BIOL 231

Biology 231: Genetics

Prerequisite: A grade of "C" or better in BIOL 132; or a grade of "C" or better in BIOL 111.

Credit Hours: (4) Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory

An introduction to the basic principles of genetics, and molecular biological techniques. Topics include DNA and genomic structure, gene expression, mutation, and genetic data analysis. Laboratory experiments and projects apply course concepts and scientific methodology to biological research questions.

Note(s): Applied Learning designated course.

 

Detailed Description of Content of Course

1. Prokaryotic vs eukaryotic genetics
2. DNA structure
3. DNA replication
4. Transcription/translation
5. Gene regulation
6. Genetic linkage and recombination
7. Recombinant DNA technology
8. Introduction to genomics
9. Cytogenetics
10. Mendelian Inheritance
11. Meiosis and sexual reproduction

 

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The course will be taught in classroom and laboratory sessions. Classroom instruction will be a combination of lecture, discussion, group work, team learning, and case studies as determined by the instructor, in coordination with the instructors for the other core courses.

The laboratory meetings will be designed to provide students with the skills to design experiments to test hypotheses, troubleshoot experiments, and report their results in the format of the biological literature. This course will focus particularly on the following basic laboratory skills:

1. Data base searches and effective use of Boolean operators
2. Chemical reagent calculations
3. Sterile technique
4. Pipetting for standard DNA procedures: extraction, PCR, Gel electrophoresis
5. Statistical analysis of data

 

Goals and Objectives of Course

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

• Describe molecular structure of nucleic acids and proteins, and chromosomes and genomes.
• Describe the processes of DNA replication, transcription and translation.
• Describe the structure and function prokaryotic vs eukaryotic genes.
• Describe distribution of sequences within the eukaryotic genome in terms of copy number (e.g., single copy, intermediate repetitive highly repetitive) and function.
• Correctly apply simple probability theory to predict phenotypic traits and apply simple statistical tests to the evaluation of genetic data.
• Describe common chromosome and karyotype abnormalities of humans.
• Identify the stages of meiosis.

 

Assessment Measures

Methods of assessment may include:

Analysis of written examinations, quizzes, practical laboratory examinations, and laboratory reports. Some components of the laboratory assessment will test the student's ability to make measurements and use the equipment. Assessment measures may also include evaluation of student presentations and graded homework, depending on the instructor.

Analysis of skills in comprehending, synthesizing, and articulating course content.

Analysis of students' skills in critical thinking.

 

Other Course Information

None

 

Approval and Approval

DATE ACTION REVIEWED BY
New Course October 25, 2007

Revised    2/6/09    Gary Coté

April, 2011

Revised: March 20, 2012

March 01, 2021

April 15, 2025