BIOL 240 - Genetics

Number of Credits: 4
Genetics gives the student who is a science major the basic principles in the field of genetics. This course investigates the fundamental biology of gene structure, organization, expression, and function using prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. Essential genetic principles are applied to the understanding of human heredity and disease, and molecular genetic techniques, including informatics, are discussed and practiced in the context of biotechnology and its applications to disease and genetic medicine. (Fall & Spring) Three hours lecture each week. Three hours laboratory each week. Four Credits. Four billable hours.

Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 101 with a minimum grade of C or better.
Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Assess the effect of the three branches of genetics at the biological, societal, and individual levels, and on future thinking. (PG1, PG2, PG4)
Relate eukaryotic cell cycle control, its deregulation in cancer, and role in apoptosis. (PG1, PG2, PG4)
Relate the process of meiosis to genetic variation. (PG1, PG2, PG4)
Interpret probabilities and statistics in the gathering, predicting, and analysis of genetic data, pedigree analysis, twin studies, and adoption studies. (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4, PG5)
Construct genetic and physical maps related to genetic linkage analysis and recombination frequency calculations. (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4, PG5)
Relate the mechanisms of gene mutations and DNA repair to genetic disorders diseases through a written and oral assignment. (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG5)
Relate the chemical nature of DNA to its organization and the processes of DNA replication, transcription, and translation. (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG5)
Differentiate between prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene regulation at the levels of DNA, RNA, and protein. (PG1, PG2)
In regards to molecular genetics, use techniques for gene isolation and analysis, including bioinformatics and the use of public databases to address particular problems in biotechnology, medicine, or biology. (PG1, PG2, PG3, PG5)