Genetics Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

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As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

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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.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

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 2014, Brandon Moore, Amarillo College

Supplies

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

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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.

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

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\ 1. Define genetics and the scientific method.

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\ 2. Describe Mendel’s Principles.

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\ 3. Discuss non-Mendelian inheritance including epigenetics.

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\ 4. Describe and outline mitosis and meiosis.

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

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

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\ 7. Describe linkage and mapping in eukaryotes.

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\ 8. Discuss linkage and mapping in prokaryotes.

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\ 9. Discuss the chemistry of the gene.

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

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

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

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\ 13. Describe gene expression control in prokaryotes.

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\ 14. Discuss gene expression control in eukaryotes.

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\ 15. Discuss Recombinant DNA Technology including genetic engineering.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student 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

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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 must be in silent mode during lectures and must be turned off during any exams.  Texting is not allowed during class. If you need to respond to a phone or pager message, you must quietly exit the room to do so.  Using a smartphone or other device to record lectures is encouraged.  Cell phones normally are not allowed on or at laboratory benches.

LABORATORY SAFETY. No food or drinks are to be taken into or consumed in the laboratory without permission from the instructor. Laboratory Safety 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 complete by the beginning of week 2 a safety quiz with a score of 80% or better before they will be allowed to continue attending lab class.

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.

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 exams are 40% 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, short answer, and/or short essay questions.

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.

Weekly assigned problems are 15% of the total grade. Five assigned problems for each chapter are due Tuesday following the completion of lecture discussion of that chapter. More complete instructions are posted on Blackboard and will be discussed in class.

Laboratory activities are 25% of the total grade for the semester: 12.5% for weekly lab reports, 2.5% for an independent research project, and 10% for 2 lab exams (mid-term and non-cumulative final). There are 11 weekly lab reports that will be due the Tuesday lab session of the following week. The lowest lab report grade will be dropped. The student project 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 labs; a missed lab report becomes the drop grade. Students can petition to retake a missed lab exam, at the instructor’s discretion. All number grades for exams and lab assignments will be posted on Blackboard. Final course letter grades will be posted on Blackboard.

Biology Department Testing Policy

Science Testing Center: Warren Hall 112

All lecture tests, excluding the Final Exam, will be taken in the Science Testing Center and may be taken during normal Science Testing Center hours, day or evening. Tests are to be taken outside of class lecture time. Please note: No tests will be given out less than one and a half hours before the Science Testing Center closes. You must present an Amarillo College student ID every time you take a test. The Science Testing Center staff will retain your ID while you take your test and it will be returned to you when you turn in your test.

When using the Science Testing Center students should scan in and out with their Amarillo College student I.D.

Mandatory Tutoring: Warren Hall 110

In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student who scores below a 70 on any exam (excluding the Final Exam) must complete a mandatory 30 minute tutoring session with his/her instructor or in the Science Enrichment before taking the next exam. Appointments for 30 minute tutoring are required and can be scheduled in the Science Enrichment Center or by calling (806) 371-5536.

A Record of Tutoring form will be given to you when you complete 30 minutes of required tutoring. You will not be allowed to take the next exam without the complete Record of Tutoring form.

Free Drop-in: Peer tutors are available at the Science Enrichment Center.

Cheating will not be tolerated in any biology course at Amarillo College. On the first day of class, you will be required to sign and date a Course Contract. Included in the contract is the following statement: "I fully understand that if I cheat, or attempt to cheat, on any test I will receive an automatic “F” in the course. This grade will go on my permanent transcript and cannot be removed. Cheating includes, but is not limited to: the illegal use of books, notes, cell phones*, copying or leaving the Science Testing Center with a test or questions from a test. Cheating also includes helping, or attempting to help, other students to cheat on a test."

You will not be allowed to take your tests until this contract is signed and on file in the Science Testing Center.

*Please Note: NO CELL PHONES in the Testing Room. If we see your cell phone out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, YOU WILL RECEIVE an "F" for the course!

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, schedule for ongoing activities, selected videos, assigned problems, supplemental lab materials, and PowerPoint slides 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 or more 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.