BIOL 3200
Genetics
(CRN: #30135/30136)
4cr
Spring 2015
Instructor:
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 9:00-10:00a
T 10:00-11:00a; 11:00a-12:00p; 1:00p-4:00p
W 9:00-10:00a
R 2:00-4:00p
F 9:00-10:00a
**Additional hours by appointment only; BOLD hour is at the AAC**
Course Meetings: MWF 11:00-11:50 am, Conger 227
AND either
M 2:00-4:50 pm, Britt 102
OR
W 2:00-4:50 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.
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Course Materials:
1. Essentials of Genetics, 8th Edition, Klug et al. Pearson Publishing
*Additional readings may be posted on the web and/or distributed in class
2. Sapling Online Homework Code **This will be provided FREE of charge for Spring 2015**
3. 882-E scantrons (6 total; YOU are responsible for bringing these to each exam!)
4. I-clicker 2
Textbook Website: http://www.masteringgenetics.com/
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.
iclicker2 Participation
Sapling Online Homeworks
30 pts
(1 pt/class for answering questions)
50 pts
(5 x 10 pts each, due before exam date for covered material)
D2L Online Quizzes
25 pts
(6 x 5 pts each, lowest/missed quiz dropped)
Hourly In-Class Exams
500 pts
(5 x 100 pts each)
Comprehensive Final Exam
100 pts
Group Oral Presentation
50 pts
Lab Grade
235 pts (See additional Lab Syllabus)
Total
990 pts
Lecture grades will be determined on the percentages listed below of all the possible points that
you EARN. Percentages will be rounded UP to the nearest whole number when assigning letter
grades. 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.
Grading Scale:
A=
> 90% ( > 890 pts)
B=
> 80% (790- 889 pts)
C=
>70% ( 690- 789 pts)
D=
>60% ( 590- 689 pts)
F=
<60% ( < 589 pts)
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Specific Assignment Details:
1. 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 01/12/15. You must come to class at
least once and vote on at least one question in order to complete this registration properly. Once
you have responded to a question with your iclicker2, go to http://www.iclicker.com/registration.
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; a second offense will result in loss of ALL participation points.
2. 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 five (5) homeworks (10 pts each) consisting of
multiple chapters of material that will be due by 10:30AM on the day of the exam covering such
material. There may be an additional BONUS assignment due at the end of the semester. 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.
Our section of Genetics has been chosen for the Sapling beta test of their assignments. As
such you are provided with access to their site for FREE for the Spring 2015 semester. Additionally,
Sapling may be interviewing you individually, via focus groups, or via online surveys to get your
thoughts and feelings on the assignments. Your responses will be kept confidential and anonymous
and will have NO bearing on your course grade.
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 - Spring15 - 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.
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3. D2L Quizzes:
There will be six (6) quizzes posted on D2L worth 5 points each. Your lowest or missed
quiz will be dropped. These quizzes are timed and it is strongly recommended you do not use your
notes to answer questions as you need to LEARN the material. Quizzes will be open for 24 hours
ending on the day assigned. Please do NOT wait until the last minute to do these quizzes as
computer or internet issues may cause you to miss the deadline. NO late credit will be given!
4. Hourly In-Class Exams and Final:
There will be five (5) 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 group of three (3) students will present a PowerPoint presentation on a genetic
disorder/mutation of their choosing. Topics will be turned into the instructor by Friday, March
13th. Students will research their topic using a minimum of three (3) 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 or circulate a sign-in sheet at the beginning of class (~first 10
minutes). Any student not present at the time roll is taken and/or missing a significant portion of
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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 9 pm; you can
expect a response generally within 24 hours (longer on weekends and holidays).
Participation Expectations and Conduct:
Students are expected to be prepared for class (i.e. bringing a notebook or computer 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 that day’s clicker participation points! (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.
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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.
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)
Assignmen
ts
F (1/9)
M (1/12)
W (1/14)
F (1/16)
M (1/19)
W (1/21)
F (1/23)
M (1/26)
W (1/28)
F (1/30)
M (2/2)
W (2/4)
F (2/6)
M (2/9)
W (2/11)
F (2/13)
M (2/16)
Quiz 1
Topic
First day of class; Syllabus review;
iClicker2 registration
Introduction/ iClicker2 registration
Mitosis and Meiosis
Mitosis and Meiosis
MLK Holiday—No Classes
Mendelian Genetics
Mendelian Genetics
Modification of Mendelian Ratios
Modification of Mendelian Ratios
Chapters
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
Exam #1
Quiz 2
Sex Determination and Chromosomes
Sex Determination and Chromosomes
Chromosome Mutations
Eukaryotes—linkage and mapping
Eukaryotes—linkage and mapping
Bacteria and Bacteriophages
Exam #2
Page 6 of 7
5
5
6
7
7
8
W (2/18)
F (2/20)
M (2/23)
W (2/25)
F (2/27)
M (3/2)
W (3/4)
F (3/6)
M (3/9)
W (3/11)
F (3/13)
M (3/16)
W (3/18)
F (3/20)
M (3/23)
W (3/25)
F (3/27)
M (3/30)
W (4/1)
F (4/3)
Quiz 3
Quiz 4
9
9
10
10
11
12
12
Exam #3
Quiz 5
Translation and Proteins
Translation and Proteins
Gene mutation, DNA repair, Transposition
Spring Break—No Classes!
Spring Break—No Classes!
Spring Break—No Classes!
Gene mutation, DNA repair, Transposition
Regulation of Gene Expression
Regulation of Gene Expression
Genetics of Cancer
13
13
14
Developmental Genetics
Developmental Genetics
Quantitative Genetics
Quantitative Genetics
Population and Evolutionary Genetics
Population and Evolutionary Genetics
Conservation Genetics
20
14
15
15
16
Exam #4
M (4/6)
W (4/8)
F (4/10)
M (4/13)
W (4/15)
F (4/17)
M (4/20)
W (4/22)
F (4/24)
M (4/27)
W (4/29)
M (5/4)
DNA Structure and Analysis
DNA Structure and Analysis
DNA Replication and Recombination
DNA Replication and Recombination
Chromosome Structure and DNA sequence
Genetic Code and Transcription
Genetic Code and Transcription
Quiz 6
20/21
21
22
22
23
Exam #5
Advanced Topics
Presentations
Presentations
Presentations
Presentations
Final Exam 10:15a-12:15p Conger 227
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17/18/19