Genetics Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

BIOL-2416-001 Genetics

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: BIOL 1406 and MATH 1314

Course Description

Study of the principles of molecular and classical genetics and the function and transmission of hereditary material. May include population genetics and genetic engineering.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Required – Concepts of Genetics, 2012, Robert J. Brooker, MeGraw-Hill Companies.

                  Genetics Laboratory Manual, Fall 2012, Brandon Moore, Amarillo College

Supplies

A Sharpie is required for the laboratory. A personal laptop computer is recommended for some of the labs.

Student Performance

By the end of the semester the student will be able to satisfactorily complete all of the listed learning objectives (below) with a minimum of 60 percent competency level based on the completion of the required examinations and other work as required by the instructor.

LEARNING/ PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES (MINIMUM COMPETENCIES):
After studying the material presented in this course, the student will be able to do the following:

1. Define genetics and the scientific method.

2. Describe Mendel’s Principles.

3. Discuss non-Mendelian inheritance including epigenetics.

4. Describe and outline mitosis and meiosis.

5. Describe basic probability and statistics as it relates to genetics.

6. Describe sex determination, sex linkage and pedigree analysis.

7. Describe linkage and mapping in eukaryotes.

8. Discuss linkage and mapping in prokaryotes.

9. Discuss the chemistry of the gene.

10. Describe the structure of the eukaryotic chromosome and cytogenetics.

11. Describe the steps in transcription of the gene and contrast the processes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

12. Describe the steps in translation of the gene and contrast the processes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

13. Describe gene expression control in prokaryotes.

14. Discuss gene expression control in eukaryotes.

15. Discuss Recombinant DNA Technology including genetic engineering.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

AVOID ANY APPEARANCE OF CHEATING. Cheating will result in loss of the grade for that quiz, test, or exam. Hats are not to be worn during exams.

CELL PHONES & PAGERS: Cell phones and pagers are to be in silent mode during lectures and must be turned off during exams.  Texting is not allowed during class. If you have an urgent need to have a phone or pager on, you must inform the Instructor before class, and must quietly exit the room to take a call.  Using a smartphone or other device to record lectures is encouraged.  Cell phones are not allowed on or at laboratory benches.

LABORATORY SAFETY. No food or drinks are to be taken into or consumed in the laboratory (a table outside Science Hall labs is available for use). General Laboratory Rules are listed in the lab manual and will be discussed the first day of class. These policies are for your personal safety. The first violation of the safety rules will result in a warning, the second violation may result in dismissal from that class session. Upon the third violation the student may no longer be allowed to attend class. Students must also read and sign a laboratory safety contract before they are allowed to continue attending.

Student must follow all safety rules and notify the instructor immediately if an accident occurs. While the risk of an accident is minimized as much as possible, there is the potential for contact with electrical appliances, heating elements, sharp instruments, chemicals, and organic materials, some of which may be biohazardous. Any student deemed to be jeopardizing the safety of others will be asked to leave the lab immediately and possibly permanently.

Grading Criteria

Grading Scale: A = 90 - 100%, B = 80 - 89%, C = 70 - 79%, D = 60 - 69%, F < 60%.
To pass the course, students must attain a grade of 60%, or better. Most medical fields or university transfers require a grade of 70% (C), or better.

Lecture examsare 50% of the total grade for the semester.  Five 50-minute exams will be given in class, based on lecture material and any assigned reading material.  Each exam will be worth 100 points, and the lowest exam grade will be dropped.  Each exam format will use multiple choice, matching, true-false, definitions, and/or short essay questions.  NOTE: After an exam, the balance of the lecture time will be used to start the next topic.

The Final Exam is 20%of the total grade for the semester. The exam will be comprehensive, 2 hours, in class, as listed on the Amarillo College Final Exam schedule.

Laboratory activities are30% of the total grade for the semester: 20% for weekly lab reports, 5% for an independent research project, and 5% for a comprehensive lab final.  There are 11 weekly lab reports that will be due the Monday lab session of the following week.  The lowest lab report grade will be dropped.  The student project at the end of the semester will be developed on any contemporary topic in Genetics.  Guidelines for projects are provided in the Lab Manual and will be discussed further in class.

There are NO makeup lecture exams; a missed lecture exam becomes the drop grade.  There are NO makeup lab tests; a missed lab test becomes the drop grade.  All number grades for exams and lab assignments will be posted on Blackboard.  Final course letter grades will be posted on Blackboard.

Attendance

Attendance is not a numerical component of the grading of this course, but regular attendance is required for success.  This is especially important for lab activities.

Calendar

Additional Information

The Blackboard Content site for this class will have the syllabus, schedules for ongoing activities, selected images for laboratory exercises, and PowerPoint material for lectures.  Lecture and laboratory exam dates are subject to change, with reasonable notification given to all students.

Expectations: Every student will take personal responsibility for his/her learning in this course. To best succeed, each student should:

    Attend all lecture and laboratory sessions.

    Participate in lecture and laboratory activities by asking questions and working diligently.   

    Study 10-12 hours each week.

    Prepare for each class by reviewing previous lecture material and by reading that day's laboratory exercise.

    Complete all assignments when due.

Communication:All email communications will be to the student’s AC gmail address.