This is the main syllabus for Dr. Tiftickjian’s course in Genetics (BIO 328). If this is your first visit, you will probably want to read this page from beginning to end. Some of the links below will take you to sections on this page; others will take you to pages with additional and more detailed information. You can return to this page from any other Genetics page by clicking the “Syllabus” button found at the top and bottom of each page.
To keep up with the latest information on lecture topics, reading assignments, and other announcements, visit the Course Outline page which shows the lecture schedule and provides links to the latest items of interest to students enrolled in the course.
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• Course outline and schedule |
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Course objectives
Most branches of biology are based to a large degree on the principles of heredity. This is especially true of fields such as taxonomy, evolution, ecology, molecular biology, and development. A basic course in genetics is therefore essential for all students of biology.
Genetics is a very “hot” area of biological research today. Advances in modern genetics have made possible genetic engineering, better understanding of hereditary diseases, development of new varieties of crop plants and animals, and new insights into the mechanisms of evolution. All of these areas are based on the foundations of heredity that go back to the work of Mendel and other classical geneticists.
The main goal of the course is to introduce the three main branches of genetics: classical genetics, sometimes called Mendelian or transmission genetics; molecular genetics, which deals with the chemical action of DNA; and population genetics, which is concerned with how genes influence the dynamics and evolution of populations.
By the time the semester is over, we should all have a good idea about what genes are, how they work, and how the science of heredity relates to biology as a whole.
Expected preparation
I assume that you have taken general chemistry and principles of biology. From these courses you should already have a basic understanding of concepts such as: cell structure, mitosis and meiosis, life cycles of plants and animals, and evolution. Although we will review these some of these principles, I will not re-teach things you have already had, but I will be more than happy to help you outside of class if you need catching up on basic concepts. If you have not taken the prerequisites or something equivalent, you must check with me before continuing in the course.
The textbook
For most of the course we follow the text closely, so you do need access to a copy of the book. The publisher has created an interactive web site that you will find useful as well as an "eBook," which is the entire text in searchable electronic form. See your textbook for details. This book covers much more than we can hope to cover in one semester, so we will pick and choose the content we will use. Watch your reading assignments carefully to make sure you are reading the correct sections in the correct order. Some topics are covered in a different order than the book covers them.
Lecture format
The traditional way of teaching genetics is through problem solving. This seems a reasonable approach because much of genetics (especially classical genetics) is based on events that must be analyzed logically, often using statistical methods. Male A is crossed with female B. Then the offspring are tabulated. What conclusions can you draw from the outcome of the cross? We will depend strongly on this problem solving approach. This may be a little different than some biology courses you have had that were based mainly on description and classification. There will not be long lists of terms to memorize. You will be expected to develop an understanding of principles, not just to memorize facts.
We will begin each class meeting with a discussion of the important principles presented in the textbook. Then we will work on example applications (problems) of those principles. You will also work on assigned problems outside of class, and these will be discussed in later class periods. Occasionally films, computer simulations, etc. will be used to supplement textbook material.
Laboratory format
Information on the lab will be discussed at the first lab meeting
Course web site
Right now you are reading the home page of the course web site. This site is not yet complete, but it is constantly being updated. Here you will find class news, assignments, lecture outlines, and other information that will be useful. Note that this is not an “online” course, but should be considered “Web-enhanced.” You are not often required to make use of the this website, but it is strongly recommended. You will find materials here that may not be in the textbook or covered completely in lecture, but all the online content is designed to enhance the course and help to improve your grade. You should check the site frequently as it is constantly changing. The most important page is the course outline page that shows an updated schedule of lecture and lab topics, reading assignments, and homework assignments. You will also find most of the lecture outlines, answers to selected homework problems, and links to related information on the Internet.
Assignments and testing
Daily quizzes. [approximately 50 points] There will be short quizzes each day at the beginning of the lecture period. A typical quiz will take about 5 minutes. Material for quizzes will come from the day’s reading assignment, recent lectures, and problems similar to current homework problems.
Homework. [0 points] Homework problems will be assigned regularly throughout the semester. Homework will not be collected or graded, but will serve as practice for quizzes and exams. Homework will be reviewed regularly during class discussions, and you should be prepared to discuss your answers when called upon. How well you do on the homework is your single best indicator of how well you understand the material. Answers to all homework problems are available on reserve in Roberts Library and will eventually be available on the course web site as well.
Exams. [300 points] Exams consist of multiple choice questions, short discussion questions and problems. Most of the credit will come from problems. Exam questions will be drawn primarily from topics discussed in class but will sometimes be taken from reading assignments not covered specifically in lecture. Problems on exams will be similar to those on homework problem sets.
Laboratory. [approximately 100 points] The lab grade will come from written reports that will be assigned throughout the semester. You will get detailed instructions on how to do these during lab meetings.
Final exam. [150 points] The final exam is comprehensive. That is, it will cover information taken from the whole semester. However, questions on older material will be more general than on previous exams. This part of the final should not be difficult as long as you have reviewed the major concepts covered throughout the semester. Approximately 2/3 of the final will cover material covered after the 3rd exam. The format of the final is similar to that of the lecture exams, but will of course be a bit longer.
Other assignments. [up to 50 points] There may be some additional assignments depending on how things develop during the semester. Sometimes I have ideas for new things to try which will count toward your grade.
Checking your grades
You can check your current grade online at a secure web page. You must log in with a unique password so no one but you will be able to see your grades. You will receive your password shortly after the course begins. Note that this web page is independent of the Blackboard system used by Delta State. The login ID and password you might be using for another course through Blackboard will not work for Dr. T's courses.
Other course policies
See the course policies page for additional information on attendance, grading policy, dropping the course, etc.
Delta State University > Biological and Physical Sciences > Dr. Tiftickjian > Genetics