Bio 309F Heredity, Evolution, & Society
Spring, 2007
Instructor:
Office Hours:
Teaching Assistant
Dr. Bob G. Sanders, 523 Patterson Laboratory, 471-7441
email: bgsanders@mail.utexas.edu
By appointment (please email me to make appointment)
Office Hours:
Jelena H. Pantel
Email: jhpantel@mail.utexas.edu
_________________
Class Time:
Place:
TTH 9:30-11:00 AM, Unique # 49790
GEO 2.218
Discussion Sections (Unique #, day, time and place):
49790, M, 9-10, BUR 128
49795, M, 10-11, BUR 128
49800, W, 12-1, RAS 313B
49805, M, 3-4, CBA 4.338
49810, W, 4-5, RLM 6.116
Description:
Bio 309F is a lecture course designed for non-biology students. Objectives are to present
information in a manner that gives the students an understanding and appreciation of genetic
concepts, using human examples. Goals are to provide each student with a basic understanding
of genetics, to generate excitement for biological discovery, to permit evaluation of genetic
advances that are being reported in the lay literature, and to foster a life-long desire for continued
education in this area. Genetics/heredity can be very personal, students will be encouraged to
establish pedigrees of genetic traits and genetic disorders, and to evaluate the contributions of
environmental factors encountered on a daily basis on the genetic blueprint that make each of us
unique human beings. Major genetic concepts covered in the course include: transmission of
genes to future generations, nature of the genetic material, alterations to the genetic material,
gene expression and regulation, source and consequences of genetic variation, uses and value of
recombinant DNA molecular biology technology, insights into the future of genetics, gene
involvement in cancer, immunity and behavior, genetic screening and genetic counseling,
population genetics and evolution, and impact of genetics on society.
Exciting New Developments in Genetics:
Major new genetic discoveries are being reported on a continuous basis. During the semester,
selected new developments in genetics and their consequences, as presented in the scientific and
lay literature, will be presented in lecture. Thus, the course content will be up-dated to reflect the
latest discoveries. Students are encouraged to stay abreast of these new findings, to bring them to
the attention of the class, and be prepared to join in the discussion.
Discussion Sections:
The five discussion sections provide an opportunity for you to ask questions, work problems, and
review information in a setting in which you can receive individual attention. Lecture and text
materials will provide the framework for the discussion groups. You may attend any or all of the
discussion groups.
Web Site: http://www.sbs.utexas.edu/sanders/bio309
lecture outlines, old exams, and class hand outs.
The web site consists of course outline,
Bio 309F Heredity, Evolution, & Society
page 2
Grading:
Exams
(1). There will be a total of 4 one hour exams, including the final
Determining your grade
Course grade will be determined as follows:
Total points from three of the four one hour exam grades (including final; the lowest
one hour exam grade will be dropped). (300 points possible)
Method to be used to determine your final course grade
Exams (3)
Possible Points
100 X 3 points
Total Points possible
300 points
Grade Distribution
A = 270-300 points
B = 240-269 points
C = 210-239 points
D = 180-209 points
F = 179 or below
Note: Final Grade is based on total points, not an average of three exams.
Additional Information regarding exams.
Approximately 70% of the one hour exam material will be from lecture, 30% from the text. The
final exam will be comprehensive but will be equivalent in point value to the three other one
hour examinations given during the semester.
Old Exams. Exams from 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 are on the web site.
Regrade of Exam: If there is any question or concern regarding how an exam has been graded,
the question or concern needs to be put in writing and submitted with the exam within 5 working
days following the day graded exams are returned in class.
Exam Makeup Policy: There will be no make up exams for the one hour exams. Individuals
missing one of the one-hour exams have the opportunity to drop the O grade on the missed exam
and replace that grade with the grade made on the final exam.
Bio 309F Heredity, Evolution and Society, page 3
Homework:
None
Prerequisites:
None
Text:
Human Heredity: Principles and Issues, 7th. Ed., Michael R. Cummings,
Brooks/Cole Thomson Learning Publishing Company, 2006
A schedule of text chapters to be covered is provided below. Students are encouraged to read the
text material prior to lecture. Questions, further reading, and internet addresses are given at the
end of each chapter, for those interested in pursuing the subject in greater depth. You are
encouraged to answer chapter questions prior to looking at the answers that are provided in
Appendix B of your text. An introduction to probability is given in Appendix A. The glossary in
your text will be helpful to you in understanding genetic terms.
Dates
Lecture Topics
Readings
January 16 to
February 15
Overview and objectives
A perspective of human genetics
Cells and cell division
Transmission of genes frm generation to generation
Pedigree analysis in human genetics
Complex patterns of inheritance
Cytogenetics: karyotypes and chromosome aberrations
Development and Sex Determination
Ch. 1
Ch. 2
Ch. 3
Ch. 4
Ch. 5
Ch. 6
Ch. 7
February 20
FIRST EXAMINATION
February 22 to
March 27
(Spring Break,
March 13-15)
DNA Structure and chromosomal Organization
Gene Expression: from genes to proteins
From proteins to phenotypes
Mutation: Source of genetic variation
Cloning and recombinant DNA Technology
March 29
SECOND EXAMINATION
April 3 to
April 24
Biotechnology and Society
Human Genome Project and genomics
Genes and Cancer
Genes and the immune system
April 26
THIRD EXAMINATION
May 1
Review major concepts, return third exam
May 3
Review for Final (last day of class)
May 12
9:00AM--Noon: FINAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
Ch. 8
Ch. 9
Ch. 10
Ch. 11
Ch. 13
Ch. 14
Ch. 15
Ch. 12
Ch. 17