Genetics ­ BI 279

Fall 2004

 

Instructors:  Joshua Kavaler, Arey 112, jkavaler@colby.edu, 859-5734

                                  Betsy Champlin (lab), Olin 302, eschampl@colby.edu, 872-3320

 

Course Description:  We will investigate the mechanisms of inheritance from classical, cell biological and molecular perspectives.  Topics will include the transmission of genetic traits and the mechanisms by which this is achieved, the physical and chemical nature of genes, the mechanisms by which genetic information is both conserved and altered and the processes governing gene expression.  In addition, we will examine some of the burgeoning genetic technology and its impact on society.

 

Text & Resources: 

Introduction to Genetic Analysis, 8th ed. ­ Griffiths et al., W.H. Freeman & Co.

 

General Server:  The BI 279 folder on the general server will contain the course syllabus, assignments and more.

 

Meeting Times and Places: 

Lecture: Lovejoy 205, MWF 11:00 to 11:50 AM

Labs: Arey 1, Tue, Wed, or Thu, 1:00 to 4:00

 

Exams:

There will be two midterm exams and one final exam.  The exams are closed-book and are to be completed on the honor system:  you will take the midterm exams on one of the designated exam days and complete it within two hours (chosen between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM).  The exam may not be turned in later than 5 PM of that day; therefore, it should be started by 3 PM.   It is expressly forbidden to discuss the exam with anyone else in the class during the designated exam period.  If you do discuss the exam, you will receive a failing grade for that exam.  Any abuse of the honor system will result in a failing grade.

 

Grading Scheme                        Points (no lab)                               Points (w/ lab)

A = 90 to 100%                                         Exam 1:            30 points                         Exam 1:                                                                           22.5 points

B =  80 to 89 %                                          Exam 2:            30 points                         Exam 2:                                                                           22.5 points

C = 70 to 79%                                            Final Exam:    40 points                         Final Exam:                                                                           30 points

D = 60 to 69%                                                                                                                      Lab:                                                                           25 points

                                                                                                                                                     

 

Responsibilities:

               Attendance at lectures and in the laboratory (for those of you taking the lab) is required.  If you have an unavoidable conflict, please see me at least one week before the class ­ and I may consider the issue.  If you cannot come to class because of illness, please let me or the apropriate lab instructor know.  You are responsible for all of the material covered in lecture and all reading assignments.


 COURSE SCHEDULE:  (This is meant as a guideline; we may decide to rearrange or spend more or less time on topics as necessary)

 

 

 

DATE                              TOPIC                                                                                                      READING   

 

Sep 8-10                          Introduction to Genetics                                                                  Ch 1, p 1-16

                                                                                                                                                                    

Sep 13-17                       Patterns of Inheritance                                                                     Ch 2, p 27-54

 

Sep 20-24                       Recombination and Mapping                                                       Ch 4, p 115-131

 

Sep 27- Oct 1                              Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance;                                           Ch 3, p 73-107

                                             DNA is the Genetic Material                                                         Ch 7, p 227-231

 

Oct 4-8                          DNA Structure and Replication                                                  Ch 7, p 231-249

                                            

Oct 11-15                       Gene Expression: Transcription                                                   Ch 8, p 255-270

 

                                             -------   (Exam 1: Mon-Wed) -------                                              

 

 

Oct 20-22                       Gene Expression: Translation                                                        Ch 9, p 273-294

 

Oct 25-29                       The Regulation of Gene Expression                                           Ch 10, p 301-325

 

Nov 1-5                           The Regulation of Gene Expression (contąd)                       

Recombinant DNA technology                                                    Ch 11, p 341-352

                                                                                                                                                                     Ch 11, p 360-362

                                                                                                                                                                     Ch 11, p 372-379

 

Nov 8-12                         Genomes and Genomics                                                                   Ch 12, p 391-410

 

                                             --------  (Exam 2: Mon-Wed) --------

 

 

Nov 15-19                      Mutation, Repair and Recombination                                     Ch 14, p 452-477

 

Nov 22                             Chromosomal Changes                                                                    Ch 15,  p 481-502

                                                                                                                                                                     Ch 15, p 505-509

 

Nov 29 ­ Dec 3           From Gene to Phenotype                                                                 Ch 6, p 185-208

 

 

Dec 6-10                         Dissection of Gene Function                                                          Ch 16, p 521-539