Carol Gates' Website

Genetics Syllabus Quarter 3,  2008-2009
This is a basic genetics course.  Students will study such topics as DNA structure andfunction, chromosomes, mitosis, meiosis, mutations, Medelian genetics,population genetics and common inheritable traits and genetic diseases.  
Essential question:  Why is an understanding of genetics
important? 
Focus skills: 
Organizing to accomplish goals. 
Applying effective research methods. 
Course Grade:                          Per Cent
Classroom participation                 10
Laboratory notebook			20                    
Lab work                                10
Tests and quizzes   			10                     
Research Reports                        30
Exhibition                              20      
   Exhibition benchmarks               (10)
   Exhibition                          (10)         

Classroom participation
Includes contributions to discussions, classroom behavior, and asking questionsabout homework and class work.  Italso includes coming to class on time, staying in class and not leaving classearly.
Research reports and other assignments must be turned in by the due date.  You may turn a paper in early, but NOT
late.  If you cannot complete anassignment for any reason, you must let me know BEFORE the due date.  If you ask for an extension on the datethe report is due, the answer is “No.” Taking notes during lectures is an important part of this class.  The standing homework assignment is toreview your class notes each day, and to ask questions the next day aboutanything you wish clarified.  
   Each research report should contribute to your exhibition, so
think carefully about your topic.  
Generalized topics ( do one paper on each):
1.   DNA, chromosomes and genes
2.   A Specific Gene
3.   Methods in Genetics relating to your specific gene.  This may be about diagnosis, treatmentor cure or all of these.
You may choose which of these topics you will deliver orally to
the entire class.
Each research paper must be three pages in length, and
additionally include (not part of the three pages) an annotated bibliography
with 5 entries in MLA format, and two visuals of your making, with captions 
and figure numbers.  The bibliography should be numbered in the order
 that you cite them in your paper, as should the visuals. 
Late policy:  if you are late more than 3 times, youmay lose one half percent off your final grade for each additional time you arelate.  BE ON TIME.
Labs, in-class projects and the exhibition: Projects will be used especially to practice andenhance the focus skills.  We willdiscuss how to organize before and during these various activities, andpractice them in the classroom.  Wewill pay particular attention to the organization required to do theExhibition, and use the visual aspects of your Exhibition both as an aid toyour audience and to help you organize. You will give one oral presentation, which we will use as an example ofeffective research for the entire class. In science, it is important not to rely solely on the internet for allyour information.  You will use thelibrary and/or the books in classroom for at least part of your research.  This way I can help you through anydifficult parts, and better assess what help you may need.  I think it will also be easier for youto describe what help you might need. Ideally, at least some of the labs and in-class projects can beincorporated into your exhibition.
Calendar
Week 1    
Overview
DNA helix and bases
Genotype, Phenotype 
Sexual and asexual reproduction
Sex chromosomes and sex anomalies in humans
Week 2
Mendelian genetics
Dominant genes
Recessive genes and lethal recessives
Codominant genes
Week 3
Mitosis
Autosomes
Mutagens and Teratogens
Week 4
Meiosis
Age of gametes
Nondisjunction
Linkage
Crossing over
Week 5
Population genetics
Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
Week 6
Darwin
Comparative morphology
Convergent evolution
Speciation
Equilibrium
Week 7
Replication
Transcription
Translation
Week 8 
Review and Final Exam
Finish Exhibition preparation
Week 9
Exhibition rehearsal
Exhibition