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MONTGOMERY-TOWNSEND UNIVERSITY
COURSE OF STUDY
Date Revised: Fall 2011
INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Joanna Hoffman
Office: SCI – 79
Phone: (555) 456-7825
E-mail: jhoffman@mtu.edu
Course Number and Name:
BIO 310 - Genetics
Department/Program:
Science Department/ Biology
Semester Credit Hours:
4
Contact Hours per Week:
Lecture:
3
Laboratory:
1
Prerequisite Courses:
BIO 101 and BIO 202
Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday 2:30-5:30; Tuesday & Thursday 1:00-3:00
Appointments: Students may call or email the professor or may schedule an
appointment. Please use email as your first line of communication with Dr. Hoffman.
Class Meeting Location & Times: SCI 105; Tuesdays 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Lab Meeting Location & Time: SCI 113; Thursdays 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Nature of Students: Undergraduate
Format of Course: Discussion, class participation, individual work, lab activities, review
homework, practice homework, reading assignments, etc. Instruction will also include
PowerPoints, video clips, and other related technology.
Course Description: A combined lecture and laboratory course that serves as an
introduction to the fundamentals of heredity including human traits, diseases, behavior,
populations, and evolution. It includes principles of genetics, such as classical,
molecular, and population genetics. This course stresses genetics as a foundation for
other biological sciences. One semester hour of laboratory experience is included.
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Labs associated with this course contain experiments and exercises that reinforce the
principles introduced in lecture classes.
Catalog Description:
BIO 310. Genetics: (4 hours) An introduction to the essential principles of heredity with
applications to human traits, diseases, behavior, populations, and evolution. A one
semester hour laboratory experience is included. Prerequisite: BIO 101 and BIO 202.
Course generally scheduled/offered: Every term at various times, in both traditional
and nontraditional format with lab.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Identify and describe the stages of mitosis, meiosis, and the cell cycle, and
explain the significance of each.
2. Understand the basic structure and function of chromosomes and how they
relate to medicine and evolution.
3. Compare and contrast sexual and asexual reproduction and describe alternation
of generations.
4. Explain and apply the laws of genetics.
5. Predict the outcome of crosses including the use of the Punnett square and apply
chi square analysis to those predictions.
6. Design and explain an experiment that uses test crosses to determine genotypes
and phenotypes.
7. Define sex-linked characteristics and describe their transmission.
8. Differentiate between sex-linked and sex-influenced characteristics.
9. Compare and contrast incomplete dominance and co-dominance and predict
their modes of inheritance.
10. Trace the steps of DNA duplication, transcription into RNA, and the translation of
RNA into proteins.
11. Translate a nucleic acid sequence into an amino acid sequence.
12. Describe the three ways bacteria can exchange genes and understand restriction
endonucleases.
13. Identify and describe viruses that infect eukaryotes.
Course requirements: Students are required to read the assigned chapters listed in
the course schedule before the following class meeting. Students are required to
participate in the weekly web review assignment. Students are required to complete
one review and one practice activity each week (except on quiz weeks). These will
count toward the homework percentage of the final grade, and it will also prepare the
student for the upcoming lectures, quizzes, lab work, and final exams.
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Hartl, D.L. & Jones, E.W. (2006) Essential genetics: A genomics perspective.
Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
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TENTATIVE COURSE PLAN:
Week
Date
Assigned Reading and Web Review
Assignments Due
1
08/23/11
None
2
08/30/11
3
09/06/11
Chapter 1: The Genetic Code of Genes and Genomes
http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/instruct/mcclean/plsc431/
mendel/mendel5.htm
Chapter 2: Transmission of Genetics
http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/genbio/life/articles/article2
6.mhtml
Chapter 3: The Chromosomal Basis of Heredity
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/
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09/13/11
Chapter 4: Gene Linkage and Genetic Mapping
http://anthro.palomar.edu/biobasis/default.htm
Sex Linkage Review, Crossover
and Mapping Practice Activity
5
09/20/11
Quiz covering weeks 1-4
6
09/27/11
7
10/04/11
Chapter 5: Human Chromosomes and Chromosomal
Behavior
http://www.becominghuman.org/node/chromosomeconnection
Chapter 6: DNA Structure, Replication, and
Manipulation
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/pcr/
Chapter 7: The Genetics of Bacteria and Their Viruses
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/secrets/previous_seasons/ca
se_plague/clues.html
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10/11/11
9
10/18/11
10
10/25/11
11
11/01/11
12
11/08/11
13
11/15/11
14
11/29/11
15
12/05/11
16
12/12/11
Monohybrid and Dihybrid Review,
Meiosis and Mitosis Practice
Mendelian Law Review,
Transmission Practice
Lab
Assignment
Introduction to
Heredity
Build a DNA
Molecule
Activity
Genotype,
Phenotype,
Dominance and
Expression
Lab quiz
covering weeks
1-3
Chromosome
Matching
Activity
DNA Structure Review, DNA
Replication Practice Activity
PCR Activity
Bacterial DNA Review, Virus
Activity
Extracting
Bacteria DNA
Activity
Chapter 8: The Molecular Genetics of Gene
Expression
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/epigenetics/
Chapter 9: Molecular Mechanisms of Gene Regulation
http://glencoe.mcgrawhill.com/sites/0078759864/student_view0/unit3/chapter
12/virtual_labs.html#
Chapter 10: Genomics, Proteomics, and Genetic
Engineering
http://www.pbs.org/ wgbh/harvest/
Chapter 11: The Genetic Control of Development
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/extraction/
Mid-term exam covering weeks 17
Mid-term lab
exam covering
weeks 1-7
Gene
Regulation and
Mutation Lab
Chapter 12: Molecular Mechanisms of Mutation and
DNA Repair
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK22183/
Chapter 13: Molecular Genetics of the Cell Cycle and
Cancer
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/labs/gel/
Chapter 14: Molecular Evolution and Population
Genetics
http://www.dnapolicy.org/images/issuebriefpdfs/FDA_
Regulation_of_Genetic_Test_Issue_Brief.pdf
Chapter 15: The Genetic Basis of Complex Inheritance
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/addiction/
Concept clarification will begin one hour before class
to help you prepare for the final examination.
Everyone is invited to come for extra help.
None
Mutation Review, Damage Beyond
Repair Practice Activity
Modifications Review, X-ing Out
the Gene Practice Activity
Genetic Engineering Review,
Genetic Engineering of Food
Critical Thinking Practice Practice
Quiz covering weeks 5-10
DNA Extraction
Activity
DNA, mRNA, and tRNA Review,
Gene Cycle Practice Activity
Tracking
Grizzly Bears
Lab
Lab quiz
covering weeks
8-11
Gel
Electrophoresis
Natural Selection Review,
Resistance in the Blood Practice
Activity
The Human
Genome
Project
Trait and Population Distribution
Review, The Human Connection
Practice Activity
Comprehensive final exam
Comprehensive
lab exam
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GRADING:
Grades and evaluations will be made using the following criteria:
 20% Lecture Quizzes
 20% Lab Quizzes
 20% Review Homework
 20% Practice Homework
 10% Mid-term Lecture and Lab Exam
 10% Final Lecture and Lab Exam
Course Grade Scale:
90-100 = A; 80-89 = B;
70-79 = C;
60-69 = D;
59 and below = F
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE: Students needing assistance
should make an appointment with the instructor to utilize the learning center located in
student support services.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: If a student has a disability of any kind that
requires assistance or reasonable accommodations in the classroom or laboratory, see
the instructor as soon as possible then see the office of Americans with Disabilities Act,
Dr. Barty Watts, at (555) 456-1000.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Every MTU student is expected to uphold the policies and
procedures as defined in the student code of conduct and the University’s Policies and
Procedures manual. A full explanation of the policies is available in the student
handbook and online. Students are expected to read and familiarize themselves with all
policies and procedures as related to academic integrity at MTU. Failure to adhere to
these policies and procedures is considered a serious violation of MTU’s Academic
Integrity Policy and will result in review by the student judiciary board as stated in the
student handbook.
MISSION STATEMENT: Montgomery Townsend University strives to cultivate
discovery, expansion, transmission, and application of knowledge in an array of
scholarly and professional disciplines. Its duty of delivering superior quality
undergraduate and graduate programs is indivisible from its task of creating new
understandings through experimentation and ingenuity. Montgomery Townsend
University prepares students for roles in leadership, responsibility, and service to the
community. The institution supports freedom of inquiry and a collegial environment
fostering the development of the human mind and soul. It welcomes and seeks to serve
a progressively diverse population in a global economy. While being guided by our
mission, Montgomery Townsend University seeks to maintain its reputation as a
competitive and respected institution of higher learning.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: Attendance at all class meetings and labs in expected.
Students may not miss more than 25% of class. This means no more than two lecture
classes may be missed and no more than two lab classes may be missed. Any student
who misses more than the maximum 25% of class will not receive credit. Students are
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excused from class only if the absence is deemed excused by the Dean of Student
Services. Tardies of more than 15 minutes will result in an absence. Two tardies of less
than 15 minutes will result in one absence. Leaving class more than 15 minutes early
will result in an absence. Leaving class twice, less than 15 minutes early, will result in
one absence.
LAB ATTENDANCE POLICY:
There is no option for making up missed labs; therefore, attendance is critical. If you
miss a lab, it will be reflected in your lab quiz grades. Two missed labs will result in the
removal from course.
MAKE-UP POLICY:
Students are encouraged not to miss class. Students will only be allowed to make-up
quizzes and exams if the Dean of Student Services has excused the absence. Late
homework will not be accepted; homework assignments must be submitted online
through D2L no later than the due date.
DISASTER PLAN:
Class closure due to emergencies or disasters will be made up according to the MTU’s
Natural Disaster Policy. Information regarding closures will be posted on MTU’s
website: www.mtu.edu, as well as sent via media alerts. If possible, check BlackBoard
postings for makeup assignment dates and times. Instructions for accessing
BlackBoard can be found on the MTU homepage.
TOBACCO-FREE:
MTU’s campus is tobacco-free. Failure to abide by this policy will result in disciplinary
action.
CELL PHONE POLICY: As a part of a scholarly community, each student has a
responsibility to other students who are members of the community. When cellular
phones or pagers ring and students respond in class or leave class to respond, it
disrupts the class. Therefore, the use of cell phones, pagers, or similar communication
devices is prohibited during scheduled classes. All such devices must be turned off or
put in a silent (vibrate) mode and generally should not be in use during class. However,
these same communication devices are a vital part of the institution’s emergency
notification system; an exception to this policy would occur when the devices are being
used for this purpose. Other exceptions to this policy may be granted at the discretion of
the instructor.
LECTURE RECORDING:
Students are permitted and encouraged to record lectures electronically by tape
recorders, cellular devices, or other methods. This has proven to be highly effective
toward improving class performance.
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Montgomery-Townsend University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and
welcomes students and employees without regard to race, color, religion,
national origin, sex, age, or qualified disability.