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Principles of Genetics – Course Syllabus and Study Guide

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Principles of Genetics (PCB3060) – Course Syllabus Study Notes

Course Overview

This course introduces the mechanisms of transmission of hereditary information, focusing on the classical Mendelian principles of heredity, molecular genetics, gene expression, population genetics, and the genetic basis of disease. It is designed for students in the Biological Sciences program and covers both theoretical and applied aspects of genetics.

  • Course Code: PCB3060 (3 credits)

  • Prerequisites: BSC2010, BSC2010L, BSC2011, BSC2011L

  • Textbook: Concepts of Genetics, William Klug et al., 12th Edition, Pearson

Main Topics Covered

  • Mendelian or Classical Genetics

  • Deviations from Classical Genetics

  • History and Principles of Modern Genetics

  • Population Genetics

Mendelian or Classical Genetics

Introduction to Mendelian Genetics

Mendelian genetics is the study of how traits are inherited from one generation to the next, based on the principles first described by Gregor Mendel in the 19th century. These principles form the foundation of classical genetics.

  • Key Terms: Gene, allele, dominant, recessive, genotype, phenotype

  • Mendel's Laws:

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

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

  • Example: In pea plants, the allele for tall stems (T) is dominant over the allele for short stems (t). A cross between two heterozygous plants (Tt x Tt) yields a 3:1 ratio of tall to short offspring.

Deviations from Classical Genetics

Non-Mendelian Inheritance

Not all genetic traits follow Mendel's laws strictly. Deviations include incomplete dominance, codominance, multiple alleles, and gene interactions.

  • Incomplete Dominance: The heterozygote displays an intermediate phenotype (e.g., red x white flowers produce pink offspring).

  • Codominance: Both alleles are fully expressed in the heterozygote (e.g., AB blood type in humans).

  • Multiple Alleles: More than two alleles exist for a gene in a population (e.g., ABO blood group system).

  • Gene Interactions: Epistasis, pleiotropy, and polygenic inheritance affect trait expression.

History and Principles of Modern Genetics

Development of Modern Genetics

Modern genetics integrates classical principles with molecular biology, focusing on the structure and function of DNA, gene expression, and genetic technologies.

  • Discovery of DNA: DNA identified as the genetic material (Avery, Hershey-Chase experiments).

  • Central Dogma: Information flows from DNA to RNA to protein.

  • Gene Regulation: Mechanisms that control gene expression, such as operons in prokaryotes and enhancers in eukaryotes.

  • Applications: Genetic engineering, gene therapy, and genomics.

Population Genetics

Genetic Variation in Populations

Population genetics studies the distribution and change of allele frequencies under the influence of evolutionary processes.

  • Key Concepts: Gene pool, allele frequency, genotype frequency

  • Hardy-Weinberg Principle: In a large, randomly mating population with no evolutionary forces, allele and genotype frequencies remain constant from generation to generation.

Hardy-Weinberg Equation:

  • p: Frequency of the dominant allele

  • q: Frequency of the recessive allele

  • p + q = 1

Course Organization and Assessment

Course Structure

  • Lectures delivered in-person or face-to-face (F2F), with synchronous and asynchronous online components.

  • Attendance is required and will be recorded for both in-person and online sessions.

  • Assignments, quizzes, and exams are based on lecture and textbook material.

Grading & Assessment Table

Assessment

Weight (%)

1st Exam

13.3%

Midterm

13.3%

Final

13.3%

Quizzes

20%

Paper

20%

Assignments (including Mastering Genetics)

20%

Grade Scale Table

Grade

Score (%)

A

90 - 100

B

80 - 89

C

70 - 79

D

60 - 69

F

Below 60

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Communication: Effective listening, writing, and speaking skills

  • Numbers/Data Analysis: Ability to evaluate and process numerical data

  • Critical Thinking: Ability to solve problems using scientific methods

  • Information Literacy: Ability to locate, evaluate, and apply information

  • Technology Usage: Use of emerging technologies efficiently

Additional Information

  • Attendance: Required for all scheduled class sessions; punctuality is expected.

  • Make-up Work: No make-ups for quizzes or exams; missed work receives a zero unless otherwise specified by the instructor.

  • Disability Services: Students with disabilities should contact ACCESS SERVICES for accommodations.

  • Student Resources: Links to campus resources, library, and online learning support are provided.

Tips for Success

  • Dedicate 1–2 hours of study per class hour weekly.

  • Review and practice material regularly, not just before exams.

  • Form study groups for discussion and clarification.

  • Balance study with rest and self-care for optimal performance.

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