BIO 301: GENETICS

Spring, 2007

Classes: MWF 8:30-9:20, CHM 2068
Labs: M or W 1:30 - 4:30, Dana 256

Dr. David Wessner
Watson 218
x2846

Office Hours
MW 10:00 - 11:30
T 2:00 - 4:00

Required Reading Material

Griffiths et al. Introduction to Genetic Analysis, 8th ed. (2005) W.H. Freeman

Course Objectives

We live in the Age of Genetics. Since the elucidation of the structure of DNA by Watson and Crick in 1953, advances in genetics have occurred with amazing rapidity. Today, our lives are impacted on a daily basis by these advances. From genetically modified foods to the anti-retroviral drug AZT, products whose development depended on advances in molecular genetics abound in the marketplace. Current experiments in gene therapy eventually may lead to cures for many inherited diseases. The cloning of animals may result in the increased availability of organs suitable for human organ transplants. The deciphering of the human genome may lead to an increased understanding of cancer. Of course, these advances are not without controversy. Human stem cell research, the possible cloning of humans, and the development of genetically modified plants and animals all have generated heated public debate. Increasingly, to understand these debates, the general public needs to be "genetics literate."

During the course of the semester, we will explore various aspects of this exciting field, focusing on classical Mendelian inheritance, the biochemistry of nucleic acids, and techniques in molecular genetics. We also will emphasize experimental design and the analysis of data. Finally, we regularly will discuss "genetics in the news." As stated above, advances in genetics are occurring on a daily basis; we will try to stay abreast of these rapid developments.

Grades, as outlined below, will be based on two reviews, one short paper and presentation, a group laboratory project, class participation, and a final exam. I do not take attendance in lecture. Attendance during scheduled lab sessions, however, is mandatory. Every unexcused missed laboratory session will result in an automatic 1 letter grade deduction on your final grade.

Grades

Grading Scale

LECTURE SCHEDULE

LABORATORY SCHEDULE

Lab handouts will be posted on the Web throughout the course of the semester. Please read the appropriate handouts before the lab period. Many of the protocols will require you to be in the laboratory outside of the normally scheduled sessions.