Genetics (BIOL 471) Syllabus and Course Overview

Genetics (BIOL 471) – Course Syllabus and Overview

Course Information

Course Title: Genetics (BIOL 471) Credits: 3 Instructor: Mark Bouska, Ph.D. Location & Time: MWF 9:00 – 9:50 am, Churchill-Haines room 101

Course Description & Outcomes

This course explores the principles governing the nature, transmission, and function of hereditary material with applications to plants, animals, humans, and microorganisms. Students will learn to describe the molecular mechanisms of heredity, how genes are regulated, and derive applications for modern genetic techniques.

• Transmission Genetics: Study of how genetic information is passed from one generation to the next.

• Molecular Genetics: Examination of the structure and function of genes at a molecular level.

• Gene Regulation: Understanding how gene expression is controlled in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

• Genetic Technology: Application of genetic knowledge in biotechnology and medicine.

Required Text

Klug, W.S., M.R. Cummings, C.A. Spencer, M.A. Palladino, and D.J. Killian. Concepts of Genetics, 12th edition. Pearson.

Tentative Course Schedule

The following table outlines the weekly topics, associated textbook chapters, and key assignments.

Week	Dates	Topics	Chapter
1	8/21, 8/23, 8/25	Introduction to Genetics	1
2	8/28, 8/30	Mitosis & Meiosis	2
3	9/1	No Class Monday – Labor Day
3-4	9/4, 9/6, 9/8	Mendelian Genetics	3
4	9/11, 9/13, 9/15	Documentary Report 1 Due Extensions of Mendelian Genetics	4
5	9/18, 9/20, 9/22	Sex Determination and Sex Chromosomes	7
6	9/25, 9/27, 9/29	Chromosomal Mutations Documentary Report 2 Due Extrachromosomal Inheritance	8, 9
7	10/2, 10/4, 10/6	Exam 2 DNA Structure & Analysis	10
8	10/9, 10/11, 10/13	No Class Monday – Native American Day DNA Replication & Recombination	11
9	10/16, 10/18, 10/20	DNA Organization & Chromosomes The Genetic Code and Transcription	12, 13
10	10/23, 10/25, 10/27	Documentary Report 3 Due Gene Mutation, DNA Repair, and Transposition	14
11	10/30, 11/1, 11/3	Exam 3 Regulation of Gene Expression in Bacteria	15
12	11/6, 11/8, 11/10	Transcriptional Regulation in Eukaryotes Genetic Technology & Genomics	16, 17
13	11/13, 11/15, 11/17	Quantitative Genetics and Multifactorial Traits Genetic Disorder Presentation Rough Draft Due	25
14	11/20, 11/22	Population and Evolutionary Genetics Wed-Fri No Class – Thanksgiving Recess	26
15	11/27, 11/29, 12/1	Genetic Disorder Presentations Student Select Chapter
16	12/4, 12/6, 12/8	Last Day of Class / Review
Finals	12/15	Final Exam (7:30-9:30 am)

Grading

Assignment	Points
Exam 1	100
Exam 2	100
Exam 3	100
Final Exam	100
3 Documentary Reports (15 pts each)	45
Genetic Disorder Presentation	55
Total	500

Grading Scale:

• A (90-100%)

• B (80-89%)

• C (70-79%)

• D (60-69%)

• F (Below 59%)

Major Course Policies

• Attendance & Participation: Not required for this course, but extra credit may be offered for active participation.

• Missed Exams: Make-up exams are available for excused absences with proper documentation.

• Documentary Reports: Three reports on assigned documentaries, each requiring a brief summary and discussion of key genetics concepts.

• Genetic Disorder Presentation: Students select a genetic disorder, research it, and present findings to the class.

• Academic Integrity: All work must be original. Plagiarism or cheating will result in disciplinary action.

• Use of AI Tools: AI may be used for brainstorming and organization, but all final submissions must be the student's own work.

• Disability Services: Accommodations are available through the Office of Accessibility.

Student Support and Resources

• Contact information for the instructor and department chair is provided for academic support.

• Resources for students with disabilities, academic appeals, and student success services are available.

Key Topics Covered in the Course

• Introduction to Genetics

• Mitosis and Meiosis

• Mendelian and Non-Mendelian Inheritance

• Sex Determination and Chromosomes

• Chromosomal Mutations

• DNA Structure, Replication, and Repair

• Gene Expression and Regulation

• Genetic Technology and Genomics

• Quantitative and Population Genetics

• Genetic Disorders

Additional Info:

• This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the Genetics course, including weekly topics, grading, and policies. Students are expected to read the textbook, attend lectures, and complete all assignments to succeed in the course.