BIO 184 Genetics; Syllabus Spring 2007 Lab & Lecture

Syllabus - HTML below and Word format here

Course:            BIO 184

Title:                Genetics

Instructor:      Dr. Kamal Dulai

Office:              S114

Office Hours:     TR 1:15PM – 1:55PM

Phone:              664 6548  &  (800) 910 0304

E-mail:              kdulai@csus.edu

Lecture

When:             Tuesday & Thursday

Time:             2:00PM - 2:50PM

Where:           HMB-109

Section:          20072 - 09  (26766)

Labs

When:             Tuesday & Thursday

Time:               Sec 09 (26767), 3:00PM - 4:15PM; Sec 10 (26768), 4:30PM – 5:45PM

Where:             HMB-220

Section:            20072 - 09 & 10

Text:                        Genetics: Analysis & Principles, Robert J. Brooker, et al, 2nd edition. Online supplements with the textbook (www.mhhe.com/brooker)

Laboratory -Bio 184 Laboratory Manual  (2006) Ballard, R., B. Holland, T. Peavy and M. Loo (2006). Available at the Hornet Bookstore and at the Dr. Holland’s genetics website (http://www.csus.edu/indiv/h/hollandb/genetics/index.htm).

Website:  http://webpages.csus.edu/~kdulai/index.htm

or via http://www.dulai.com

All cell phones, pagers, or automatic watch alarms should be turned off before entering the classroom to prevent disruption. Absolutely no food or drinks allowed in labs.

Course Objectives:

This is a truly exciting time in human history to be studying genetics! Advances in molecular biology and computer science have created a synergy that is allowing us to uncover information that most geneticists dared not even dream about a few decades ago. The genome sequencing projects are generating data at a very rapid pace, revealing the complete genomic sequences of a wide variety of organisms ranging from bacteria to us. The human genome mapping and sequencing projects are helping us to determine the function of the 30,000 or so genes that to a large extent direct how we develop and function biologically. These projects are also helping to identify those genes, that when defective, cause disease. We are also learning about how life has evolved, and the genetic differences that separate one species from another. So now is an exciting time to become a geneticist-- even if only for one semester! But, we'll have to start at the beginning, and learn the fundamental basics that researchers such as Gregor Mendel, Thomas Hunt Morgan, Watson and Crick, and colleagues discovered and on which all modern molecular genetics is grounded.

The purpose of this course is to think biologically about transmission, molecular, and population genetics. You will learn how to analyze and interpret genetic data, from working chapter problems and from laboratory data. Students who reason well about genetics should be able to make connections with other aspects of biology, and better understand genetic issues in society at large. Students should be better thinkers and problem solvers after taking this course.

Course goals:

      1) Understand a historical perspective of genetics, identifying breakthroughs of discovery, and prominent scientists who were involved in these breakthroughs.

                                    2) Use problem-solving skills to predict genetic outcomes.

      3) Describe basic inheritance patterns and the chromosomal basis of heredity.

      4) Explain mutation as a source of genetic variability.

      5) Understand the role of sex chromosomes in sex determination, sexual dimorphism and chromosomal inactivation.

      6) Understand how cells reproduce through DNA and nucleic acids.

      7) Describe how DNA transcribes into RNA that ultimately translates into protein.

      8) Articulate some of the major issues related to modern biotechnology and genetic manipulation.

      9) Develop skills in analysis, problem solving, communication and ethical perspectives as it applies to genetics

      10) Comprehend the need for proper exchange of information by communication between scientists.

Course Organization:

Genetics is both a lecture course presented as two 50-minute lectures each week, and compulsory labs.  If a student is not enrolled in a lab they may not attend the lecture. Places are limited by laboratory space.

Demonstrations will be used to illustrate particular principles, as applicable.  The course content is structured to continuously build upon previously learnt material.  It is strongly suggested that you keep abreast of the subject matter and study after each class as opposed to trying to ‘catch up’ prior to the exams. It is also recommended that students retain and consult their syllabus, visit the supporting web site, and read associated text chapters. Each exam shall be comprehensive in that it will encompass material covered up until that point from the start of the course. Questions shall appear in the form of multiple-choice, best answer, short and/or long answers and/or other formats.

Lecture Participation:  Science is a thinking & communication process.  Students will be asked to participate in that process.  Class participation will account for 75 points of your point total for the semester.  Involve yourself in answering questions, and questioning when not sure. Naturally, if you elect not to attend lecture on a regular basis you will not be eligible for these points.

EXAM 1 scheduled for 6th March, 2007, will cover course material through Lecture 10.

EXAM 2 scheduled for 17th April, 2007, will cover course material through Lecture 19.

FINAL EXAM scheduled for 24th May, 2007 and will be comprehensive.

Lab Participation

In order to participate, a student must attend the labs.  Students that miss more than three laboratory periods will receive a “U” in the course.   Points for lab participation will be divided between attendance, effort in lab, and participation in discussions.

Lab Practical Reports 

Lab practical reports are designed to equip students with the vital skills of scientific communication.  Following each experiment a lab report must be written and submitted on paper by the due date.

As with lecture exams, make-up exams will only be accommodated for individuals if their circumstances surrounding their absence was beyond their control (e.g. medical emergency).  Written documentation will be required.

Lab Student Presentations

Students are to perform library research on a current topic in the field of genetics and present their findings orally in a PowerPoint presentation (10-15 minute present; 5 minute question period).  Students should include enough background information for their peers to be able to understand the topic.  In addition, the student is to hand-in a 1-2 paragraph summary of the topic to the instructor (with a title) that includes their references.  

Service-Learning Evaluation Option

Students who participate in the Service-Learning option will be EXEMPT from the Student Presentation in the laboratory and the lab final exam, and instead the same 100 points will be assessed through 1)  the grading of ten Service-Learning Journal Entries (one journal entry for each week of the Service-Learning experience, 6 points per Journal Entry = 60 pts), and 2) your service learning project (40 points). Your service learning project will be to identify something that would enhance the educational experience of the disabled children and to complete a project that addresses this objective. At the end of the semester you will give a brief (~5 minute) presentation in lecture to describe your service learning project to the student and hand in a brief written report discussing your project (~1 page).

Course Support:

A web site will provide supplemental material for all students. Links to useful resources will be provided as the course progresses. The site shall be updated each week, at the minimum, so students are encouraged to visit it on a regular basis.

Grading Policies:

There will be no unexcused make-up exams. It simply is not fair on those who follow the guidelines.

Total Course Points = 1000

Lecture

A.  Homework/Quizzes (5 @ 10 pts each)                          50 pts

B.  Examinations (3 @ 200 pts each)                                    600 pts

C.  Classroom discussion participation                        75 pts

Total Lecture points                                                      725 pts  

Laboratory

D. Lab Participation                                                   25 pts

E. Lab Reports (6 @ 25 pts)                                          150 pts

F. Student Presentation*                                                50 pts

G. Final Lab Exam                                                     50 pts

Total Laboratory Points                                                275 pts    

Your lecture and lab points will be combined and a single grade shall be awarded for the entire course.

Add/Drop Policies:

The C.S.U.S. 2006-07 Class Schedule details the University’s add/drop policy.  Students should evaluate whether they have the time to devote to the class before adding the class.  In order to drop the course after the Census Date, students are required to provide documentation to verify their extenuating circumstances.  Forms are available in the Biological Sciences Department office.

Grading Policies:

Attendance is required for this course.  Students missing more that 3 unexcused lab sessions will either be un-enrolled or given an incomplete for the course.  Except in cases of emergency, the instructor must be notified in advance for an absence to be excused.

Exams must be taken on the date scheduled.  Make-up exams will be given only for approved documented excuses.   A student must contact the instructor, or departmental secretary, no later than the date of the exam and be prepared to have documentation.  Failure to follow this procedure may result in a failing grade on that exam. Exam scores shall be revealed either only in person, via password protected web access, or random number display.

Naturally, there is zero tolerance for cheating. It is not fair on other students,  it is not fair on me, but most importantly IT IS NOT FAIR ON YOU. Cheating in any capacity in this class will result in an F for the course. Cheating and  plagiarism are very serious offences and will be prosecuted accordingly.  The Department Chair and Dean of Students will be notified of the event and the student may be dismissed from the course with an “F”.  Other possible lesser actions may be the loss of all points for the assignment/quizz/exam and/or reduction of the students final grade.  All quizzes and exams are closed book and notes.  Plagiarism is defined by the University as “the use of distinctive ideas or works belonging to another person without providing adequate acknowledgement of that person's contribution.”  Students should review the University policy on plagiarism provided on the web (http://www.csus.edu/admbus/umanual/UMA00150.htm ).

Flexibility Clause:

Circumstances may arise during the course which may prevent the instructor from fulfilling each and every component of this syllabus;  therefore, the syllabus should be viewed as a guide and is subject to change.  Students will be notified prior to any changes.

Welcome & Good Learning!

LABORATORY SCHEDULE

LECTURE SCHEDULE