Cph 4212 Genetics

CPH 4212: Genetics

Course Description:

This course introduces students to a wide range of topics in the burgeoning field of genetics and evolutionary biology. Topics to be covered include the structure and function of DNA; Mendelian inheritance and deviations from this assumption; aspects of evolution including the neutral theory; selection; drift; and evolutionarily stable strategies; sexual versus asexual reproduction; behavioral genetics and the concept of heritability; and gene-by-environment effects. Through the use of educational technology, students explore their own analyses of these areas throughout the course.

Required Textbook and Materials:

The main required textbooks for this course are listed below and can be readily accessed using the provided links. There may be additional required/recommended readings, supplemental materials, or other resources and websites necessary for lessons; these will be provided for you in the course’s General Information and Forums area, and throughout the term via the weekly course Unit areas and the Learning Guides.

Software Requirements/Installation:

No special requirements.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Apply the Hardy-Weinberg Law in analyzing population genetics for gene frequency, sex linkage, equilibrium, and heterozygote frequency.
2. Examine processes of transcription, translation, replication, and mutation
3. Analyze Mendel’s experiments and laws and explain how they affect generational phenotypes
4. Compare processes of mitosis and meiosis, sexual and asexual reproduction
5. Calculate broad and narrow sense heritability
6. Examine environmental impact on the expression of the human genome
7. Differentiate types of evolution and consider the impact of evolution on genetics

Course Schedule and Topics:

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week. The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9.

Week 1: Unit 1 – DNA Structure and Expression

Week 2: Unit 2 – Mendelian Genetics with Some Deviations

Week 3: Unit 3 – Population Genetics

Week 4: Unit 4 – Mutations and Selection

Week 5: Unit 5 – Mitosis, Meiosis, Sexual Reproduction, and Asexual Reproduction

Week 6: Unit 6 – Evolutionarily Stable Strategies and Heritability

Week 7: Unit 7 – Gene Expression and Environment Interactions

Week 8: Unit 8 – Evolution and Phylogenetics

Week 9: Unit 9 – Course Review and Final Exam