Advanced Genetics

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

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.