December 7, 2007
Common Course Outline
(revised 11/24/07)
II. Catalog Description:
BIOL 1101 Introduction to Human Genetics 4 CR FALL, SPR. Explores the historic and contemporary status of human genetics. Topics include how genes are studied, modern applications of genetics, genes and human intervention, the role of genetic counselors, sex determination, karyotyping, the Human Genome Project and population genetics. Lecture 3 hours; lab 3 hours. Prereq: READ 0960 or placement in READ 1106 or above. MNTC: Goal 3.
III. Recommended Entry Skills and Knowledge:
READ 0960 or placement in READ 1106 or above
IV. Outline of Major Content Areas:
Subtopics listed under each main topic may vary due to recent developments in the field of Genetics
A. Introduction to Genetics
1. Identification of the major issues within the field of Genetics
2. Identification of the major applications of Genetics and of some of the ethical, legal, and social problems they pose.
B. The Eukaryotic Cell
1. Components of the eukaryotic cell
2. Chromosomes and their function
3. The cell cycle and mitosis
C. Human Development
1. The life cycle and meiosis
2. The reproductive system and the formation of gametes
3. Prenatal development
4. Cloning by nuclear transfer
D. Mendelian Inheritance
1. Mendel’s principles of dominance, segregation, and independent assortment
2. Mendelian inheritance in humans and pedigree analysis
3. Chromosomal bases of Mendelism
E. Extensions of Mendelism
1. Multiple alleles and different dominance relations
2. Penetrance, expressivity, and the influence of the environment
3. Epitasis
4. Maternal inheritance, mitochondrial genes and mitochondrial disorders
5. Linkage and gene mapping
F. Sex-linked inheritance
1. Sex determination in human beings
2. X-linked inheritance and X-linked disorders
3. Inactivation of X-linked genes in female mammals
4. The search for the genetic bases of sexual orientation
G. Multifactorial traits
1. Quantitative traits and contonous variation
2. The concept of heritability
3. Methods to study mulifactorial traits: Twin studies
H. The Structure of DNA
1. The chemical composition and structure of nucleic acids
2. Chromosome structure: the nucleosome
3. DNA replication and DNA repair
4. Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR) and its applications
I. Gene Action
1. Transcription, splicing, and RNA processing
2. Translation and the genetic code
J. Gene Mutation
1. Phenotypic effects of mutation: sickle cell disorder
2. Spontaneous and induced mutations
3. Different types of mutations
K. Chromosomes
1. Prenatal diagnosis and cytological techniques
2. Genetic counseling
3. Abnormal chromosome number and structure
L. Population Genetics
1. DNA fingerprinting
2. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
3. Changing allelic frequencies
4. Natural selection and balanced polymorphism
M. Human Origins and Evolution
1. Molecular evolution and molecular clocks
2. The “Out of Africa” hypothesis and its critics
N. The Human Genome Project (HGP)
1. The techniques used by the HGP: DNA cloning and DNA sequencing
2. Ethical, legal, and social issues related to the HGP
3. Eugenics
O. The Genetics of Immunity
1. The immune response
2. Abnormal immunity and AIDS
P. The Genetics of Cancer
1. Genes that cause cancer: oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes
2. Prevention and treatment of cancer
Q. Bioengineering
1. Transgenic organisms
2. Genetically modified organisms: economic, ecological, and evolutionary concerns
R. Gene therapy
1. Somatic and germ-line gene therapy
2. The methods of gene therapy
S. Reproductive technologies
1. Infertility
2. Assisted reproductive technologies
V. Student Learning Outcomes: (goals and competencies in parentheses)
A. Students should be able to recognize and explain the major concepts and principles of scientific theories of Classic, Molecular and Population Genetics. More important, they should be able to apply those concepts and principles to new situations in written exams. (2a, 3a)
B. Students will be able to identify the basic steps of the scientific method by analyzing classic experiments that contributed to our current knowledge of genetics. They will also apply these steps in laboratory and computer exercises. (2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b)
C. Students should be able to explain the genetic basis of some common medical disorders and the genetic foundation of human diversity. (3a, 3d)
D. Students should be able to gather information and compare and contrast different points of view surrounding a controversial topic in contemporary genetics and they will be required to articulate, justify and defend their personal point of view by writing papers and by participating in class discussion of news article. (2d, 3a, 3c, 3d)
E. Students should be able to translate verbal material to mathematical expressions, apply mathematical formulas, and interpret and construct charts and graphs. They will demonstrate these skills by solving problems in written exams and assigned problem sets. (2c, 3b)
F. Students should be able to communicate their experimental findings through written communication by writing lab reports. (3c)
VI. Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning:
A variety of evaluation and assessment methods will be used. They may include tests (multiple choice, fill-in the blank, matching, short answer, problem solving, and critical thinking essay questions); home study assignments, short writing assignments, term papers, and laboratory reports.
VII. Other Information:
Laboratory procedures are outlined in the course syllabus.