Class Hours: MWF 11:00 -11:50 a.m.  Laboratory Hours: PA Monday, 2:00 - 4:50                             PR Monday 6:00 - 8:50 Instructor: Margaret Hicks, Ph.D. Office: AL252H  Office Phone: 539-7216  E-mail address: mfhicks@pstcc.edu	Credit Hours: 4         Office Hours: M 5-5:50; T 11-11:50; W 12-                      12:50, R 9-9:50, F 10-10:50

Course Description:
Mendelian genetics, chromosomal inheritance, modified Mendelian ratios, chromosome mapping, linkage, gene and chromosomal mutations, recombination, gene expression, recombinant DNA technology, transposable elements, extranuclear genome, population genetics, and quantitative genetics. Course includes three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory applications each week.

Entry Level Standards:
The student should have a good understanding of basic biology and chemistry. Reading and writing at the college level is expected. Basic math skills (arithmetic, determining ratios) are needed as well.

Prerequisites:
BIO 1010 and 1020 or two years of high school biology, and CHM 1010 and 1020; or consent of instructor. All remedial/developmental courses must be completed before taking this course.

Textbook(s) and Other Reference Material Basic to the Course:
Russell, Peter J. 2000. Fundamentals of Genetics, second edition. New York: Addison, Wesley and Longman.

Palladino, Michael A. 2000. Lab Manual for BiologyLabs On-Line. New York: Addison, Wesley and Longman. [Includes 6 month subscription to BiologyLabs On-Line Website.]
 

I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis:
 

Week	Topic	Chapter
8/19	Introduction, Mendelian Genetics	1, 2
8/26	Mendelian Genetics, Mitosis and Meiosis	2, 3
9/2	Sex Linkage, Extensions of Mendelian Analysis	3, 4
9/9	Extensions of Mendelian Analysis	4
	9/13 Test 1: chapters 1-4
9/16	Genetic Mapping in Eukaryotes	5
9/23	Mapping in Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes	5, 6
9/30	Mapping in Prokaryotes, Mutations	6, 7
10/7	Mutations, Gene Control of Proteins	8
	10/11 Test 2: chapters 5-8
10/14	DNA Structure, Genetic Code	9, 10
10/21	Replication, Transcription, Translation	11, 12, 13
	11/1 Test 3: chapters 9-13
10/28	Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering	14
11/4	Regulation in Prokaryotes	15
11/11	Regulation in Eukaryotes, Mutation	16, 18
	11/15 Test 4: chapters 14, 15, 16, 18
11/18	Transposable Elements	19
11/25	Extranuclear Inheritance, Population Genetics	20, 21
12/2	Population Genetics, Quantitative Genetics	21, 22
12/9	Quantitative Genetics	22
	Final Exam Wednesday, December 11 11:00 a.m. - 12:40 p.m. Comprehensive, but with greater emphasis on chapters 19, 20, 21 and 22

II. Course Objectives*:

Students will:
A. Gain knowledge and appreciation of the complex and dynamic processes of storing and retrieving genetic information within the cell. II
B. Apply critical thinking skills in analyzing genetic data and determining modes of inheritance. I
C. Develop skills in searching current and classic historical literature sources in genetics and evaluating the information in terms of scientific validity. III
D. Develop an appreciation of the techniques and potential of genetic engineering, as well as the responsibility for scientific integrity. I

* Roman numerals after course objectives refer to goals of the Natural Sciences Department.
 

III. Instructional Processes*:

Students will:
1. Locate and evaluate related scientific information in the ERC and on the World Wide Web. Information Literacy Outcome
2. Use related equipment and tools for making biological measurements and observations. Technological Literacy Outcome
3. Read and critique scientific writings. Communication Outcome
4. Use Internet course list serve to share information pertaining to the course with classmates. Communication Outcome, Technological Literacy Outcome, Information Literacy Outcome
5. Collect data, generate graphs and tables of the collected data, summarize the data, draw conclusions from the data, and apply these conclusions to related situations. Numerical Literacy Outcome
6. Develop a vocabulary that allows them to communicate more effectively with their health care providers as well as in preparing for health care professions. Transitional Strategies
7. Participate in laboratory exercises that develop teamwork, problem solving skills and data analysis. Problem Solving and Decision Making Outcome; Active Learning Strategies
8. Utilize skills and procedures developed in the laboratory to design an implement plan to identify unknown microorganisms. Personal Development Outcome, Problem Solving and Decision Making Outcome

* Strategies and outcomes listed after instructional processes reference Pellissippi State's goals for strengthening general education knowledge and skills, connecting course work to experiences beyond the classroom, and encouraging students to take active and responsible roles in the educational process.
 

IV. Expectations for Student Performance*:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. predict the outcome of crosses involving autosomal traits, sex-linked traits, multiple alleles, and incomplete dominance. A, B
2. explain the connection between the chromosomal theory of inheritance and predictions of outcomes of crosses based on Mendelian genetics. A, B
3. explain deviations in Mendelian ratios based on multiple alleles, lethal alleles, multiple genes, penetrance, expressivity and linkage. A, B
4. compare results of genetic crosses with predicted ratios and evaluate significance of deviations using chi square analysis. B
5. distinguish between mutations in somatic versus germ line cells and their impact on the individual and species. A
6. predict the impact of silent, frameshift, deletion and insertion mutations within a gene. A, B
7. compare and contrast mutations affecting chromosomal structure and number. A
8. distinguish among various methods of genetic recombination in microorganisms: conjugation, transformation, transduction. A
9. discuss the use of recombination in microorganisms as a tool in mapping both prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. A, B
10. explain the interactions among DNA, RNA and proteins in the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology. A, C
11. discuss the steps involved in recombinant DNA techniques: restriction enzyme digestion, gel electrophoresis, restriction mapping, cDNA libraries, DNA libraries, Southern, Northern and Western blotting, cloning, DNA sequencing, RFLP mapping, DNA fingerprinting and PCR. A, B, D
12. compare and contrast the structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic DNA. A
13. identify factors involved in changing allelic frequencies in populations: natural selection, mutation, inbreeding, genetic drift, immigration. A, B
14. calculate allelic frequencies using Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. B
15. discuss the role of transposable genetics elements in retroviruses, bacteria and eukaryotes. A
16. identify sources of extrachromosomal inheritance and discuss classic examples of mitochondrial and chloroplast genes. A, C
17. gather, organize and interpret genetic data, presenting the results in a formal laboratory report. B, C

* Letters after performance expectations reference the course objectives listed above.
 

IV. Evaluation:

A. Testing Procedures: [500 points]

Five exams, each worth 100 points, will be given during the semester. If an exam is missed, there will be no make-up exam. The student will receive a 0 for a missed exam. The lowest of these exam scores may be replaced by doubling the final exam score.

A final exam, worth 100 points, will also be given. This will be a comprehensive exam, though new material not covered on previous exams will be weighted more heavily.

Exams will consist of a combination of essay, short answer, problem solving, matching and multiple choice questions. Essays will be evaluated on organization as well as content. Calculators may be used in the exams.

B. Laboratory Expectations: [500 points]

Participation in laboratory exercises is mandatory. The laboratory grade will be determined as follows:
 

Laboratory Exercises:Students must purchase the instruction manual for the Pedigree Lab and FlyLab. These manuals contain the code and license to access the software from the Internet. Instruction and/or assignment sheets for each lab (including these computer simulations) will be provided the week prior to the laboratory exercise. Students are expected to read the material and answer questions pertaining to the theory behind the experiments prior to the lab. (These will be assigned at the time the handout is given.) Data collection and analysis will be done during the laboratory period. Some time may be required outside of lab to complete the analysis. of these worksheets. Due dates will be given in class; no late assignments will be accepted.

FlyLab Report:Students will be required to submit a formal lab report on the FlyLab in addition to their original data sheets. It is absolutely essential that a lab log be maintained. The lab report should include a title, introduction (in which the purpose of the experiment is explained), materials and methods, results and a discussion. Appendices must be included for data sheets and calculations. Plagiarism of others' work will not be tolerated. ANY LAB REPORT THAT IS LATE WILL BE DOCKED 10% CREDIT PER DAY, INCLUDING WEEKENDS!!

Lab Practical: The laboratory practical will consist of questions involving analysis of data and interpretation of results. There will be a number of genetics problems on the exam, including mapping of genes and restriction site mapping. These problems will be similar to assignments completed in lab. Calculators are permitted during the laboratory practical.

Technique, teamwork, effort, safety: Students will be evaluated throughout the semester on their ability to work with others in a team as well as their technique in the laboratory exercises. It is not expected that students enter the lab knowing molecular biology techniques, but that proficiency is developed during the course of the semester. Students who continually need to be reminded of proper safety procedures or who come to lab wearing clothing that is inappropriate (open toed shoes, bare legs) will not earn the points for safety. Effort points will be based on whether students are in class, on time, and willing to attempt to learn (whether they are successful or not).

C. Field Work: [extra credit; variable points to be announced in class]

Problem sets and library reading assignments may be given throughout the semester. These will be due at the BEGINNING of class on the due date. Unless otherwise indicated, late assignments will be docked 10% per day, including the day the assignment is due.

Problem Sets: Genetics is a field which can best be understood through analysis of data and problem solving. It requires active involvement rather than passive learning. To ensure that students have a solid grasp of the concepts, problems from the book and other sources may be assigned. Frequently assignments will be made at the end of one class and will be due at the beginning of the next class period. Students who miss a class are responsible for obtaining and completing the assignment before the next class period. Late assignments will not be accepted.
 

Library Assignments: There may be occasional reading assignments from books or journals that will be placed on reserve in the library. Students will be asked to write a summary of the article and frequently will be asked to respond to the information as well.

Extra Credit Research Paper [Bonus 30 points; due Nov. 18]: In addition to understanding the facts of science, students need to be exposed to the methods of science. Many discoveries in genetics have resulted from the unique personalities of the geneticists involved. Students will be asked to select their favorite geneticist and write a three page, typed, double-spaced bibliographic sketch of the scientist. This paper may include, but is not limited to, information on the scientist's family background, education, personality, accomplishments and what led the scientist to a career in genetics. A minimum of three sources must be consulted, and in text references and a bibliography must be included. Additional information on the format of the paper will be posted on the course website.

D. Other Evaluation Methods: None

5. Grading Scale:

The final grade will be based on the accumulation of points from both lecture and lab, which will then be divided by the total number of points (1000).
 

900 -1000 points	A	700 - 769 points	C
870 -899 points	B+	600 - 690 points	D
800 - 869 points	B	Below 600 points	F
770 - 790 points	C+

V. Policies:

A. Attendance:
Pellissippi State Technical Community College expects students to attend all scheduled instructional activities. As a minimum, students in all courses must be present for a at least 75 percent of their scheduled class and laboratory meetings in order to receive credit for the course.

B. Academic Honesty:
Plagiarism is any form of using another person=s words or ideas without giving proper credit. Plagiarism includes, though is not limited to, the following:
- Copying sentences from a source without putting them in quotes and citing the source. [Please note that in scientific writing, quotations are NOT utilized. Instead, the cited material must be summarized, and the source cited. This is VERY different from English writing. The goal is to be concise.]
- Borrowing a sentence from another author and simply substituting a few synonyms or rearranging the order of the sentence.
- Copying from another student.

Plagiarism is a form of mental laziness and will not be tolerated. Any plagiarized assignments will receive an automatic 0 and may not be dropped or replaced by resubmitting the assignment. Second offenses will result in an automatic failure of the course.

Students are expected to work independently in completing all assignments.

C. Late Assignments:
Unless otherwise noted, late assignments will not be accepted.

D. Use of E-mail:
Consistent with PSTCC's mission to utilize technology in the classroom, review sheets for exams, extra credit assignments and other class announcements will be sent to your school e-mail address. It is to your advantage to learn to utilize your school e-mail account. Should you have a computer and modem at home, and you wish to either forward your school mail to your home computer or access your school account from home, you may obtain instructions in the open computer lab (ERC 315). The technician at the front desk can also provide direction if you have never used your school account. If you experience continuing problems with accessing your account, please see the instructor.

E. Course Website:

Chapter outlines, learning objectives and other useful course study material will be posted on a course website. The website address is: http://www.pstcc.edu/mfhicks/index.html#Genetics
 

Genetics Laboratory Schedule
 

Date	Lab	Topic
8/26	1	Probability (handout); Pedigree I (BioLabs On-Line)
9/2		Labor Day - No school
9/9	2	FlyLab (BioLabs On-Line)
9/16	3	FlyLab (BioLabs On-Line)
9/23	4	FlyLab (BioLabs On-Line)
9/30	5	Pedigree II (BioLabs On-Line)
10/7	6	Molecular Techniques (micropipettes, gel electrophoresis)
10/14	7	PCR
10/21	8	PCR
10/28	9	Restriction Mapping
11/4	10	Restriction Mappiong
11/11	11	Southern Blot
11/18	12	Southern Blot
11/25	13	Southern Blot
12/2	14	DNA Isolation
12/9		Lab Final