Course Description
Selected topics in genetics at an advanced level. Emphasis placed on comparative view of molecular mechanisms underlying animal and plant development. Prerequisite: BIO 392
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- Integrate concepts from molecular genetics, genomics, epigenetics, and developmental biology to explain biological phenomena.
- Evaluate how genetic and epigenetic variation contributes to normal development and human disease.
- Differentiate between classical and non-classical mechanisms of inheritance, including chromosomal, mitochondrial, epigenetic, and complex inheritance, and determine how each contributes to phenotypic variation.
- Critically evaluate primary scientific literature to assess experimental design, methodology, interpretation, and conclusions in modern genetics research.
- Interpret experimental data (figures, graphs, and tables) from research articles and draw evidence-based conclusions.
- Communicate complex genetic concepts and scientific findings effectively using appropriate genetic terminology and evidence-based arguments.
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Midterm | 30% |
| Final exam | 20% |
| Quizzes | 25% |
| Presentation | 20% |
| Participation | 5% |
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:
Attendance: Attendance will not be taken. There will be mandatory in-class quizzes and exams, with no make-up opportunities without an excused absence. For excused absences, please inform me as early as possible if circumstances, out of your control, will cause you to miss an assessment day.
Participation: During peer student presentations, it is expected that you will attentively listen and ask questions. Your participation grade will be a reflection of asking questions and participating in in-class discussions.
Extra credit: No extra credit assignments or make-up work will be accepted.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
No course materials are required.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.