Biology 300 (section 1): Genetics Fall 2011
Instructor: Laura Rivard, PhD
Lecture: MWF: 10:10-11:05 in ST232
Recitation: Wed 12:20-1:15 in ST232
Office Hours: Mon/Fri 11:15-1:15 in ST433
Phone: 260-4074
Email: lrivard@sandiego.edu
TEXTS/ LECTURE MATERIALS:
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Genetics: A Conceptual Approach (4th Edition) by Benjamin Pierce
o Solutions for assigned textbook problems will be on WebCT
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Powerpoint lecture slides will be on WebCT. I strongly encourage you to print the
slides out as a “handout” (multiple slides per page) to take notes on in class.
ABOUT THE COURSE:
Bio300 is the first upper division course required of Biology majors and minors. It is
designed to review concepts introduced in Bio190 and 225 and to expand on both
historical and current genetic discoveries and technologies. Throughout the course I
will emphasize the process of “doing” science, not just the result. By the end of the
course, I hope you will understand:
 DNA as a molecule, chromosome structure and function
 Mendelian inheritance
 the genetic code and the “central dogma” of molecular biology
 the process and importance of regulated gene expression
 that changes in DNA sequence are the raw material for evolution and changes in
allele frequencies in populations are part of the evolutionary process
 some of the complicated ethical issues that that derive from new genetic
technologies
EXAMS:
Attendance at exams is mandatory. The only acceptable excuse for missing an
exam is a medical or family emergency. If you know you will miss an exam, you
MUST contact me BEFORE the exam. If you are not able to verify the reason for
your absence, you will receive a grade of 0 on the exam.
Midterm Exams
200 (100 pts each)
Paper quizzes/ assignments
75
Final Exam (cumulative)
150
Total: 425 pts
Tentative Lecture Schedule
DATE
TOPIC
READING
8/31-9/2
Introduction, DNA structure
Chp 1, 2
9/7-9
Mitosis and meiosis
Chp 12, 2
9/12*-16
Mendelian genetics
Sept 14: discuss paper 1 in recitation
Extensions of Mendel, pedigree analysis
Sept 21: paper quiz 1 in recitation
Sept 23: in-class activity
Linkage and mapping
Chp 3, 4
9/19-23
9/26-30
10/3-7
Chp 5,6
Chp 7
Chromosome variation
Exam I (10/7)
10/10-14* Chromosome variation and structure
Chp 9
10/17-21
Transcription/ RNA processing/ translation
Oct 18 & 19: book discussion
The genetic code and gene mutation
Chp 13-15
Control of gene expression
Chp 16, 17
Control of gene expression
Exam II (11/11)
Recombinant DNA technology
Chp 19
10/24-28
10/3111/4
11/7-11
11/14-18
11/21-25
11/2812/2
12/5-12
12/19
Sequencing and genomics
Nov 23-25: Thanksgiving holiday
Sequencing and genomics
Nov 30: discuss paper 2 in recitation
Population and evolutionary genetics
Dec 7: paper quiz 2 in recitation
FINAL EXAM: 11-1pm
* Mon, Sept 12th: last day to drop without a “W”
* Fri, Oct 14th: Fall holiday (no class)
* Tues, Nov 8th: last day to drop with a “W”
Chp 9, 11
Chp 18
Chp 20
Chp 25, 26
GRADING:
The following scale will be used to determine your grade:
100-93%= A
92-90%= A-
89-88%= B+
87-83%= B
82-80%= B-
79-78%= C+
77-73%= C
72-70%= C-
69-60%= D
<60%= F
DO-IT-YOURSELF EXTRA CREDIT (10 pts maximum):
Through out the semester, there will be extra credit opportunities on campus, as well as in
the larger San Diego science community (e.g. UCSD, SDSU, etc.). Most often these
opportunities will be seminars given by guest speakers invited to talk about their research.
Watch for flyers posted around campus, particularly in the Shiley Science Building.
Occasionally there will be panel discussions, movie screenings or special exhibits at local
museums. Before attending a seminar or event for extra credit, you must have it approved
by me. Then, submit a one-page TYPED summary of the event. START EARLY!!