COURSE SYLLABUS – APPROVED FORMAT
General Information
 Northern Arizona University- Yuma; Department of Arts and Sciences
 BSC 343, Genetics Lab
 Fall 2014
 3 hrs. Lab, 1 credit hour
 Dr. Francisco Villa
 Science and Research building, Office 112
 Office hours: Monday/Wednesday 8:00am to 9:00am and 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Course prerequisites
None
Course Corequisite
BSC 350
Course description:
This course will present some of the fundamental experiments and techniques associated in the
field of genetics. Classical genetic experiments will involve Population genetics and Mendelian
crosses. Molecular genetic experiments will involve DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction
(PCR), primer design, gel electrophoresis, and basic laboratory techniques. Many of these
techniques will be taught from a research-oriented approach. The final student project will be to
amplify a gene of interest from a native organism species to genetic identify it.
Student Learning Expectations/Outcomes for this Course
Upon satisfactory completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Perform serial dilutions and to correctly use micropipetters
Critically analyze data and research papers
Comfortably extract DNA from plant tissue
Design primers
Independently perform PCR
Course structure/approach:
The course may involve one or more of the following approaches: lecture and discussion;
application exercises; scheduled activities; case analysis; team projects; field trips, speakers with
relevant expertise, and/or other activities as appropriate to achieve learning outcomes.
Textbook and required materials: Student learning is facilitated with textbooks, readings,
audio-visual content, software, and/or other materials
Revised 04/22/03
Recommended optional materials/references (attach reading list): None
Course outline:
Week 1: Lab Intro/Honor in Science
Week 2: Reading a Scientific Paper
Week 3: Corn Genetics
Week 4: Drosophila Genetics (Beginning)
Week 5: Basic Research Lab Techniques
Week 6: Bitter Taste Lab/Hardy Weinberg Principle
Week 7: Drosophila Genetics (Advanced)
Week 8: Bitter Taste Lab/Molecular Confirmation
Week 9: DNA Extraction
Week 10: Primer Design/Gene Searching
Week 11: PCR and Gel Electrophoresis
Week 12: PCR clean up/Sequencing Preparations
Week 13: Sequence Analysis
Week 14: Sequence Analysis
Week 15: Genomic Lab Project Presentations
Week 16: Lab Techniques Practicum
Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes
 Methods of Assessment: In-class exams, laboratory notebooks, in-class activities,
research paper, and presentations.
 Timeline for Assessment: Over the course of the semester
Grading System:
Letter grades for the course will be determined based on the percentage of the total points as
follows:
90-100%
A Excellent
80-89%
B Good
70-79%
C Average
60-69%
D Lowest passing
<60%
F Failure
Course policy:
Retests/makeup tests:
No make-up exams or re-tests except for what the instructor may deem as extenuating
circumstances.
Attendance Policy:
Under NAU Policy, students are expected to attend every session of the class in which they are
enrolled.
Revised 04/22/03
Statement on plagiarism and cheating:
DON’T CHEAT!
Please refer to the NAU Student Handbook policy statement on Academic Integrity. Academic
honesty does not allow "plagiarism — knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as
one's own" (2005, Undergraduate General Academic and Graduation Policies).
If your instructor determines that you are guilty of plagiarism he deserves the right to give you a
zero on the alleged assignment up to failing the course in question. All incidents regardless will
be reported to the university.
University policies
Attach the Safe Working and Learning Environment, Students with Disabilities, Institutional
Review Board, and Academic Integrity policies or reference them on the syllabus. See the
following document for policy statements:
http://www4.nau.edu/avpaa/UCCPolicy/plcystmt.html.
Your instructor reserves the right to make any changes to the course policies, schedule, or any
other aspect of the class as he sees fit.
Revised 04/22/03