Genetics Course Syllabus and Study Guide

Welcome to Genetics

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of genetics, focusing on the chromosomal basis of inheritance, Mendelian genetics, and molecular genetics. The study of genetics is foundational to understanding modern biology, evolution, and the mechanisms underlying heredity and variation.

Course Overview

• Course Title: Genetics (SBIO 352, Section 01)

• Lecture: 10:00 am – 10:50 am MWF, William H. James Hall 345

• Lab/Recitation: 2:00 pm – 4:50 pm Thursday, William H. James Hall 340

• Instructor: Dr. Raphyel Rosby

• Office: 352 James Hall

• Office Hours: MWF 11:00 am – Noon

• Required Textbook: Genetics, A Conceptual Approach 5th Edition

Course Description and Objectives

This course introduces the principles of inheritance, including classical and molecular genetics. Major topics include:

• Chromosomal basis of inheritance

• Mendelian genetics

• Molecular genetics

Students will develop skills in genetic analysis, understand the historical context of genetic discoveries, and apply genetic concepts to biological problems.

Student Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• CLO1: Demonstrate facility with Mendelian laws and probability (forward and backward analysis).

• CLO2: Recognize specific non-Mendelian patterns of inheritance and contrast them with Mendelian patterns.

• CLO3: Associate biological phenomena with specific genetic phenomena, including cell reproduction and inheritance.

• CLO4: Illustrate the effects of mutation and demonstrate how chromosomal mutations are used in genetic analysis.

• CLO5: Relate gene structure to function and explain how gene expression is reflected in structure.

• CLO6: Combine rules of population, Mendelian, and non-Mendelian genetics in human trait analysis.

• CLO7: Discuss complexities in the concept of the gene, including chemical and sequence composition.

• CLO8: Connect genetics to biological and human evolution, and describe how heritable variation is key to evolution.

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Gene: A segment of DNA that encodes a functional product, usually a protein.

• Allele: Different forms of a gene found at the same locus on homologous chromosomes.

• Mendelian Genetics: The study of inheritance as described by Gregor Mendel, focusing on segregation and independent assortment.

• Non-Mendelian Genetics: Patterns of inheritance that do not follow Mendel’s laws, such as incomplete dominance, codominance, and mitochondrial inheritance.

• Mutation: A change in the DNA sequence that can affect gene function and phenotype.

• Chromosome: A DNA molecule with part or all of the genetic material of an organism.

• Genotype: The genetic constitution of an organism.

• Phenotype: The observable characteristics of an organism resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.

Major Topics and Schedule

Date	Topic
Aug 16	Orientation / Introduction to genetics
Aug 21	Chromosomes and cellular reproduction / Basic principles of heredity
Aug 28	Sex determination and sex linkage / Extension and modification of basic principles
Sep 04	Pedigrees
Sep 11	Examination I (Chps. 1-5)
Sep 13	Linkage, Mapping / Chromosome variation
Sep 18	Non-eukaryotic genomes / DNA
Sep 25	Chromosomes
Oct 02	Examination II (Chps. 6-10)
Oct 11	Replication / Transcription
Oct 18	RNA processing / Translation
Oct 25	Gene regulation
Nov 01	Mutation / Biotech
Nov 08	Review
Nov 22	Examination III (Chps. 11-15)
Nov 29 - Dec 04	FINAL

Assessment and Grading

The course grade is based on exams, homework, laboratory quizzes, assignments, and a semester project. The grading scale is as follows:

Component	Points
Exams (3)	300
Final	200
Homework	100
Labs	100
Project	100
Total	800

Letter grades are assigned as follows:

Points	Grade
720 – 800	A
719 – 660	B
659 – 560	C
559 – 480	D
479 or below	F

Course Policies and Expectations

• Attend every class and arrive on time.

• Take notes with pen and paper.

• Expect to spend at least six hours per week studying outside of class.

• Meet with the instructor during office hours if you need help.

• Be prepared to ask questions and participate in discussions.

• Keep up with readings and assignments; do not fall behind.

• Do not ignore learning materials or advice.

• Complete all homework and problems before exams.

• Form study groups to help understand concepts.

• Memorize the six crosses ASAP (refers to key Mendelian genetic crosses).

• Phones, tablets, and laptops should be turned off during lectures unless used for class activities.

Academic Integrity

• Academic dishonesty, including cheating and plagiarism, is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.

• Students suspected of academic dishonesty may receive an automatic "F" for the assignment, exam, or course.

Key Genetic Concepts (Expanded)

Mendelian Inheritance

• Law of Segregation: Each individual has two alleles for each gene, which segregate during gamete formation so that each gamete carries only one allele for each gene.

• Law of Independent Assortment: Genes for different traits assort independently of one another in the formation of gametes.

• Probability in Genetics: Used to predict the outcome of genetic crosses. For example, the probability of a specific genotype in a monohybrid cross is calculated using Punnett squares.

Example: In a monohybrid cross between two heterozygotes (Aa x Aa), the expected genotypic ratio is 1:2:1 (AA:Aa:aa).

Non-Mendelian Inheritance

• Incomplete Dominance: The heterozygote phenotype is intermediate between the two homozygotes.

• Codominance: Both alleles in the heterozygote are fully expressed.

• Multiple Alleles and Polygenic Traits: Traits controlled by more than two alleles or multiple genes.

Population Genetics

• Hardy-Weinberg Principle: Describes allele and genotype frequencies in a population that is not evolving.

Equation:

$p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1$

where p and q are the frequencies of two alleles in the population.

Mutation and Chromosomal Variation

• Mutation: Source of genetic variation; can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful.

• Chromosomal Mutations: Include deletions, duplications, inversions, and translocations.

Gene Expression and Regulation

• Transcription: The process by which DNA is copied into RNA.

• Translation: The process by which RNA is used to synthesize proteins.

• Gene Regulation: Mechanisms that control when and how genes are expressed.

Study Tips

• Read assigned materials before class.

• Take thorough notes and review them regularly.

• Practice solving genetic problems and drawing diagrams (e.g., Punnett squares, pedigrees).

• Form study groups for discussion and clarification of concepts.

• Seek help from the instructor during office hours if needed.

Conclusion

Genetics is a foundational discipline in biology, providing insights into heredity, variation, and the molecular mechanisms underlying life. Mastery of genetic concepts is essential for further study in biology, medicine, and related fields.