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BIOLOGY 224-01 GENETICS
Syllabus and Course Policies
FALL, 2015
COURSE MEETS MWF 11:00 - 11:50 IN MECC 270
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF LECTURES
Lecture #
Date
Chapter
Subject
1
W
Sept. 9
1
Introduction/Terms
& Definitions
2
F
Sept. 11
1
Nature of DNA/Gene
3
M
Sept. 14
1
Transcription
4
W
Sept. 16
1
Translation
5
F
Sept. 18
2
Gene function/
Mutational types
6
M
Sept. 21
2
Recombinant DNA
7
W
Sept. 23
2
Recombinant DNA
technology
8
F
Sept. 25
2
Genomics/techniques
9
M
Sept. 28
3
Mendelian genetics
10
W
Sept. 30
3
Principles &
probability
F
Oct.
2
(EXAM I)
EXAM IN CLASS
11
M
Oct.
5
3
Gene Interactions
12
W
Oct.
7
3
Complementation
13
F
Oct.
9
4
Gene segregation:
Mitosis
M
Oct.
12
TRINITY DAYS
W
Oct.
14
4
14
Gamete formation
2
Lecture # Date
Chapter
Subject
15
F
Oct. 16
4
X-Y inheritance
16
M
Oct. 19
5
Linkage I
17
W
Oct. 21
5
Linkage II
18
F
Oct. 23
5
Tetrad analysis
19
M
Oct. 26
5
Mitotic
Recombination
20
W
Oct. 28
6
DNA Replication
F
Oct. 30
(EXAM II)
EXAM IN CLASS
21
M
Nov. 2
6
Mechanisms of
Recombination
22
W
Nov. 4
7
Chromosome
Structures
23
F
Nov. 6
8
Chromosome mutation
24
M
Nov. 9
8
Position effects
and polyploidy
25
W
Nov. 11
9
Bacterial Genetics/
Transformation
26
F
Nov. 13
9
Hfr Mapping
27
M
Nov. 16
9
Phage genetics
28
W
Nov. 18
9
Transduction
29
F
Nov. 20
14
Gene Mutation
M
Nov. 23
(Exam III)
EXAM IN CLASS
THANKSGIVING BREAK
30
M
Nov. 30
14
Transposable elements
31
W
Dec.
14
Molecular basis of
Mutation/mutagens
2
3
Lecture #
Date
Chapter
Subject
32
F
Dec. 4
14
Mechanisms of DNA
repair
33
M
Dec. 7
10
Transcription and
RNA processing
34
W
Dec. 9
16
Extranuclear
Inheritance
35
F
Dec. 11
13
Maternal - effect genes
36
M
Dec. 14
TBD
Final Exam: Noon, Wednesday 12/16/2015
TEXTBOOKS: GENETICS: Analysis of genes and genomes.
8th Edition. Hartl, D.L and Ruvolo, M.
Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
ISBN
978-1-4496-3596-1
Student Solutions Manual and Supplemental Problems
to accompany GENETICS (8th Edition): Analysis of genes
and genomes. Lozovsky, E. R. Jones and Bartlett
Publishers
ISBN
978-1-4496-4470-3
A FEW TIPS ON HOW TO STUDY GENETICS:
This course emphasizes the principles of genetic analysis.
It is not possible to learn genetics by reading and memorizing
facts. Genetics is a way of predicting and confirming the
properties of living systems based on certain methods of
analysis. Its study is meaningful only if you understand the
methods of genetic analysis. Because of these conditions, it is
necessary to know what material is stressed in class. Therefore,
attendance is essential and absences will be noted.
An understanding of genetics comes only through the practice of
problem-solving.
You should be prepared to study genetics as you would study
physics or mathematics. As in those two disciplines, learning
facts is important, but understanding the method of analysis is
more important than the facts. In other words, come to the
lecture after reading the chapter; try to understand the
4
principles
notes.
involved
without
attempting
to
take
down
verbatim
At home, re-read the chapter, and then try solving the
problems. DO NOT look up the solutions before giving your best
effort to solving them by yourself. If you cannot solve any of
the problems correctly, you did not understand the chapter. Read
the chapter again and do the problems over. If you still cannot
solve them, seek help. Ask a fellow student first. It is often
best to attempt answering the problems in groups. If you are
still in doubt, see me; THAT’S WHY I AM HERE!
EXAMS:
There will be three in-class exams during the course and a
final exam at the end of the course. I will let you know in the
class which sections will not be covered in a particular exam.
Your final grade is determined from your completed homework
problems, three hourly exams plus the final exam grade (counted
as two (2) hourly exams).
The lowest grade of the five exam
scores is dropped from your final average (if the lowest grade is
your final, then the final is counted as one exam, not two and
the remaining hourly exams cannot be dropped).
THERE WILL BE NO MAKE-UP EXAMS. IF YOU MISS AN HOURLY EXAM,
THAT IS THE DROPPED GRADE (ZERO).
I CANNOT ENTERTAIN PLEAS FOR AN EARLY OR LATE EXAM; MAKE
SURE AHEAD OF TIME THAT YOU ARE ON CAMPUS FOR EACH OF THE EXAMS.
YOU MUST TAKE ALL FOUR EXAMINATIONS. THE FINAL GRADE WILL BE
BASED ON GRADES FROM ALL FOUR EXAMS.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY OF ANY KIND WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.
GRADING:
Corrected answer-sheets of assigned genetics problems and to
the first three exams will be returned to students in class.
OFFICE HOURS:
Office hours of Dr. Fleming (in LSC 238) are Tuesdays and
Thursdays from 10:00 – 11:30 AM and Wednesdays from 2:30-3:30 PM;
other times by arrangement. You are strongly encouraged to
utilize these office hours.
Dr. Robert Fleming