Spring, 2010
Instructor: Cherif Boudaba, Ph.D., cherif@tulane.edu
; Phone: 862 8725
Office location: 4014 Percival Stern Hall, Office hours: Monday from 10:00 to
12:00 or by appointment
Class meets: Tuesday and Thursday, 2:00-3:15 PM, Boggs 105
Course description: This course focuses on modern concepts related to Human genetics. Student will learn how mutated genes induce birth defects, hereditary and non-hereditary diseases. Students will be familiar with tools used to manipulate genes.
Course learning outcomes: After completion of this course, successful students will be able to:
Describe genes and relate them to protein synthesis leading to genetic traits
Explain the rules governing gene transmission to offspring and prediction of inherited traits
Understand gene mutation and relate it to inherited and non-inherited diseases such sickle cell anemia and cancer
Understand to which extend environment is involved in gene expression or its damage
Describe the techniques used to manipulate genes
Use scientific knowledge learned to debate current social issues such as cloning, use of embryos in research, transgenic organisms, genetic testing, prenatal diagnosis…
Grades: Grade determination is based on 2 midterms and a final exam worth equally (25% each), and homework (25%).
No makeup is given for any missed exam, except in case of sickness or death of an immediate family member; in both cases a written proof is required.
Textbook : Yashon R. and Cummings M, Human Genetics and Society, First
Edition, Brooks/Cole, 2009.
Attendance: Good attendance is important for success. Excessive absences are not tolerated and will affect student’s final grade.
Date Topic Textbook chapter

January
12
14
19
21
26
28
February
2
4
9
11
16
18
23
25
March
2
4
9
11
Introduction and Overview
Cells
Cell division and Death
Development, Sex Formation
Reproductive Technology
Reproductive Technology and Ethics
Review
Midterm I
Meiosis, Sperm and Eggs Formation
Development, Birth Defect
Mardi Gras
DNA Structure and Replication
Transcription and Translation
Chromosome
Autosomal Gene Transmission
Sex-linked Gene Transmission
Biotechnology
Genetic Testing and Prenatal Diagnosis
BB1.1-BB1.4
11
2
1
1
2
2
No class
4
4, 5
3
4
4
6
7

20
22
27
May
4
April
1
6
8
13
15
16
18
23
25
30
DNA Forensics
Review
Midterm II
Human Genome Project
Spring Break
Spring Break
Review
Final exam (at 1:00 pm)
Polygenic and Multifactorial inheritance
Cell Cycle and Cancer
Behavior
Blood types, Organ Transplants
Genetics and Population
A Different World: Past, Present and Future
Of Human Genetics
8
9
No class
No class
10
11
12
13
14
15