Genetics & You (PLSC 111)
 
Schedule Lectures Useful Sites Additional Study Aids
 
 
Instructor: Dr. Shahryar F. Kianian
Office Location: 470G Loftsgard Hall
Office Phone: 231-7574
E-mail: s.kianian@ndsu.edu
Office Hours: By appointment (send an email to arrange time)
Teaching assistant: Ms. Jenna Jansen
Office Location:  
Office Phone:  
E-mail: jenna.jansen@ndsu.edu
Office Hours: By appointment (send an email to arrange time)
Class Hours: 9:30-10:20 TR
Credits: 2
 
Course Description
In this course we will provide/discuss the basic principles of genetics and relate them to everyday occurrences/issues. Class will be divided in to six groups of five or six students to discuss issues/topics regularly during the semester. Students are expected to understand and discuss current ethical/moral issues relating to genetics.
Objectives
1. Have a broad background in understanding genetics
2. Have a base for continued study in genetics
3. Better understand the genetic principles as it relates to societal issues
Educational Philosophy
The background of the students in the course is very diverse. Therefore, I will give many examples in human genetics with the thought this would be of interest to all. However, we also will try to have examples in plants and animals so that, hopefully, I sometime will discuss an organism that is of special interest to you. Specifically, try to extrapolate the principle to the organism of your interest. The lecture outline is the "syllabus", handouts and text. I will be taking questions for the tests from information in the outline and/or given in lecture. I realize that many people are in lecture, but I encourage you to stop me to ask questions or if you wish a concept to be repeated. My purpose for being in the class is to help you in understanding genetics.
Text

Any introduction to genetics book you can find in the library. There are a number of online resources on various topics as well. Some are presented as links on the class website. If you find any other sites that are good please let me know and we will add it to the list of links.

Assessments

There will be one mid-term exam (Thursday March 9, 2005) and a final (Wednesday May 10, 2005 at 8:00am-10:00am) each worth 100 points. Coverage for each test will be over approximately one-half of the course material. Although each test coverage is started from where the previous test coverage stopped, earlier information is used as a basis for expanded coverage. Therefore, each test is on an accumulative basis. A statute of limitations is set at 30 days for grade changes.

Additional 100 points maximum will be given to each student based on participation in discussions throughout the class. This will be based on participation in discussions, demonstrating the ability to communicate your thoughts on the issue to others and presentation of your ideas in the class. Therefore, “speak out” and show how much you know on the issues at hand.

Extra credits

Regular short question quizzes will be handed out through out the class. Points earned will be added to your total points and help improve your final grade. You have to be present to take the quiz and earn the credits.

Grades
The grading is by letter grades determined by total points of the exams and discussion points.
A 270 to 300
B 240 to 269
C 210 to 239
D 180 to 209
Potential F less than 180
Cancellations
I will consider that a university cancellation of a class meeting time automatically delays all the scheduled activities (lectures AND tests) to the NEXT regularly scheduled meeting time.
Special Needs
A student with special needs for lecture and/or testing should obtain documentation from student Health or an appropriate office so that I can assist in meeting those needs.
Dishonesty
The College of Agriculture has an Honor System which believes that a student has the privilege and responsibility to perform honestly and responsibly. An indication of dishonesty will be referred to the Honor's Commission made up of students. I, also, retain the privilege of deducting points from a test if I deem the action is warranted. Appropriate methods are available for appeal.
 
Schedule Lectures        
I. Introduction Lecture One        
  A. Preclass quiz Lecture Two        
  B. Objective of course Lecture Three        
  C. Course grading Lecture Four        
  D. Introduction Lecture Five        
II. Introduction to genetics and scientific inquiry Lecture Six        
III. Genes Lecture Seven        
IV. Mendelian genetics Lecture Eight        
V. Chromosome theory of inheritance Lecture Nine        
VI. Extensions of Mendelian analysis Lecture Ten        
VII. Linkage Lecture Eleven        
VIII. DNA and genes Lecture Twelve        
X. DNA testing Lecture Thirteen        
XI. Genetic testing Lecture Fourteen        
XII Manipulation of natural genetic variation Lecture Fifteen        
XIII Exam I Lecture Sixteen        
XIV. Moral Philosophy/Discussion principles          
XV. Harvest of Fear video and discussion          
XVI. Discussion: Embryo testing, genetic counseling and abortion          
XVII. Discussion: Genetic Testing for disease          
XVIII.. Discussion: Cloning          
XIX. Discussion: The GMO issue          
XX. Discussion: Patenting life          
XXI. Gene Hunters video and discussion          
XXII. Final Exam          
       
         
Useful Sites Additional Study Aids

http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/units/basics/cell/

From the Blueprint to You
http://biology.about.com/od/basicgenetics/a/aa071705a.htm The Human Genome
http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/units/basics/tour/ Previous Midterm Exams
http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/units/disorders/karyotype/ Moral Philosophy Handout
http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/units/disorders/whataregd/ Previous Final Exam
http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/units/disorders/newborn/ Cloning
http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/units/disorders/counselors/ Embryo Testing, Genetic Counseling and Abortion
http://www.nsgc.org/ Patenting Life
http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/units/genetherapy/ GMO
http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/units/cloning/ Gene Testing Process
http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/units/stemcells/ What is Gene Therapy
http://genethics.ca/
http://georgetown.edu/research/nrcbl/publications/scopenotes/index.htm
http://www.lbl.gov/Education/ELSI/
http://www.lbl.gov/Education/ELSI/genetic-testing.html
http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/projects/cases/ubcase.htm
http://www.exploratorium.edu/genepool/ETHEX.html
http://www.religioustolerance.org/