Genetics Course Syllabus and Topic Overview – Fall 2025

Course Overview

Introduction to Genetics

Genetics is the study of heredity, focusing on how characteristics are passed from one generation to the next. This course introduces students to the principles of inheritance at the individual, molecular, and population levels, covering classical and molecular genetics, gene interactions, and genetic analysis techniques.

• Textbook: Genetic Analysis: An Integrated Approach, Sanders and Bowman, 3rd ed.

• Instructor: Matt Gilg

• Contact: Email and office hours provided for student support.

Grading and Assessment

Course Grading Structure

Student performance is evaluated through exams, quizzes, homework, and participation. The grading breakdown is as follows:

• Exams: Three exams (including the final), each covering specific chapters and topics.

• Quizzes: Short quizzes on textbook chapters.

• Homework: Assignments designed to reinforce key concepts and problem-solving skills.

• Participation: Office hour bonus for students who attend and ask questions.

Grade Scale:

Letter Grade	Percentage Range
A	90-100
B+	87-89
B	83-86
B-	80-82
C+	77-79
C	70-76
D	60-69
F	0-60

Note: Students must score at least 70% on each exam and have an overall score of 70% to earn a C for the semester.

Course Policies and Support

Attendance and Participation

• Regular attendance is expected; participation in office hours is encouraged.

• ADA accommodations are available for students with documented disabilities.

• Military and veteran students may access additional support services.

Approximate Schedule of Topics and Exams

Weekly Topic Breakdown

The following schedule outlines the main topics and chapters covered throughout the semester:

Date	Topic	Chapter
Aug. 18	Introduction, Mendelian Inheritance	1, 2
Aug. 20	Single gene inheritance, probabilities	2
Sept. 1	Labor Day – NO CLASS
Sept. 3	Sex Linkage and Pedigrees	3
Sept. 7	Homework 1 Due
Sept. 8, 10	Allele and Gene Interactions	4
Sept. 15, 17	Linkage and Chromosome Mapping	5
Sept. 22	Non-Mendelian Inheritance	7
Sept. 24	DNA Structure (for exam 2)	7
Sept. 26	Homework 2 Due
Sept. 29	Exam 1
Oct. 1, 6	DNA Replication, PCR and Sequencing	7
Oct. 8	Transcription	8
Oct. 13, 15	Genetic Code, Translation	9
Oct. 20	Connecting Transmission and Molecular Genetics	10
Oct. 22	Gene Mutations	11
Oct. 26	Homework 3 Due
Oct. 27	Chromosomal Mutations	10
Oct. 29, Nov. 3	Forward and Reverse Genetics, DNA Tech.	14, 15
Nov. 5	Gene Regulation (for exam 2)	13
Nov. 7	Homework 4 Due
Nov. 10	Exam 2
Nov. 12	Gene Regulation continued	12, 13
Nov. 17, 19	Population Genetics	20
Nov. 24-28	Thanksgiving Holiday – NO CLASS
Dec. 1	Population Genetics cont.	20
Dec. 3	Quantitative Genetics	19
Dec. 6	Homework 5 Due
Dec. 8	Final Exam from 1:00–2:50

Key Genetics Topics Covered

Mendelian Inheritance

Mendelian inheritance describes how genes are passed from parents to offspring according to the laws discovered by Gregor Mendel. These laws include the Law of Segregation and the Law of Independent Assortment.

• Law of Segregation: Each individual has two alleles for each gene, which segregate during gamete formation.

• Law of Independent Assortment: Genes for different traits assort independently during gamete formation.

• Example: Monohybrid and dihybrid crosses demonstrate these principles.

Non-Mendelian Inheritance

Non-Mendelian inheritance refers to genetic patterns that do not follow Mendel's laws, such as incomplete dominance, codominance, and mitochondrial inheritance.

• Incomplete Dominance: Heterozygotes show an intermediate phenotype.

• Codominance: Both alleles are expressed equally in the phenotype.

• Mitochondrial Inheritance: Genes inherited through the mitochondrial DNA, typically from the mother.

Gene Interactions and Chromosome Mapping

Gene interactions include epistasis and pleiotropy, while chromosome mapping involves determining the relative positions of genes on chromosomes using recombination frequencies.

• Epistasis: One gene affects the expression of another gene.

• Pleiotropy: One gene influences multiple traits.

• Chromosome Mapping: Uses recombination data to estimate gene distances.

• Formula: $\text{Recombination Frequency} = \frac{\text{Number of Recombinants}}{\text{Total Offspring}} \times 100$

DNA Structure and Replication

DNA is a double helix composed of nucleotides. Replication is the process by which DNA is copied before cell division.

• Key Components: Nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine), sugar-phosphate backbone.

• Replication: Semi-conservative process involving DNA polymerase.

• Formula: $\text{DNA Polymerase Activity} = \text{Rate} \times \text{Time}$

Gene Expression: Transcription and Translation

Gene expression involves transcription (DNA to RNA) and translation (RNA to protein).

• Transcription: RNA polymerase synthesizes mRNA from DNA template.

• Translation: Ribosomes synthesize proteins using mRNA as a template.

• Genetic Code: Triplet codons specify amino acids.

Gene Mutations and Chromosomal Mutations

Mutations are changes in DNA sequence that can affect gene function. Chromosomal mutations involve changes in chromosome structure or number.

• Types of Gene Mutations: Point mutations, insertions, deletions.

• Types of Chromosomal Mutations: Duplications, deletions, inversions, translocations.

Genetic Technologies

Modern genetics uses technologies such as PCR, DNA sequencing, and genetic engineering to analyze and manipulate genetic material.

• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Amplifies specific DNA sequences.

• DNA Sequencing: Determines the order of nucleotides in DNA.

• Genetic Engineering: Modification of genetic material for research or therapeutic purposes.

Gene Regulation

Gene regulation controls when and how genes are expressed, involving mechanisms such as promoters, enhancers, and repressors.

• Promoters: DNA sequences where RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription.

• Enhancers: Regulatory elements that increase gene expression.

• Repressors: Proteins that inhibit gene expression.

Population and Quantitative Genetics

Population genetics studies genetic variation within populations, while quantitative genetics analyzes traits controlled by multiple genes.

• Hardy-Weinberg Principle: Describes allele and genotype frequencies in a population under ideal conditions.

• Formula: $p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1$

• Quantitative Traits: Traits influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors.

Additional info:

• Some details about specific homework and exam dates were inferred from the schedule.

• Key formulas and definitions were added for completeness.