Biology 212

General Genetics

Spring 2007

Instructor / Dr. Nancy J. Bachman
Office / 35 Denison Hall
Office Hours / MWF 1-2 pm
Phone / 436-3061
email /
Course Web Page /
Lectures / MWF 9-9:50 am HECO 203
Labs / T 10-11:50 am PSCI 205

Revised Lecture Schedule (post blizzard)

week / date / lecture topic / text assignment
1 / 1/17 / DNA / Chap. 1 pp. 2-9
1/19 / Gene Function I / Chap. 1 pp. 9-14
2 / 1/22 / Gene Function II / Chap. 1 pp. 14-22
1/24 / Problem session / Chap. 1 problems
1/26 / Mendelian Genetics I / Chap. 2 pp. 34-43
3 / 1/29 / Mendelian Genetics II / Chap. 2 pp. 43-53
1/31 / Gene Interactions / Chap. 2 pp. 53-66
2/2 / Problem session / Chap. 2 problems
4 / 2/5 / Chi-square Test / Chap. 3 pp. 105-111
2/7 / Mitosis and Meiosis / Chap. 3 pp. 74-88
2/9 / Sex Linkage / Chap. 3 pp. 99-104
5 / 2/12 / Problems/review / Chap. 3 problems
2/14 / Snow day
2/16 / Snow day
6 / 2/19 / Exam I
2/21 / Linkage Mapping I / Chap. 4 pp. 122-132
2/23 / Linkage Mapping II / Chap. 4 pp. 132-138
7 / 2/26 / Spring Break I--no class
2/28 / Spring Break I--no class
3/2 / Spring Break I--no class
8 / 3/5 / Linkage Mapping III / Supplemental problems
3/7 / DNA Replication / Chap. 6 pp. 204-224
3/9 / Recombinant DNA / Chap. 6 pp. 224-233
9 / 3/12 / Problem session / Chap. 6 problems
3/14 / Bacterial Genetics I / Chap. 7 pp. 242-247;250-253
3/16 / Bacterial Genetics II / Chap. 7 pp. 253-259
10 / 3/19 / Bacterial Genetics III / Chap. 7 pp. 259-264;267-274
3/21 / Problem session / Chap. 7 problems
3/23 / Gene Expression / Chap. 8 pp.284-291;pp. 302-305
11 / 3/26 / Problems/Review / Chap. 8 problems 8, 9, 13, 16 only
3/28 / Exam II
3/30 / Gene Regulation / Chap. 9 pp. 318-324
12 / 4/2 / Spring break II--no class
4/4 / Spring break II--no class
4/6 / Spring break II--no class
13 / 4/9 / Problem session / Chap. 9 and Supplemental problems
4/11 / Human Chromosomal Defects I / Chap. 5 pp. 164-168; 170-179
4/13 / Human Chromosomal Defects II / Chap. 5 pp, 179-190
14 / 4/16 / Problem session / Chap. 5 problems
4/18 / Human Genetic Diseases / Web links; Chap. 12 pp. 426-430
4/20 / Recombinant DNA revisited / Chap. 10 pp. 358-368
15 / 4/23 / Human Genome Project / Chap. 10 pp. 368-379
4/25 / Genetic Testing / Chap. 4 pp. 140-143
4/27 / Problem session / Chap. 4 and Chap. 10 problems
16 / 4/30 / Population Genetics I / Chap. 14 pp. 500-506
5/2 / Population Genetics II / Chap. 14 pp. 507-510
5/4 / Population Genetics III / Chap. 14 pp. 513-520
17 / 5/7 / Problems / Chap. 14 problems
5/9 / Review
5/14 / Final Exam 8-10:30 am

Course Description:

Broad coverage of the field of genetics from the classical period through recent molecular genetics: discussion of nature, transmission, arrangement and function of genetic material and genetic technology.Laboratory experiments require some work at hours other than regularly scheduled time.Prerequisite: BIOL 100, 200.

Course Objectives:

1. To understand the nature of the gene (molecular genetics), how genes are passed from one generation to another (Mendelian genetics), the basis for human hereditary disorders (human genetics), and the role of genetic diversity in the evolution of species (population genetics).
2. To be able to think critically about genetics and solve problems in genetics.
3. To be aware of new genetic technologies and their potential impact on society.

Required Text:

Hartl, D. L. and Jones, E. W. (2006) Essential Genetics: A Genomics Perspective, fourth edition. Jones and Bartlett, Sudbury, MA.

Optional Text:

Lozovsky, E. R. (2006) Study Guide and Solutions Manual for Essential Genetics: A Genomics Perspective, fourth edition. Jones and Bartlett, Sudbury, MA. Study guide and solutions are also available on Blackboard.

Lectures and Exams:

  • Lectures meet MWF 9-9:50 am in 203 Human Ecology (HECO). Regular attendance in lectures is strongly advised. The lecture notes (Word files) can be downloaded from the course web page, but may not be updated until after the lecture has been presented in class.
  • The first two exams are scheduled during lecture periods; the final will be during the college-scheduled period in finals week.Make-up exams should be arranged ahead of the scheduled exam period. For exams missed due to illness or family emergency, the student must provide a signed excuse from a doctor or other professional in order to arrange a make-up.

Problem Solving:

  • A major objective of this course is to encourage you to solve problems using genetic principles. Practice problems will be assigned from the text to prepare you for problem sessions and exams. You are expected to work through the assigned problems on your own, using the solutions manual to check your answers. If you are having difficulty with the problems, please see the instructor.
  • In problem sessions, we will go over some of the assigned problems, and you will work on a problem that you will hand in for a grade (usually about 4 points each). Problem points (20 points) and up to 20 additional points extra credit can be earned by correctly solving problem session questions. For extra time outside of class to work these problems, please see instructor.

Exam Preparation:

  • The exams will consist mainly of multiple choice questions and problems.About 2/3 of the questions on each exam will be based on problems. Some formulas or tables will be provided on exams; otherwise, no notes or books will be allowed. Please bring your own calculator and a #2 pencil to exams. The final exam will consist of 80 points on topics covered the last third of the course and 60 points on topics from the entire semester. Sample exams can be downloaded from the course web page as Word documents.

Grading:

  • Log on to Blackboard and enroll in Biology 212 for access to your exam, lab, and problem grades online.
  • Your course grade will be based on exams, problems, and laboratory assignments.

Exam I / 80 pts.
Exam II / 80 pts.
Graded problems / 20 pts. (extra credit possible)
Final Exam / 140 pts.
lab total / 240 pts
course total / 560 pts

Grades will be assigned based on the following % of the course point totals:

A / 93-100% / C / 73-76%
A- / 90-92% / C- / 70-72%
B+ / 87-89% / D+ / 67-69%
B / 83-86% / D / 63-66%
B- / 80-82% / D- / 60-62%
C+ / 77-79% / E / <60%

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