Heredity and Society (Cell 1030-01)
Spring, 2014
Instructor: Cherif Boudaba, Ph.D., cherif@tulane.edu; Phone: 862 8725
Office location: 4014 Percival Stern Hall, Office hours: Tuesday from 10:00 to
12:00 or by appointment.
Class meets: Tuesday and Thursday, 2:00-3:15, 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 in order to change the genetic makeup of living plants and animals. This
course will address current ethical and social issues related to gene manipulation.
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 related to
cloning, use of embryos in research, transgenic organisms, genetic
determinism, pre- and postnatal genetic testing, confidentially and
discrimination…
Grades: Grades are based on 2 midterms and a final exam.
No makeup is given for any missed exam, except in case of sickness (must be
proven by a Doctor’s note)
Textbook: Yashon R. and Cummings M, Human Genetics and Society, Second
Edition, Brooks/Cole, 2012.
Attendance: Good attendance is important for success. Excessive absences are not
tolerated and will affect student’s final grade.
Honor code: All students are expected to be familiar with Tulane University Honor
Code and to adhere to it.
Lectures schedule
Date
Topic
Textbook chapter
January
14
Introduction and Overview
16
Cells
21
Cell division (mitosis) and Death
12
23
Meiosis, Sperm and Eggs Formation
2, 3
28
Development, Birth Defect
1
30
Sex Formation and Selection, Ethics
1
4
Reproductive Technology
2
6
Reproductive Technology and Ethics
2
11
DNA Structure and Replication
13
Exam I
18
Transcription and Translation
5
20
Mutations and Epigenetics
6
25
Changes in Chromosome Numbers
3
27
Autosomal Gene Transmission
4
Biology Basics 1 (page 2)
February
Biology Basics 2 (page 94)
March
4
Mardi Gras
No class
6
Mardi Gras
No class
11
Autosomal Gene Transmission
4
13
Sex-linked Gene Transmission
4
18
Biotechnology
7
20
Genetic Testing and Prenatal Diagnosis
8
25
DNA Forensics
9
27
Exam II
April
1
Genomics
10
3
Inheritance of Complex Traits
11
8
Cell Cycle and Cancer
12
10
Genetics of Behavior
13
15
Immunogenetics
14
17
Genetics and Population
15
22
Human Evolution
16
24
A Different World: Past, Present and Future
Of Human Genetics
17
29
Review
May
7 (WEDNESDAY) at 1:00 p.m.
Final Exam