Description:

This introductory course emphasizes human heredity using concepts from classical and modern genetics. Themes of advancing technologies and bioethical issues are interwoven in the basic background fabric of the course. 3 hrs. lecture, 2 hrs. lab/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor’s course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Describe important historical developments in genetics, particularly the contributions of Mendel, and Watson & Crick; and important research advances.
2. Describe the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells in enough detail to understand related genetic concepts.
3. Describe mitosis and meiosis.
4. Solve a variety of genetic problems using Punnett squares to illustrate Mendelian principles.
5. Analyze human pedigree diagrams using examples from autosomal recessive and dominant traits, and sex-linked inheritance; predict the probability of carriers of a gene, and of occurrence of a trait among offspring.
6. Describe the male and female reproductive systems; the formation of gametes; and the basic development of the embryo and fetus.
7. Describe modern reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination, surrogate mothers, in-vitro fertilization; and appreciate related bioethical considerations.
8. Describe techniques of prenatal diagnoses such as amniocentesis and chorion villus sampling, and appreciate bioethical considerations related to genetic counseling and potential therapeutic abortion.
9. Discuss basic ideas involved in the structure and replication of DNA, and the concepts of protein synthesis in enough detail to understand concepts such as the one gene one polypeptide hypothesis; gene expression; mutations; and genetic engineering.
10. Discuss the most important types of chromosomal and gene mutations, their causes, and their important human consequences.
11. Discuss the basic concepts of genetic engineering and gene splicing, and appreciate the future consequences of these powerful technologies.
12. Integrate the basic concepts of human genetics with the interwoven themes of advancing technologies and bioethical issues to gain awareness of the complex problems facing society, and form a framework for personal values and decisions.
13. Identify and demonstrate knowledge of basic laboratory concepts related to both classical and modern genetics.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Introduction to Genetics
   A. Identify important people and events in the history of genetics.
   B. Define the main areas of genetics such as molecular genetics,
transmission genetics and population genetics.

II. Cellular Basis of Structure and Growth
   A. Compare Prokaryotic Cells and Eukaryotic Cells.
   B. Review reproductive and development processes.
      1. Compare the processes and significance of mitosis and meiosis.
      2. Define development: growth and differentiation.

III. Mendelian Genetics: Basic Principles of Inheritance
   A. Discuss Mendel's research on pea plants.
      1. Solve problems involving dominant and recessive traits using
Punnett Squares.
      2. Apply Mendel's Laws of Dominance, Segregation and Independent
Assortment.
   B. Apply basic probability concepts to solve genetics problems.
   C. Solve problems involving multiple alleles to include human blood
groups.
   D. Solve problems involving polygenic inheritance.
   E. Calculate gene frequencies using the Hardy-Weinberg Law.

IV. Human Genetics
   A. Analyze pedigree diagrams.
      1. Recognize pedigree symbols.
      2. Calculate simple probabilities related to pedigree analysis.
      3. Analyze autosomal pedigrees of recessive inheritance.
      4. Analyze autsomal pedigrees of dominant inheritance.
      5. Analyze pedigree of sex-linked traits.
   B. Describe the outcomes of genetic counseling.
   C. Use online and library resources related to human genetics.

V. Human Sexuality
   A. Review the female reproductive system and make reproductive
systems.
   B. Compare spermatogenesis in the male with oogenesis in the female.
   C. Compare development of male and female genotypes.
   D. Describe genetic sexual disorders, including:
      1. Single gene disorders, such as pseudohermaphroditism and
testicular pominization and chromosomal disorders, such as
         a. Turner's Syndrome
         b. Klinefelter's Syndrome
         c. XYY Males

VI. Reproductive Technologies and Choices
   A. Describe birth technologies, such as
      1. Artificial insemination
      2. Surrogate motherhood
      3. In-Vitro fertilization
   B. Describe prenatal diagnosis, including:
      1. Amniocentesis
      2. Chorionic Villus sampling
   C. Compare different bioethical considerations related to new
reproductive technologies and choices.

VII. Informational Macromolecules
   A. Review the chemistry of amino acids, proteins and enzymes.
   B. Describe and discuss DNA, and the following functions of genetic
material
      1. Transformation
      2. Transduction
      3. Structure and replication of DNA
   C. Describe RNA and protein synthesis to include
      1. Messenger and Transfer RNA
      2. Protein synthesis
   D. Illustrate the basic mechanisms of gene expression in both
prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

VIII. Variation
   A. Discuss examples of genetic variation, including:
      1. Dominance and recessiveness (Phenylketonuria)
      2. Expressivity (Diabetes)
      3. Penetrance (Polydactyly)
      4. Delayed Onset (Huntington's Chorea)
      5. Co-Dominance (Human Blood Groups)
      6. Epistasis (Congenital Deafness)
   B. Discuss examples of variation caused by environment.

IX. Mutations
   A. Describe different chromosomal mutations, including:
      1. Deletions
      2. Duplications
      3. Inversions
      4. Translocations
      5. Downs Syndrome
   B. Describe types of gene mutations, including:
      1. Point mutations
      2. Frameshift mutations
      3. Spontaneous mutations
      4. Causes of mutations
   C. Discuss the genetic basis of many cancers including the role of:
      1. Oncogenes
      2. Tumor suppressor genes
      3. Chemical mutagens/carcinogens
      4. Radiation and other environmental factors

X. Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
   A. Describe the main application areas of biotechnology in medicine,
agriculture and other areas of society.
   B. Describe basic techniques used in recombinant DNA. 
   C. Explain the basic principles behind the technologies involved in
gene amplification and sequencing.
   D. Discuss ethical considerations of new technologies.

XI. Laboratory and Research Skills
   A. Demonstrate familiarity with the use of online biotechnology 
      resources.
   B. Identify basic modes of Mendelian inheritance in selected species.
   C. Demonstrate basic techniques for staining and studying chromosomes.
   D. Use appropriate statistical and quantitative techniques such as
chi-square 
      tests in hypothesis testing.
   E. Demonstrate principles and proper techniques associated with modern
genetic tools such as electrophoresis, and DNA amplification.
   F. Critically interpret information obtained using modern genetic
techniques.
   G. Demonstrate elementary techniques associated with the use of key
experimental organisms in modern genetic analysis and biotechnology such
as bacteria, yeast and Drosophila.
   H. Use appropriate laboratory safety skills and sterile
technique.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Lecture examinations given approximately every 3-4 weeks.  Exams will
be worth 50 to 75 points each. Students will solve problems, analyze
pedigrees, and respond to a variety of objective type questions.

Cumulative lecture final worth 100-150 points

Two laboratory exams over laboratory activities, each worth 50-75 points

Weekly lecture or laboratory quizzes, each worth 5-10 points

Research paper over some aspect of modern genetics of interest to the
student and approved by the instructor worth 50 - 100 points. This paper
can combine both internet and standard library research.

The final grade should consist of approximately the following:

60% of total points from the lecture exams and the final
10% of total from the research paper
30% of total from laboratory exams and quizzes

Grading Scale:
   A = 90% - 100%
   B = 80% -  89%
   C = 70% -  79%
   D = 60% -  69%
   F =  0% -  59%

Caveats:

1. Computers will be used in conjunction with assignments in this course and basic competency in using the world wide web and word processing software will be assumed.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.