BI 232 - Genetics

1. Identify characteristics that illustrate the complex relationship between genotype and phenotype.
2. Describe the structure and behavior of chromosomes as the carriers of genes in eukaryotic organisms.
3. Analyze genetic crosses and pedigrees by applying Mendelian principles.
4. Explore the concepts and consequences of genetic recombination and linkage, and calculate recombination frequencies to determine the relative distances between genes on a chromosome.
5. Explain the structure of DNA and the mechanism of DNA replication.
6. Detail the process of transcription and the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic organisms.
7. Examine the nature of the genetic code, explain how it was deciphered, and enumerate the details of translation.
8. Differentiate the various types of gene and chromosomal mutations as well as mechanisms of DNA repair.
9. Describe the genetic basis of cancer.
10. Analyze common genetic syndromes and disorders and relate them to normal conditions.
11. Make effective presentation, formatting, and stylistic choices when developing a communication. 
12. Create and/or organize data and information into meaningful patterns in order to interpret and draw inferences from it.

1. Introduction to Genetics
   1. History of Genetics
   2. Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance
   3. Introduction to the Central Dogma
2. Single-Gene Inheritance
   1. Single Gene Inheritance Patterns             
      1. Mendel’s Experiments
      2. Law of Equal Segregation
      3. Meiosis
      4. Monohybrid Cross
   2. Molecular Basis of Inheritance Patterns
      1. Structural difference between alleles
         1. Mutation
      2. Functional difference between alleles
         1. Haploinsufficiency
         2. Haploinsufficiency
         3. Dominant Negative
   3. Using Mendel’s Ratios
      1. Predicting Progeny Ratios
      2. Determining Parental Genotypes
         1. testcross
   4. Sex-Linked Genes Inheritance Patterns
      1. Sex Determination Among Various Species
      2. Sex Chromosomes in Mammals
         1. X and Y Linked Genes
         2. X inactivation
   5. Human Pedigree Analysis
      1. Autosomal Recessive Inheritance
      2. Autosomal Dominant Inheritance
      3. X-linked Recessive inheritance
      4. X-linked Dominant Inheritance
3. Independent Assortment of Genes
   1. Mendel’s law of Independent Assortment
   2. Dihybrid, Trihybrid, etc crosses
   3. Polygenic Inheritance
      1. Multifactorial Traits
   4. Inheritance independent of the nucleus
      1. Mitochondria
      2. Chloroplasts
4. Linked Genes and Recombination Mappings
   1. Diagnosis of Linkage
      1. Statistical analysis (chi-square)
   2. Calculating Recombination Frequency
      1. Gene Mapping
5. Gene Interaction
   1. Interactions between Alleles at one Locus
      1. Variations on dominance
         1. Complete Dominance
         2. Incomplete Dominance
         3. Codominance
      2. Non-mendialian behaviors
         1. Lethality
         2. Pleiotropy
         3. Reduced Penetrance
         4. Variable Expressivity
   2. Interactions Between Alleles at Multiple Loci
      1. Gene Pathways
         1. Epistasis
6. DNA Structure and Replication
   1. Discovery of DNA as the Genetic Material
   2. Structure of DNA
   3. Semiconservative Replication
      1. The replication fork
      2. The replisome
      3. Telomeres
7. RNA Structure, Transcription, and Processing
   1. Structure of RNA
      1. Coding RNAs
      2. Non-coding Functional RNAs
   2. Mechanisms of Transcription
   3. Processing Eukaryotic mRNA
      1. Splicing
8. Protein Structure and Translation
   1. Structure of Proteins
   2. Determining the Genetic Code
      1. Structure and function of tRNA
      2. Structure and function of rRNA
   3. Mechanisms of Translation
9. Regulation of Gene Expression
   1. Chromatin Modifications
      1. Euchromatin
      2. Heterochromatin
   2. Enhancers
      1. Transcription Factors
   3. Epigenetics
10. Gene Mutations and DNA Repair
    1. Types of Mutations and Effects on Protein Structure and Function
    2. Spontaneous and Induced Mutations
    3. Mechanisms of DNA Repair
    4. Cancer and Genetic Disease
11. Variations in Chromosome Number and Structure
    1. Eukaryotic Chromosome Structure
    2. Nondisjunction
       1. Aneuploidy
          1. Monosomy
          2. Trisomy
    3. Polyploidy
    4. Structure
       1. Deletion
       2. Duplication
       3. Inversion
       4. Translocation

- direct instruction: 50-90%

- facilitated discussion: 5-25%

- mediated instruction: 5-25%

- group work: 5-10%

- other: 0-10%

Online/Hybrid Lecture

- direct instruction: 50-90%

- facilitated discussion: 0-20%

- mediated instruction: 5-50%

- group work: 0-10%

- other: 0-10%

 
Mandatory Course Components:
Common genetic syndromes and disorders must be discussed as they relate to the topics covered in the course.

Unit and final exams in a lecture or laboratory course may not be administered in a take-home format.  Unit and final exams that are administered online shall either be given in an assessment facility (e.g., GRCC Assessment/Testing Center) or utilizing an exam monitoring program/resource that incorporates a lockdown browser and the use of a video monitoring system e.g., Respondus Lockdown Browser with Monitor.  Any online administration would require that the student provide identification e.g., driver’s license, GRCC I.D. 

Bonus/Extra Credit: May not exceed 2% of the total possible points in the course.

Objective Assessment: 50-80%

Assignments: 20-40%

Projects/Presentations: 0-10%

Service Learning: 0-10%

Essential Abilities – Biological Sciences

The Grand Rapids Community College Biological Sciences Department faculty has specified essential abilities critical to the success of students in its courses.  Students must demonstrate these essential abilities to succeed in their program of study. Qualified applicants are expected to meet all admission criteria and matriculating students are expected to meet all progression criteria, as well as these essential abilities with or without reasonable accommodations.

1. Essential judgment skills to include: ability to identify, assess, and comprehend scientific observations of the natural world for the purpose of problem solving and coming to appropriate conclusions which include distinguishing between correlation and causation.
2. Essential physical/neurological functions to include: ability to use the senses of seeing, hearing, touch, and smell to make correct observations, judgments, and conclusions regarding the world of biological sciences.  Students must be able to meet physical expectations in order to safely engage in the practice of learning biological science, especially in the laboratory and field settings.  Behaviors that demonstrate essential neurological and physical functions include, but are not limited to observation, listening, understanding relationships, writing, and psychomotor abilities consistent with course and program expectations.  The following are specific courses that may entail significant physical challenges to accomplish:

• Courses at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute and BI 215:  the outdoor learning environment is sometimes difficult to navigate, it may not be easily accessible or barrier free.

1. Essential communication skills to include: ability to communicate effectively with fellow students, faculty, and all members of the Biological Sciences department. Skills include verbal, written, and nonverbal abilities as well as information technology skills consistent with effective communication.
2. Essential emotional coping skills: ability to demonstrate the mental health necessary to safely engage in the practice of science learning and investigation as determined by professional standards of practice.
3. Essential intellectual/conceptual skills to include: ability to measure, calculate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate to engage competently in the safe practice of learning biology.
4. Other essential behavioral attributes: ability to work collaboratively in group learning activities in lecture class and as a team member in both laboratory class and in a field setting.

Grand Rapids Community College strives to be more than ADA compliant. We strive to be accessible and welcoming to all students of all abilities. After reviewing the Essential Abilities/Technical Standards for this program; your responsibilities as a student entail determining if you can complete all associated coursework either:

1. With Accommodation. I am otherwise qualified to meet the same academic standards as any other student entering the program. However, based on a medically documented condition or diagnosis, I would qualify for reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990). I will meet with Disability Support Services on campus to arrange those accommodations in an interactive process with the department of Biological Sciences.
    
2. Without Accommodation. I am able to complete the program without need for reasonable accommodation or modification. In the event my medical documentation reveals otherwise or a condition manifests that would necessitate an accommodation; it is my responsibility to inform a responsible authority figure within the department of (field of study) and work with Disability Support Services to see if a reasonable accommodation or modification can be made.

If you have a medically documented condition or diagnosis, please contact the Biological Sciences office, or contact Disability Support Services (DSS) at disability@grcc.edu or by phone at 616.234.4140 to arrange accommodations through our interactive process.