GENETICS:  A 20th CENTURY SCIENCE

 

Dr. J. Christopher Gaiser

BIO 104

January 2007

503-883-2537

email:  cgaiser@linfield.edu

Office Hours:  By appointment

 

The focus of this course is the astounding progress made in genetics and molecular biology between 1900 and the present.  A substantial component of this course is an investigation of a variety of modern techniques collectively termed "biotechnology" (genetic engineering, gene therapy, DNA forensics, etc.).  In order to understand, and evaluate, biotechnology we need to have a basic understanding of genetics and molecular biology—gaining this understanding will be the goal of the first portion of this course.  The second portion of this course will be dedicated to understanding the “technology” part of biotechnology, as well as grappling with some of issues--ethical, legal, economical, etc.—that surround this technology.  Toward this end, you will be part of a group oral presentation discussing some aspect of biotechnology.  Additional information regarding the oral presentation will be forthcoming.

 

Textbook (required):

Human Genetics:  Concepts and Applications, 7^th ed., by Ricki Lewis

 

Grading:

Your grade will be based on three exams, a presentation, and class participation.  Each class session will consist of lecture material and a discussion topic.  There may also be homework problems to work as well.  The midterms will test mastery of concepts and facts discussed in class.  You will also be required to work in a small group to research and make a presentation on a topic of your choice. 

 

Midterms                      two @ 75 points each               150

Final                             one @ 50 points                         50

Class participation                                                         100

Presentation                                                                  100

Total                                                                             400 points

 

Grading will follow the standard format:

90% or above = A

80-89.9%       = B

70-79.9%       = C

60-69.9%       = D

0-59.9%         = F

 

 

Class participation

This takes many forms, and is a substantial portion of your final grade.  Part of your grade will be based upon turning in ten written assignments.  Another part is asking questions in class discussions regarding things you find interesting or confusing.  Yet another part is participation in discussion threads that are ongoing.  Essentially, I am looking for active engagement in the course.

 

Exams

Make-up exams will be allowed for excused absences only.  If you know that you will miss an exam during its offering time because of an "officially sanctioned trip, such as a choir tour, band trip or a scheduled athletic event" you must schedule a make-up with me well in advance.  If you are ill on the day of the exam, notify the professor as soon as possible.

 

Disability Policy

Students with documented disabilities who need accommodation must bring a letter of explanation, a “Request For Test Accommodation” form, and any other relevant paperwork from Learning Support Services to me as early in the semester as possible.  Those who have any emergency medical information I should know of, or who need special arrangements, should make an appointment with me as early as possible, but no later than the second week of the term.

 

Lecture Schedule

Date	Pages	Topics
Jan. 3-7		Introduction
		Biotechnology in today’s society
	Ch. 1	Overview of genetics
	Ch. 2	Cells
Jan. 8-14	Ch. 3	Meiosis
	Ch. 4	Mendel:  Classical genetics
	Ch. 5	Extension of Mendel's Laws
	Ch. 6	Sex Chromosomes
	Ch. 7	Multifactorial Traits
	Ch. 8	Behavioral Genetics
Jan. 15-21		Exam 1 (Ch.1-8)
	Ch. 9	DNA structure
	Ch. 10	From DNA to Proteins
	Ch. 11	Control of Gene Expression
Jan. 22-28	Ch. 12	Gene Mutation
	Ch. 13	Chromosomes
		Exam 2 (Ch.9-13)
	Chs. 16, 22	Human Origins and Evolution; Genomics
		Presentations
Jan. 29-Feb 7	Chs. 19, 20	GMOs; Gene Therapy
		Presentations
		Review
		Final Exam (Ch.16, 19, 20, 22)