Biology 328: Human Heredity
Fall 2008
Mon/Wed 10-11:15am in Kellogg Library 1107
Instructor: Debbi Ann Morrissette
dmorriss@csusm.edu
Office Hours: Mon/Fri 9:15-9:45am in Sci2 Room 141/115
http://public.csusm.edu/DAMwebsite/humanheredity.html
Course Objectives
Gain fundamental understanding of how genetic information is passed from one generation to subsequent
generations. We will explore how genetic information varies and how this variability underlies human
traits, heritable diseases and evolution of our species.
Required Text
Human Genetics: Concepts and Applications, 7th or 8th Edition. Ricki Lewis, McGraw-Hill
Course Schedule
DATE
Mon 08/25/08
Wed 08/27/08
Wed 09/03/08
Mon 09/08/08
Wed 09/10/08
Mon 09/15/08
Wed 09/17/08
Mon 09/22/08
Wed 09/24/08
Mon 09/29/08
Wed 10/01/08
Mon 10/06/08
Wed 10/08/08
Mon 10/13/08
Wed 10/15/08
Mon 10/20/08
Wed 10/22/08
Mon 10/27/08
Wed 10/29/08
Mon 11/03/08
Wed 11/05/08
Mon 11/10/08
Wed 11/12/08
Mon 11/17/08
Wed 11/19/08
Mon 11/24/08
Wed 11/26/08
Mon 12/01/08
Wed 12/03/08
TOPIC
ASSIGNED READING
Ch. 1
Ch. 2
Ch. 2
Ch. 3
Ch. 3
Introduction
Biology of the cell
Mitosis
Meiosis and gamete formation
Development
EXAM 1
Inheritance: Mendel’s experiments
Ch. 4
Inheritance: Pedigrees and diseases
Ch. 4
Inheritance in humans: Variations to Mendel’s laws
Ch. 5
Sex chromosomes
Ch. 6
Multifactorial traits
Ch. 7
Genetics of behavior
Ch.8
EXAM 2
Chromosomes, genes and alleles
Ch. 13
DNA structure and replication
Ch. 9
RNA structure and transcription
Ch. 10
Translation
Ch. 10
Control of gene expression
Ch. 11
Mutations and disease
Ch. 12
MOVIE: Cracking the Code PART 1
Ch. 22
MOVIE: Cracking the Code PART 2
Ch, 22
EXAM 3
Population genetics: Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
Ch. 14
Population genetics: Hardy-Weinberg off balance
Ch. 15
Human origins and evolution
Ch. 16
Genetics of cancer
Ch. 18
Cloning and recombinant DNA technology
Ch. 19
MOVIE: Personal DNA Testing
PAPERS DUE!
Potluck Review Session
FINAL EXAM 9:15am-11:15am Location TBA
Grading
Attendance and Class Participation
Quizzes
Homework assignments
Writing assignment
4 Exams
21pts
25pts (5pts each)
44pts (2pts each)
50pts
160pts (40pts each)
7%
8%
15%
17%
53%
TOTAL
300pts
100%
Attendance: is mandatory. Students should read assigned chapters prior to class. There will be no makeups for missed classes or quizzes
Quizzes: will be given at the instructor’s discretion and in one of a variety of formats (in-class written
questions, take-home questions, etc).
Homework: will be assigned at the end of each lecture and will consist of 5-10 short answer questions
covering that day’s lecture material. Homework will be due at the start of the following lecture period.
Writing assignment: students will be assigned a topic in genetics to research and write a report on.
Exams: are not cumulative. We will have a “potluck review session” on the last day of class to help you
prepare for the final (which is also not cumulative). Make-up exams will be given only in extreme cases
with appropriate documentation (i.e. doctor’s note).
Late Policy
Assignments turned in late will be reduced by one full letter grade for each day late (e.g. a “B+” paper
turned in 2 days late becomes a “D+” paper ~ouch!~)
Academic Dishonesty
Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. Any student caught cheating will receive a zero on the
assignment and risks failing the course. If you are having difficulty understanding the material, come and
see me during office hours, schedule an appointment, or contact me via e-mail and I will do my best to
help you.
Students with Special Needs
If you have a verified special need, please see the instructor so that we can contact the Disabled Student
Services office (located in Craven Hall 5205 at Ext. 4905) and ensure that you are accommodated.