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Genetics lab reports
last modified on 1/17/08
wmitchel@ramapo.edu

Course Description: A study of the mechanisms of inheritance and gene action from the molecular to the organismic and population levels. Topics include: Mendalian principles, molecular genetics, genetic mapping, population genetics and quantitative genetics in both lecture and laboratory.

This course is a prerequisite for Evolution, Cell & Molecular Biology, and MANY Biology/Biochemistry/Bioinformatics electives. In addition, the material here is found in MOST standardized exams in the Bio-sciences. You will also be expected to know much of the material in Genetics in the workplace as well as graduate schools.

Lecture Text: P.J. Russell. iGenetics. A Molecular Approach. Pearson/Benjamin Cummings, 2006.
Other Materials: You must have a calculator, with the ability to perform linear regression and some type of eye protection.

Course Objectives:
1) Understand the basics of the structure, and function of nucleic acids.
2) Know the basics of DNA replication in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
3) Know the basics of transcription, translation, transcriptional control, and post-transcriptional control in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
4) Be familiar with the most common techniques in molecular genetics.
5) Understand the laws of heredity and how they can be used in basic and applied research.
6) Predict the outcome of genetic crosses.
7) Deduce the nature of hereditary systems given the results of genetic crosses.
8) Know how genes are packaged with proteins in the form of chromatin.
9) Understand gene mapping and its significance, including how genes are mapped both genetically and physically.
10) Understand how gene variation occurs and how populations maintain or lose genetic diversity, including how selected mutagens change DNA sequences.
11) Be able to describe changes in chromosome structure and number and describe the significance of these changes.
12) Describe genetic variation in populations as well as the factors which effect this variation.
13) Predict how the genetics of populations change over time.
14) Understand the nature of continuously varying traits.
15) Know how knowledge of variable traits can be used to breed new types of animals and plants.
16) Acquire laboratory skills and gain the ability to make adjustments in laboratory protocols as needed. Collect, analyze and present data scientifically.

This is a 300 level course with prerequisites and I expect you to have an understanding of the basics of Biology and Chemistry. Be serious about reading the lecture materials before and after class and studying your notes. Go over the review section at the end of each chapter. See me during office hours, if you are having trouble understanding the lecture material or if you find yourself falling behind. See your laboratory instructor, if you are having trouble understanding the laboratory material or if you find yourself falling behind. Please feel free to ask questions in lecture and lab! Spend more time reading the text and studying your notes if you are having difficulties.

You will need access to a calculator with linear regression to write laboratory reports and take exams. All calculators work differently, it is your responsibility to understand how your calculator works.

The classroom will be maintained in a manner which is conducive to teaching and learning. Students will treat each other and their instructor with respect. Comments and questions about the subject matter are ALWAYS welcome!

A Genetics Learning Resource is available on my College web site. This site includes this syllabus, the instructions for writing laboratory reports, and five problem sets corresponding to the five Genetics exams. A limited number of links to other web sites are available. Your ability to perform genetics problems on exams will be enhanced by doing the practice problems on the web site and in your text book.

Safety glasses, eye glasses, or some other form of eye protection are required for laboratories. Safety should be YOUR primary concern. If YOU are not sure what you should do next ASK YOUR INSTRUCTOR! Expensive laboratory equipment should always be handled gently!

Read the laboratory materials in advance of class. Sometimes you will work in pairs or larger groups in which every member must be involved. In some instances the laboratory instructor will lecture before you begin laboratories and at other times you will begin the first step of an experiment before much lecturing occurs. Remember that people who try to finish early often make mistakes, and have to repeat the experiments (after everyone else has left for the day)!

There are two laboratory reports covering multiple laboratory periods (see laboratory schedule pages). It is in your best interest to do well on the first laboratory report since only one is required and you will have more time to study and practice genetics problems.

Laboratory reports should be UNIQUELY YOURS and follow the instructions on the Genetics Lab Report web page. YOUR LABORATORY INSTRUCTOR is the FINAL arbiter of what is appropriate in the laboratory.

Electronic Forms of Communication. In accordance with College policy, I will use your Ramapo College email address (@ramapo.edu) to communicate with you about all course-related matters.

Experiential Component. This course will include a minimum of five (5) hours of unmonitored appropriate experience outside of the classroom. This requirement is supported by the laboratory.

Policy on Academic Integrity. Students are expected to read and understand Ramapo College's Academic Integrity Policy, which can be found in the Ramapo College Catalog. Members of the Ramapo College community are expected to be honest and forthright in their academic endeavors. Students who are suspected of violating this policy will be referred to the Office of the Provost.

Students with Disabilities. If you need course adaptation or accommodations because of a documented disability, please make an appointment during my office hours. Documentation comes through the Office of Specialized Services (OSS).

1) There will be four 90 min. lecture exams during lecture periods and one 2 hour lecture exam (Exam 5) during finals week.
2) You are responsible for ALL of the lecture, textbook and laboratory material. Lecture material will be stressed on exams.
3) Your laboratory grade will be based on attendance, class participation, and laboratory reports. If you frequently come to laboratory late, it will lower your grade.
4) Laboratory reports will be marked lower for each day they are late.
5) Unexcused absence from lecture or lab classes will result in a loss of 2% of your grade points per day. If you are late 15 min you will be recorded as absent. You will be forgiven one unexcused absence from lecture but not from laboratory.
6) You must obtain an average of 60 or HIGHER for BOTH the Lecture AND Laboratory parts of this course to obtain a D or C-!
7) You must obtain an average of 70 or HIGHER for BOTH the Lecture AND Laboratory parts of this course to obtain a C or HIGHER!
8) Your LOWEST lecture exam will be dropped. If you miss an exam that will be your lowest grade. One make-up exam will be given only if you miss two exams.
9) Your final grade points will be calculated as shown below (if you satisfy #6 above).

.............. Your 4 Best Exams.....................................=......80% (20% each)
.............. Your Worst (or missed) Exam....................=........0%
.............. Your Best Laboratory Report.....................=......10%
.............. Laboratory Participation............................=......10%
...................... .......................... .................Total.....=......100%

10) Unless I feel the need to introduce a curve, HIGHLY UNLIKELY, the following letter grades will be given (if you satisfy #5 & #6 above).

Grading Note #1: I recommend that students who score less than 50 on the first exam or score an average of a 60 on the first two exams, drop the course and take it another semester, unless there are extenuating circumstances which will not reoccur.

Grading Note #2: You will need to understand all previously covered Genetics topics in order to understand the new material. If you do poorly on an exam please understand what was wrong. Put what you learn in your long term memory! Cramming will not work in this class.

Grading Note #3: Genetics is a prerequisite for the courses Evolution, and Cell and Molecular Biology. Put what you learn in your long term memory! You will use this material again.