Genetics

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

• Comprehensive, detailed understanding of the chemical basis of heredity
• Knowledge of the fundamental concepts of genetics and an appreciation of the relationships between genetics and other biological disciplines e.g. molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry.
• Basic problem-solving skills in the areas of transmission, molecular and population genetics.
• Knowledge of extranuclear inheritance and its implication in terms of inheritance.
• Describe the role of genetic mechanisms in evolution.
• Enough information about current topics in genetics (cloning, genetic engineering, stem cell research, CRISPR) so that students can make informed decisions about issues of public interest.
• Describe the role of genetic technologies in industries related to biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, energy, and other fields.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure	Percentage/Points
4 Tests	40%
4 Quizzes	15%
Homeworks	25%
In class activities	15%
Iclicker	5%

Homework: Homework assignments contribute approximately 25% to the course grade. All your homework will be submitted online on Achieve so you do need to have access to this platform to take this course. Plenty of time will be allocated for the completion of the assignments so please note that you lose 10% of your grade over each day late. Homework assignments will be posted in Canvas Modules and on Achieve.

Please use a computer (not your cell phone or IPad) to work on Achieve assignments. Do not wait until the last hour to submit your assignment since problems with your laptop, WI-FI access etc. will prevent you from receiving maximum credit for that assignment.

Tests: There are 4 tests. Each contributes 10% to the course grade. Tests are multiple choice (30 questions, 60 minutes). Tests will be taken at the UNCG proctoring lab. The dates of tests are subject to change. You are expected to be present for every class session, regardless of whether a test is scheduled or not. The only valid excuses for an absence on the day of a test are 1) a university-sponsored event, 2) personal illness, 3) a family emergency, or 4) fulfillment of a military responsibility. In the event of an absence on a test day, you must contact your instructor within 24 hours. Appropriate and verifiable documentation is required. Without such documentation, a make-up test will not be permitted and a grade of zero will be assigned for the missed test. The fourth test will be held during the scheduled final exam time. Exams will not be cumulative, however, a mastery of the material from earlier lectures will be necessary to understand subsequent material. No make-up will be scheduled for Test 4 unless you have academic approved documentation.

Quizzes: There are 4 quizzes (10 questions, 15 minutes). Each contributes 3.75% to the course grade. Quizzes are multiple choices. Quizzes will be taken in class. Bring your laptops to class for quizzes. The dates of quizzes are subject to change. You are expected to be present for every class session, regardless of whether a quiz is scheduled or not. The only valid excuses for absence on the day of a quiz are 1) a university-sponsored event, 2) personal illness, 3) a family emergency, or 4) fulfillment of military responsibility. Students arriving late will not receive any additional time on the quiz. If you miss a quiz for a valid, documented reason, you will be given an opportunity to do a makeup quiz.

In class activities: you will sit and work with a team of 3-4 students almost every day in class. These activities will count towards 15% of your grade.

iClickers: iClicker participation will be through iClicker remotes only and will contribute approximately 5% towards your course grade. Bring your iClicker to every class and be prepared to use it to respond to questions posed during class discussions. You have 3 unexcused absences. You will earn the full iClicker points for your first 3 unexcused absences. Make sure you always have your clicker and backup batteries, so you get credit for assignments. No credit will be given if clickers are not used. You will not be penalized for answering a question incorrectly.

Grading Scale

Percentage	Letter Grade
92-100%	A
90-91%	A-
87-89%	B+
82-86%	B
80-81%	B-
77-79%	C+
72-76%	C
70-71%	C-
67-69%	D+
63-66%	D
60-62%	D-
0-59%	F

Attendance/Participation:

Attending class during our scheduled class times is expected.

There will be in-class activities nearly every day of class and students who are not present for in-class activities will not earn points for in-class activities.

An unexcused absence on the day of a test or quiz will result in a grade of 0 (zero) for the test or quiz.

Valid excuses for missing a test or a quiz are limited to participation in University sponsored events, serious personal illness, a family emergency, or fulfillment of military responsibility.

Appropriate verification of a valid absence will be required to be excused from a quiz or before permission is given to take a makeup test.

Make-up tests for excused absences will be made at the proctoring lab.

Please note that the scheduled class times will also be used for important reviews of genetics problems.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

• Textbook: Genetic: A Conceptual Approach - Achieve 1 term 7th Ed. Benjamin Pierce
• Iclicker remote