BIOL 209 - Genetics

4 Credits: (3 lecture, 3 lab)

Course Description
This course is designed for biology majors or those entering the medical field. Classical (Mendelian) and modern (molecular) explanations of patterns of inheritance are discussed. Topics include nucleic acid structure; replication; transcription; translation; organization and regulation of the prokaryotic, eukaryotic, and viral genomes; evolutionary genetics; and applications of genetic technology in research and medicine.

Note Spring semester only.

Prerequisite BIOL 120 or permission of instructor.

Text
Brooker, R. (2024). Genetics: analysis and principles (8th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Objectives
The student will be able to:

A. Describe and use the Mendelian rules of inheritance as well as variations of those rules.

B. Describe mechanisms by which changes in gene frequencies of a population occur.

C. Describe chromosome structure.

D. Describe molecular structure and characteristics of DNA and RNA.

E. Describe the stages of cell cycle, including known regulatory mechanisms.

F. Describe the stages of meiosis and how they relate to recombination and gene mapping.

G. Describe the process of DNA replication.

H. Describe the process in which gene expression results in protein production.

I. Compare prokaryotic, eukaryotic, and viral gene regulation.

J. Predict and describe the effects of changes in gene and chromosome structure on cell and organism function.

K. Collect and analyze data generated from genetics laboratories.

Content
A. Mendelian genetics

B. Population genetics

C. Gene and chromosome structure

D. Replication and reproduction

E. Control of gene expression

F. Genetic engineering

Student Evaluation
The evaluation of study progress will be based on semester examinations, laboratory reports, various in-class and homework assignments, and a final examination.