RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE ACADEMIC COURSE OUTLINE BIOL-242 GENETICS I. BASIC COURSE INFORMATION A. Course Number and Title: BIOL-242 Genetics B. Date of Revision: October 2005 C. Sponsoring Department: Science & Engineering D. Semester Credit Hours: 4 E. Weekly Contact Hours : 6 F. Prerequisites: Lecture: 3 Lab : 3 BIOL 102 -General Biology II; Math 222 - Statistics I CHEM 104 General Chemistry II G. Laboratory Fees: Yes II. CATALOG DESCRIPTION Prerequisite: BIOL 102 - General Biology II, CHEM 104 General Chemistry II, MATH 222 - Statistics I. This course is a study of the major concepts in genetics, from the classical Mendelian Laws to current topics in molecular genetics, which will include the application of these concepts to a wide variety of organisms. Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week. III. STATEMENT OF COURSE NEED Genetics is one of the three 200-level courses that students need in order to complete the Biology major. IV. PLACE OF COURSE IN COLLEGE CURRICULUM • The course serves as a program requirement in Biology. Course Transferability: The course transfers as a Biology requirement or a lab Science elective. V. OUTLINE OF COURSE CONTENT Part I – Heredity and Phenotype 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Mitosis and Meiosis Mendelian Genetics Modifications of Mendelian Ratios Sex, Determination, Sex Differentiation, and Sex Linkage Linkage, Crossing Over, and Chromosome Mapping. Quantitative Inheritance, Phenotypic Expression and Heritability Part II – DNA – The Chemical Basis of Heredity 1. 2. 3. 4. DNA – The Genetic Material Nucleic Acids Replication and Synthesis of DNA The organization of DNA in Chromosomes Part III – Genetic Variation 1. 2. 3. 4. Variations in Chromosome Number and Arrangement Mutation and Mutagenesis Bacterial and Viral Genetics Extrachromosomal Inheritance Part IV – Gene Structure, Function, and Regulation 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Genes and Proteins The Genetic Code Synthesis of RNA and Protein: Transcription and Translation Gene Structure and Organization Genetic Regulation Part V—Genomics, Proteomics and Genetic Engineering 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Genomic Sequences and Analysis The Human Genome: The Human Genome Project Genetic Engineering: Techniques Proteomic Technology Applications of Biotechnology Part VI – Genetics of Organisms and Populations 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. VI. Molecular Genetics of the Cell Cycle and Cancer The Role of Genes In Development Somatic Cell Genetics Genes and Behavior Population Genetics Molecular Evolution EDUCATIONAL GOALS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES A. GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS Students will 1. classify information (G.E. 1, G.E. 7); 2. analyze information (G.E. 1, G.E. 7); 3. synthesize information (G. E. 1, G.E. 7); 4. state a problem clearly (G.E. 1, G.E. 2); 5. compose hypotheses and problem solving strategies (G.E. 1, G.E. 7); 6. assess hypotheses and problem solving strategies (G.E. 1, G.E. 7); 7. interpret information (G.E. 1, G.E. 7); 8. discover information through research (G.E. 1, G.E. 3); 9. identify clearly defined and suitable research topics (G.E. 1, G.E. 3); 10. report on their analyses of research information (G.E. 1, G.E. 2, G.E. 3); B. LEARNING OUTCOMES Students will be able to 1. interpret genetic data accurately; 2. analyze genetic data; 3. synthesize research results for the purposes of discussion and written work; 4. conceive reasonable inferences in response to observations; 5. operate molecular data bases; 6. analyze genetics problems systematically and logically. VII. MODES OF TEACHING AND LEARNING Formats, modes, and methods for teaching and learning may be: • lecture/discussion • small group projects/laboratories • student oral presentations • student collaboration • independent study VIII. PAPERS, EXAMINATIONS, AND OTHER ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS Assessment methods may be: • • • • • IX. safe and effective laboratory practice computer-based data mining presentation of research findings analysis of experiments in teams other, as specified by instructor GRADE DETERMINANTS In order to evaluate achievement of the goals and outcomes listed above, possible grade determinants may be: Formal take-home papers Discussion questions Exams and quizzes Research projects and/or collaborative project Laboratory reports Class participation and preparation X. TEXTS AND MATERIALS • • • • textbooks primary sources web sources databases Samples of specific text that may be featured: XI. • Genetics, A Conceptual Approach, Benjamin Pierce, W.H. Freeman Publishers, Most Recent Edition • Concepts of Genetics, William Klug, et al., Pearson/Prentice Hall, Most Recent Edition RESOURCES Students will need to use library databases and other library resources for critical research assignments.