Syllabus for
PLSC, ZOO, BOT, BIO 315 – Genetics
Fall 2006
 
Instructor: Xiwen Cai, Ph.D.

Office:

266G Loftsgard Hall

Phone:

231-7404

E-mail:

Xiwen.Cai@ndsu.edu

Office Hours:

3:30pm - 5:00pm Tuesday and Thursday

Course Website:

http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/instruct/hammond/genetics/index.html

 

http://bb.ndsu.nodak.edu
 

Class Time and Place:

Sec. 1 – 9:00-9:50am MWF, Loftsgard 114

 

Sec. 2 – 11:00-11:50am MWF, Loftsgard 114
 

Text: Essentials of Genetics , Fifth Edition, by W. S. Klug and M. R. Cummings

 
Course Description:

This course discusses the concepts and foundations of genetics. Mendelian genetics along with cytogenetics and molecular genetics are considered in the course. Special emphasis is given to understanding genetic principles and genetic analysis methods through case studies.

 

Course Objectives:

- Understanding terms, concepts, principles, the scientific method, and the historical experiments in genetics.

- Developing problem solving and critical thinking skills.

- Understanding relevancy of genetics to our daily life.

- Providing a base for further study in genetics and related disciplines.

 
General Education:

This course has been approved for meeting General Education requirements under the following learning outcomes:

- Comprehend concepts and methods of inquiry in science and technology, and their applications for society.

- Integrate knowledge and ideas in a coherent and meaningful manner.

 
Assessment:

Exams will be based on material presented in lecture. Three one-hour exams and a final exam will be given, each worth 100 points. Each test will cover approximately one quarter of the course material, with coverage for each test beginning where the previous test coverage left off. However, the nature of the course material requires that earlier material often be used as a basis for expanded coverage.

 

Grades: 360-400 = A, 320-359 = B, 260-319 = C, 200-259 = D, 199 or less = F

 
Exam Dates:

Hour Exams –

September 29, Friday

 

October 25, Wednesday

 

November 20, Monday

Final Exam –

Section 1:Tuesday, December 12, 8:00am - 10:00am

 

Section 2: Wednesday, December 13, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
 

No Class:

September 4, Monday (Labor Day)

November 10, Friday (Veterans Day)
November 24, Friday (Thanksgiving Break)
 
Class Policy:

Attendance is expected, but is not taken. If you miss an exam you must obtain written documentation (proof) to take the make-up exam which must be done within two week days. Students are expected to finish reading assignments before coming to class.

 

Cancellation of a class meeting time automatically delays all scheduled activities, including exams, to the next scheduled meeting time.

 

Special Needs:

Students that may have special needs for this course are encouraged to speak with the instructor as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements. Verification of Disability Status forms is available from the Counseling and Disability Services Office.

 
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. The instructors also retain the privilege of deducting points if they deem that the action is warranted. Appropriate methods are available for appeal.

TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
Date Subject Assigned Reading (Chapter)
8/23 Course overview/Introduction to Genetics 1.1-1.4
8/25 Chromosomal basis of heredity (mitosis and meiosis) 2.1-2.4
8/28 " " " " 2.5-2.7
8/30

Mendelian genetics

3.1-3.3
9/1 " " " " 3.3
9/4 Holiday - Labor Day - no class
9/6 Mendelian genetics 3.3, 3.4
9/8 " " " " 3.5, 3.6
9/11 " " " "

3.8

9/13 " " " " 3.9
9/15 Modification of Mendelian ratios 4.1-4.5
9/18 " " " " 4.5, 4.7
9/20 " " " " 4.8, 4.10
9/22 " " " " 4.13
9/25 Sex determination and sex chromosomes 5.1-5.3
9/27 " " " " 5.3-5.4
9/29 Exam I
10/2 Linkage and chromosome mapping in eukaryotes 8.1, 8.2
10/4 " " " " 8.2
10/6 " " " " 8.2, 8.3
10/9 " " " " 8.4, 8.5
10/11 Chromosome mutations 7.1-7.3
10/13 " " " " 7.4-7.5
10/16 " " " " 7.6-7.8
10/18 " " " " 7.9-7.10
10/20 DNA structure and analysis 10.1, 10.5, 10.6
10/23 " " " "

10.8-10.10

10/25 Exam II  
10/27 DNA replication and synthesis 11.1, 11.3
10/30 " " " " 11.4, 11.6, 11.7, page 248
11/1 Chromosome structure and DNA sequence organization 12.1-12.6
11/3 Transcription 13.7-13.8
11/6 " " " " 13.9-13.11
11/8 Translation and proteins 13.1, 13.2, 13.4
11/10 Holiday - Veterans Day - no class
11/13 Translation and proteins 14.1-14.2
11/15 " " " " 14.6, 14.7, 14.10
11/17 Gene mutation 15.1-15.4
11/20 Exam III
11/22 Gene mutation 15.5, 15.6, 15.10
11/23-24 Holiday - Thanksgiving Break - no class
11/27 Recombinant DNA technology 17.1-17.2
11/29 " " " " 17.3-17.5
12/1 " " " " 17.6-17.9
12/4 Applications and ethics of biotechnology 19.1-19.3
12/6 " " " " 19.3, 19.4
12/8 " " " " 19.5, 19.8
12/12 Final Exam-Section 1: 8:00am - 10:00am  
12/13 Final Exam-Section 2: 1:00pm - 3:00pm