences; labs generally cannot be made up.

• Course Workload: Expect approximately 300 minutes per week of outside work for this 3-credit course.

University Policies

• Absences: Excused for university-approved events; students must communicate proactively.

• Academic Integrity: Plagiarism, cheating, and other dishonest acts are strictly prohibited.

• Diversity Statement: Avila values diversity and inclusion in all learning experiences.

• Inclement Weather: Alternative plans communicated via email/Canvas if campus is closed.

• FERPA: Protects student privacy regarding education records.

• Student Access Services: Provides accommodations for students with disabilities.

• Student Support Services: Academic, personal, and holistic support available.

• Syllabus Change Policy: Instructor may modify syllabus; students must stay informed.

• Title IX: Ensures an environment free from gender/sex discrimination.

• Tutoring: Free tutoring available in-person and online.

Course Topics (Based on Schedule)

• Introduction to Genetics

• DNA & RNA Structure

• Chromosomes

• DNA Replication

• Transcription

• Translation & Protein Structure

• Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

• Mutation & DNA Repair

• CRISPR

• Mitosis & Meiosis

• Mendelian Genetics

• Beyond Mendelian Genetics

• Biotechnology

• Population Genetics

• Cancer Genetics

Laboratory Activities

• GMO Detection via PCR

• Cancer Gene Detection

• Electrophoresis

Image

The following image is the university logo and is not directly relevant to genetics content, so it is not included in the study notes.