BIOL 3200
Instructor:
Genetics
(CRN: #30136)
4cr
Spring 2016
Dr. Carrie S. Thurber
Email: cthurber@abac.edu **This is the best way to get in touch with me**
Daytime Phone: (229) 391-5115
Office: Conger 214
Office Hours: M 3:00p-4:00p
T 10:00a-12:00p; 3:15p-4:15p
W 10:00a-12:00p
R 10:00a-12:00p; 3:15p-4:15p
F 10:00a-11:00a
**Additional hours by appointment only**
Course Meetings: MWF 9:00-9:50 am, Conger 227
AND
M 12:00-2:50 pm, Britt 102
Course Description:
This course introduces students to a survey of modern genetics including: classical
Mendelian, population, and molecular genetics. Selected topics include protein synthesis, gene
regulation, chromosomal inheritance and variation, linkage and mapping, DNA replication,
evolutionary genetics, and genetic engineering. There are three hours of lecture and three hours of
lab each week.
Prerequisites: MATH 1112 OR MATH 1113, BIOL 1108/1108L, and CHEM 2040/2040L all with a
grade of “C” or higher.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course students should be able to:
 Describe the stages of Mitosis/Meiosis/DNA Replication/Transcription/Translation and
explain their importance in the cell
 Draw Punnet Squares/Branch Diagrams and calculate allele, genotype and phenotype
frequencies
 Interpret Pedigree data and draw conclusions based on that data
 Explain how modes of inheritance, gene linkage, mutation and evolutionary forces affect
genes in a population
 Describe how sex determination and sex-linked genes can control phenotypes
 Compare and contrast genetics in prokaryotes versus eukaryotes
 Describe DNA and RNA technologies, identify when to use specific technologies, and
interpret data resulting from experiments
Note: Students may vary in their competency levels on these outcomes. Students can expect to
achieve these outcomes only if they honor all course policies, attend class regularly, complete all
assigned work in good faith and on time, and meet all other course expectations of them as
students.
Page 1 of 7
Course Materials:
1. Essential Genetics: A Genomics Perspective, 6th Edition, Hartl et al. Jones & Bartlett Learning
*Additional readings may be posted on the web and/or distributed in class
2. Sapling Online Homework Code
3. 882-E scantrons (5 total; YOU are responsible for bringing these to each exam!)
4. I-clicker 2 **We will NOT be using the iclicker Go app!**
Sapling Online Homework Website: http://saplinglearning.com
Class website: https://abac.view.usg.edu/ (Desire2Learn)
**I will post slides, grades and messages/important news so check REGULARLY**
:
Grading:
Grades will be based on class participation, in-class work, homework, quizzes and exams.
Course Pre-Test
30 pts
iclicker2 Participation
70 pts
(1 pt/class for answering at least 25% of the questions, until max is reached)
(2 pt/class for answering 50% of the questions correctly, until max is reached)
Sapling Online Homeworks
65 pts
(13 x 5 pts each, until max is reached)
Hourly In-Class Exams
400 pts
(4 x 100 pts each)
Comprehensive Final Exam
100 pts
Group Oral Presentation & Paper
50 pts
Lab Grade
225 pts (See additional Lab Syllabus)
Total
940 pts
Lecture grades will be determined on the percentages listed below of all the possible points that
you EARN. Percentages may be rounded to the nearest whole number when assigning letter grades.
Grading Scale:
A=
> 90% ( > 842 pts)
B=
> 80% (748- 841 pts)
C=
>70% ( 654- 747 pts)
D=
>60% ( 559- 653 pts)
F=
<60% ( < 558 pts)
In the event that a student’s final class percentage is close to the next highest grade category, the
instructor may consider lecture attendance, lecture preparation and participation, and/or
submission of extra credit assignments in determining the final class grade.
Page 2 of 7
Specific Assignment Details:
1. Course Pre-Test:
A course pre-test will be given during the first full week of classes to gauge student interests,
confidence, and preparedness from pre-requisite courses. The exact format and scoring will be
discussed in class.
2. iClicker Participation:
You are required to purchase an iclicker2 remote for in-class participation. iclicker2 is a
response system that allows you to respond to questions the instructor poses during class, and you
will be graded on your in-class participation using the iclicker2. In order to receive this credit, you
will need to purchase and register your iclicker2 remote by 01/20/16. You must come to class at
least once and vote on at least one question in order to complete this registration properly. Please
go to http://www.iclicker.com/registration and complete the fields with your first name, last name,
student ID, and remote ID. Your student ID should be your ABAC 918 number. The remote ID is the
series of numbers and sometimes letters found on the bottom of the back of your iclicker2 remote.
iclicker2 will be used every day in class, and you are responsible for bringing your remote and extra
batteries daily. If you forget your clicker you will not earn points for that class and may be marked
absent! Anyone who attends class with more than one iclicker2 ( i.e. a friends or other classmates)
will have all iclickers confiscated for the class period and all parties involved will lose HALF of the
TOTAL semester points for participation; second offense will result in loss ALL participation points.
3. Sapling Online Homework:
Sapling is a website that contains study materials and online assignments to help students
learn and study the material. I will be assigning 13 homeworks (5 points each) consisting of one
chapter of material that will be due by 11:00PM on the day AFTER we finish the chapter
covering such material. (I.e. If we finish a chapter on Wednesday, the homework for that chapter is
due on Thursday night). It is expected that you will complete EVERY homework assignment on
time. Any assignment turned in after the due date and time will receive NO CREDIT. If you are
having trouble with Sapling please see me AS SOON AS POSSIBLE so that you do not miss out on
points. I strongly discourage you from turning in assignments at the last minute as computer and
website problems may occur resulting in late work and missed points.
How to sign up for Sapling:
1. Go to http://saplinglearning.com and click on “US Higher Ed” at the top right.
2a. If you already have a Sapling Learning account, log in and skip to step 3.
2b. If you have a Facebook account, you can use it to quickly create a Sapling Learning
account. Click “Create an Account”, then “Create my account through Facebook”. You will be
prompted to log into Facebook if you aren't already. Choose a username and password, then
click “Link Account”. You can then skip to step 3.
2c. Otherwise, click "Create an Account". Supply the requested information and click "Create
My Account". Check your email (and spam filter) for a message from Sapling Learning and
click on the link provided in that email.
3. Find your course in the list (you may need to expand the subject and term categories) and
click the link. (Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College – BIO 3200 - Spring16 - THURBER)
4. If your course requires a key code, you will be prompted to enter it.
5. If your course requires payment, select a payment option and follow the remaining
instructions.
Page 3 of 7
4. Hourly In-Class Exams and Cumulative Final:
There will be four (4) scheduled in-class exams and a cumulative final exam during finals
week. Make-up examinations will not be given except under college-valid excused situations. In
order to make-up an exam the student must provide the instructor with an obituary notice, legal
document, emergency doctor’s note or official letter from ABAC prior to taking the missed
exam. Any student who misses an examination should notify the instructor in person or by e-mail
prior to the next regularly scheduled class. Absences from a lecture exam will result in a grade of
0 for that exam. Cell phones, pagers, music players, and any electronic communication device must
be left in your backpack and all such items must be on mute/silent. The wearing of earbuds is
prohibited at any time during class, including during exams. Students may not use programmable
calculators on exams. Students may be asked to remove caps or turn them around during testing
periods. Students enrolled in classes in the Division of Science and Mathematics will be expected to
demonstrate an understanding of subject matter requiring higher order processing skills.
Examination questions may include essay, synthesis, analysis, and application: as well as
completion, multiple choice, true false, and matching. Computational skills and drawing or
diagramming may also be required.
5. Group Oral Presentation and Write-up:
Each PAIR of students will present a PowerPoint presentation on a genetic disorder/
mutation of their choosing. Drafts of group member names, topic and potential references will be
due Friday January 15th. Final topics, including references, MUST be turned into the instructor by
Friday, March 11th. Students will research their topic using a minimum of three (3) peerreviewed sources (journal articles or textbooks). No website will be allowed unless it is in addition
to the other sources (must be a reputable website!). The research on the topic will then be used to
prepare a 15 minute presentation that should include information on 1) what is this
disorder/mutation, 2) what does it affect genotypically, 3) what does it affect phenotypically, 4)
what are any possible treatments/ uses, 5) is there any current research on the disorder/mutation,
6) miscellaneous facts. Along with the presentation students should write up a brief summary (2-3
pages, double spaced) that includes a works cited page to be turned into the instructor. Further
information about the group presentations will be provided on a handout later in the semester. You
will be allowed to choose your own groups and each group member will be asked to ‘rate’
themselves and others based on effort/work put into the project.
Academic Policies:
Attendance Policy:
Courses at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) are provided for the intellectual growth
and development of the students. The interaction with instructors and other students is an
important element of the learning process, and a high correlation exists between class
attendance and course grades. As such, it is expected that you will attend every class session on
time! The instructor will take roll via the iclicker2 during class. Any student not present at the time
roll is taken and/or missing a significant portion of class will be counted absent. It is each student’s
responsibility to keep up with all classroom activities; lecture notes (oral, written on the board, or
on slides); and dates of exams, assignments, quizzes, etc. Additionally, students are expected to be
present for EVERY exam session, except under emergency situations. Please come see me or email
me if you know you will be missing an exam. I check my email frequently throughout the day
between the hours of 7 am and 7 pm; you can expect a response generally within 24 hours (longer
on weekends and holidays).
Page 4 of 7
Participation Expectations and Conduct:
Students are expected to be prepared for class (i.e. bringing a notebook to take notes and their
iClicker2, having read the materials prior to class and taken notes), participate actively in the
discussion of materials, and be respectful of other people’s contributions and opinions. “An
Abraham Baldwin College student is expected to show proper respect for order, morality, and the
rights of others. Conduct which is normally reprehensible or which is of a disorderly nature and in
violation of written policy shall subject the student to disciplinary action.” Participation includes both
asking and answering questions posed during class. Please respect your classmates by not talking
over them, ridiculing their contributions, or being disruptive to the discussion. In order to have a
fruitful discussion everyone needs to participate and help create an open environment for dialog.
Cell Phone Use Policy:
Cell phones may NOT be used at any time during class, except to call 911 in case of an emergency.
Cell phones may NOT be on the table/desk, your lap, or your hand. Cell phones must be silenced
and in your bag or pocket for the duration of the class. Anyone caught with a cell phone out during
class will lose 3 clicker participation points from their total! (This counts as your warning!) Please
notify the instructor in advance if an emergency exists where you need your phone.
Withdrawal:
A student may withdraw from the course up to the midpoint of the semester and receive a grade of
W. After midterm, students may withdraw only with permission of the Academic Dean and may
receive a grade of WF. A student withdrawing from the lecture must also withdraw from the corequisite lab. Students that stop attending class without officially withdrawing will still receive
a grade for the course.
Academic Conduct Code:
Academic integrity is the responsibility of all ABAC faculty and students. Academic dishonesty and
irregularities include, but are not limited to, giving or receiving of unauthorized assistance in the
preparation of any academic assignment; taking or attempting to take, stealing, or otherwise
obtaining in an unauthorized manner any material pertaining to the education process; selling,
giving, lending, or otherwise furnishing to any person any questions and/or answers to any
examination known to be scheduled at any subsequent date; fabricating, forging, or falsifying lab or
clinical results; plagiarism in any form related to themes, essays, term papers, tests, and other
assignments. Academic dishonesty and irregularities will result in a grade of 0 for the assignment
and may be subject to disciplinary procedures as outlined in the student handbook. Please check
with your course instructor if you have any questions about the conduct code.
Tutoring:
The AAC is a free tutoring center in the bottom floor of the library. Ask the student at the front desk
when tutors are available to help with biology. If you are struggling and not using all the resources
available then you are choosing to not succeed.
Disability Accommodations:
This course fully complies with the accommodations available through the office of disability
services. If there is a student in this class who has documented specific needs because of learning
disabilities or any other disability; please contact the course instructor immediately to discuss
accommodations.
Page 5 of 7
Note: The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assessments are subject to change in the event
of extraordinary circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better student learning.
The instructor reserves the right to make modifications to the schedule and/or syllabus at any time.
The lecture topics will be covered in the order listed above and exams will be given on dates
specified; however, the instructor may modify the pace at which the material is covered; add or
delete material; and/or modify the content covered on each exam. Students are expected to read
relevant textbook chapters and/or assigned material prior to each class period. If the campus is
closed due to inclement weather or class is officially canceled by the instructor, plan on the
missed activities occurring on the next scheduled class day.
**Tentative** Course Calendar:
The specific dates and amount of time for each lecture topic may vary. The instructor
reserves the right to make modifications in the amount of time taken to cover the specific course
content and the order in which topics are covered.
Class
Meeting
(Date)
Assignments
W (1/6)
F (1/8)
M (1/11)
W (1/13)
F (1/15)
M (1/18)
Pre-Test
W (1/20)
F (1/22)
M (1/25)
W (1/27)
F (1/29)
M (2/1)
W (2/3)
F (2/5)
M (2/8)
W (2/10)
F (2/12)
M (2/15)
W (2/17)
F (2/19)
Topic
First day of class; Syllabus review;
iClicker2 registration
No class meeting—work on Group Project
The Genetic Code of Genes and Genomes
The Genetic Code of Genes and Genomes
The Genetic Code of Genes and Genomes
MLK Holiday—No Classes
Transmission Genetics: Heritage from
Mendel
Transmission Genetics: Heritage from
Mendel
Transmission Genetics: Heritage from
Mendel
The Chromosomal Basis of Heredity
The Chromosomal Basis of Heredity
The Chromosomal Basis of Heredity
Chapters
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
Exam #1
Gene Linkage and Genetic Mapping
Gene Linkage and Genetic Mapping
Gene Linkage and Genetic Mapping
Human Chromosomes and Chromosome
Behavior
Human Chromosomes and Chromosome
Behavior
DNA Structure, Replication and
Manipulation
DNA Structure, Replication and
Manipulation
Page 6 of 7
4
4
4
5
5
6
6
M (2/22)
W (2/24)
F (2/26)
M (2/29)
W (3/2)
F (3/4)
M (3/7)
W (3/9)
F (3/11)
M (3/14)
W (3/16)
F (3/18)
M (3/21)
W (3/23)
F (3/25)
The Genetics of Bacteria and Their Viruses
The Genetics of Bacteria and Their Viruses
The Genetics of Bacteria and Their Viruses
The Molecular Genetics of Gene Expression
The Molecular Genetics of Gene Expression
The Molecular Genetics of Gene Expression
Molecular Mechanisms of Gene Regulation
Spring Break—No Classes!
Spring Break—No Classes!
Spring Break—No Classes!
Molecular Mechanisms of Gene Regulation
Molecular Mechanisms of Gene Regulation
7
7
7
8
8
8
9
9
9
Exam #3
Genomics, Proteomics and Genetic
Engineering
Genomics, Proteomics and Genetic
Engineering
No Class Meeting—free writing day
Molecular Mechanisms of Mutation and
DNA Repair
Molecular Mechanisms of Mutation and
DNA Repair
Molecular Evolution and Population
Genetics
Molecular Evolution and Population
Genetics
W (3/30)
F (4/1)
M (4/4)
W (4/6)
F (4/8)
M (4/11)
F (4/29)
6
Exam #2
M (3/28)
W (4/13)
F (4/15)
M (4/18)
W (4/20)
F (4/22)
M (4/25)
W (4/27)
DNA Structure, Replication and
Manipulation
10
10
12
12
14
14
Exam #4
The Genetic Basis of Complex Inheritance
The Genetic Basis of Complex Inheritance
Presentations
Presentations
Presentations
Presentations
Cumulative Final Exam is Friday 4/29
@ 8:00-10:00a in Conger 227
Page 7 of 7
15
15