LIFE 3050-Genetics
Fall 2012
SYLLABUS
Credit hours: 4
Meeting: Thursday 4:00-6:50pm (Room CC LH 4), 1 hour online component (eCompanionTBD)
Delivery method: on site (UW/CC) & statewide (OVN).
Instructor: Dr. Florence Teulé
Office:
LS 106 (Casper College)
Mailbox: UW/CC Center
125 College Drive
Casper, WY 82601
Phone:
307-268-2710
Email:
florence.teule@gmail.com
Office hours: Monday 9:00–10:30am &
Wednesday 11:00am–1:00pm
*** Or by appointment ***
Course Content
This course is an introduction to genetics-a critical sub discipline of biology. It will
provide students with a comprehensive and fundamental understanding of diverse areas
characteristic of this continuously evolving field. Genetics is critical to understand any form of
life on earth. In living organisms, the genetic information, which directs cellular function, is
stored and passed on through generations. Topics including classical genetics (laws of heredity),
the molecular basis for inheritance in living organisms (DNA/genes and chromosomes),
molecular genetics (DNA structure replication and variation, gene expression and regulation),
and population genetics will be covered.
Molecular genetics is a fairly recent and blooming arena. The development of
recombinant DNA technology and genomics/proteomics has proved essential to increase our
understanding of the nature, ‘function’, and diversity of living organisms. These techniques are
also extremely powerful tools that allow for rapid advances in medical research.
Textbooks
Required: KLUG W. S., M. R. CUMMINGS, C. A. SPENCER, AND M. A. PALLADINO. 2012.
Concepts of genetics, 10th Edition. Pearson.
Optional: NICKLA, H., W. S. KLUG, M. R. CUMMINGS, C. SPENCER, AND M. A. PALLADINO.
2012. Student Handbook and Solutions Manual for Concepts of Genetics, 10th
Edition. Pearson.
All other course information will be posted on WyoWeb in eCompanion
(https://wyoweb.uwyo.edu/cp/home/displaylogin)
Expectations
1) Students are expected to read and review assigned materials, complete and hand in
homework assignments and be prepared for quizzes, exams and lectures.
2) The use of electronic devices (cell phones, MP3 players, etc.) is strictly prohibited during
classes, quizzes and exams. The use of computers and tablets will only be permitted
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during lectures to take notes, absolutely NOT for entertainment (i.e. browse the internet,
instant message, social media, games etc…).
3) Class participation is highly encouraged and will result in accelerated learning and
retention.
4) Students are required to review and abide by the University of Wyoming (UW) sexual
harassment, civil right discrimination and violence in the workplace policies:
(http://www.uwyo.edu/diversity/complaints/index.html).
5) Destruction of UW, Casper College, or other institutions’ property is NOT tolerated.
6) Students will abide by the UW Student Code of Conduct:
(http://www.uwyo.edu/dos/judicial/)
and UW Code of Ethics at all times:
(http://www.uwyo.edu/generalcounsel/_files/docs/code-of-ethics-2-1-101.pdf).
7) Since UW/CC is cooperating with Casper College, students are also responsible for
following campus policies, regulations and conduct as outlined by Casper College.
For guidelines, please refer to the Casper College Student Handbook:
(http://www.caspercollege.edu/pdf/current_students/student_handbook.pdf).
All students in this course are responsible for meeting these expectations regardless of
whether they are a UW or other University / College student, even if they have personally chosen
to not read these documents. Failure to meet these expectations will lead to the student’s
removal from the course environment for the day, possible expulsion from the course (with an F
grade) and the student’s referral to the UW Dean of Students and Student Adjudication
Representative from their participating campus for further review and possible University and/or
College disciplinary actions.
Academic Integrity
Students of UW are responsible for understanding and following the policies outlined in
the Student Code of Conduct (link provided above) and of the Procedures and Authorized
University Actions in Cases of Student Academic Dishonesty, UW Regulation 6-802
(http://www.uwyo.edu/generalcounsel/_files/docs/uw-reg-6-802.pdf). Violations of these
policies include (but are not limited to) unauthorized collaborations, plagiarism, multiple
submissions, cheating on examinations, fabricating information, helping others cheat,
unauthorized advanced access to exams, altering or destroying works of others or altering
academic records. Violators will be subject to: failing grade on an assignment, examination or
course, violations recorded on transcripts, suspension, or expulsion. These behaviors are not
tolerated, and will be referred to the Dean of the College for further action. If any student is
unclear about plagiarism please go to www.plagiarism.org.
Assessment
Each student’s comprehension, integration, and retention of class material will be
assessed through exams, quizzes and any homework assignments, which will be returned
promptly after grading. Any disagreement regarding grading must be brought to the
instructor's attention within one week following its return. The disagreement must be
submitted in writing with the assignment, quiz, or test explaining why the student felt the grade
was inappropriate. This request will be reviewed and final decisions will be conveyed with the
return of the assignment and a response to the disagreement. If disagreements are not brought to
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the instructor’s attention within one week the grade will be final and not open for additional
debate.
Course grades will be determined based on points accumulated and adjusted using a
normal distribution. The final grade will be calculated according to the following table:
Category
Exams (2 + comprehensive final)
Quizzes
Homework Assignments
Percent of Total Grade
55%
20%
25%
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory for any student enrolled in this class. Failure to attend
lectures will result in forfeiture of instructor’s covered material, in class assignments, bonuses,
etc. The student will be responsible for acquiring any missed lecture content and assigned work.
No special accommodations will be made for missed lectures except under extraordinary
circumstances. Any exceptions will be made at the sole discretion of the instructor after
appropriate documentation has been submitted. Punctuality is equally important-lecture starts at
4:00pm. Persons tardy will forfeit that time to finish in-class assignments, quizzes and exams
and will miss any announcements given before class.
Exams
Lecture Exams: Two lecture exams will be administered throughout the semester (see schedule)
during the first portion of our regularly scheduled lecture period. They will consist of several
questions in a number of formats (e.g. multiple choice, fill in the blank, problem solving short
answer, short essay, etc.) on information from the previous lectures.
Final Exam: One comprehensive final is scheduled on Thursday, 13 December 2012 from 4:005:30pm. This exam will cover all concepts studied during the semester. No makeup finals will
be given. All students are expected to take this exam at the allotted date and time.
All lecture and final exams will be administered on site (UW/CC-LH4) by the instructor
for section 50, and off site by a designated proctor for section 80. All exams will be closed book
and will administered as follows:
SECTION 50 (CASPER LOCATION): THE PROCTORED EXAMS WILL BE TAKEN DURING OUR
REGULAR CLASS TIME.
SECTION 80 (LOCATION ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE STATE): EACH STUDENT IS RESPONSIBLE
TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO TAKE THE PROCTORED EXAMS DURING ALLOWED TIME
PERIOD.
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Make-up Exam Policy
No special accommodations will be made for missed quizzes or exams except under
extraordinary circumstances. Any exceptions will be made at the sole discretion of the instructor
after appropriate documentation has been submitted.
Additional Reading
One or more papers will be reviewed during the course of the semester. Each student
will be responsible for reading these papers and writing a 2–3 page typed review of the paper
consisting of 3 parts:
1) A summary of the paper in their own words.
2) A thoughtful and professional critique of the paper.
3) A brief statement of the papers potential importance to science/humankind.
The student must follow the following guidelines:
1) Twelve (12) point, Times New Roman font.
2) Single spaced, 1inch margins.
The goal of these assignments is to familiarize the students with the reading of primary literature,
to develop critical scientific thinking and concisely communicate their critique. Students may
discuss the paper with other classmates, but they must write their own reviews. These reviews
will be due via email by the end of the day (11:59pm) on dates indicated on the schedule.
Required online component
The eCompanion website will be used for posting class materials and to complete
homework, quizzes and exams. Instructions on eCompanion are posted at
http://ecampus.uwyo.edu. Students need to select the ‘New Login instructions’ link and follow
the instructions. Students in the Outreach Course should contact the Outreach Credit Programs at
800 448-7801 or email Jeff Miller at jmiller@uwyo.edu for assistance.
Homework Problems
Homework problems will be assigned throughout the semester. Answers to these
problems will be due via email by the end of the day (11:59pm) on dates indicated on the
schedule. Students are encouraged to work together to solve these problems, but must turn in
their own unique answers in their own writing.
Late Work Policy
Any assignments turned in after the instructor-stated due date and time will be graded as
follows: 90% of total points earned for 1st 24 hours, 80% of total points earned for 2nd 24 hours,
70% of total points earned for 3rd 24 hours, 60% of total points earned for 4 day late, 50% of
total points earned for 5 days late, after 6 days the homework will no longer be accepted and the
student’s grade will be zero for the assignment.
Special Accommodations
If any member of this class has a disability and needs special accommodations, the
instructor will work with the student and the University Disability Support Services, 109 Knight
Hall (307-766-6189; udss@uwyo.edu), to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that the
student has a fair opportunity to perform in this class. Please advise the instructor of any such
disability and the desired accommodations during the first week of class.
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Communication with the Instructor
Please email (florence.teule@gmail.com), call my office (307-268-2710) or come to my office
during scheduled office hours with questions or concerns. Email is strongly preferred and please
put “LIFE 3050” in the subject line.
COURSE SCHEDULE
(Note: schedule subject to change)
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