UMUC-Europe Syllabus

BIOL 220 Human Genetics (3) (For students not majoring in a science.) An introduction to genetics, focusing on the human organism. Topics include transmission and biochemical genetics, mutation, the behavior of genes in populations, and genetic engineering. The roles of recent discoveries in the treatment of genetic diseases, cancer, and organ transplantation are examined. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BIOL 220, BIOL 346, ZOOL 146, or ZOOL 346.

Course Goals/Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to: 1. Explain the role of genes as the primary units responsible for inheritance of traits. 2. Describe the chemical and physical structure of proteins and nucleic acids and explain their primacy in living systems. 3. Explain the "Central Dogma of Molecular Biology" and discuss its validity. 4. Compare DNA and RNA and explain their roles in protein synthesis. 5. Understand the cell cycle, its control, and compare mitosis with meiosis. 6. Describe Mendel's laws of inheritance. Analyze pedigrees and explain different modes of inheritance. 7. Explain types of factors that alter Mendelian inheritance. Know when Mendel's laws do not apply. 8. Explain the role of sex chromosomes in development. Describe sex-linked dominant and recessive inheritance. 9. Interpret a karyotype and describe the effects of autosomal and sex chromosome abnormalities. 10. Compare different types of genetic mutations. Describe mutation's role in genetic diseases and cancer. 11. Describe examples of genetic diseases, testing, treatment. and prevention.

Course Introduction:

Society today is faced with the task of developing the moral, ethical, and economic uses of genetic technologies. Within this course students will develop a basic understanding of the more significant discoveries and developments in the field of human genetics. This will help both the major and non-major alike develop the critical skills needed to assess the value and risks of emerging genetic technologies.

Grading Information and Criteria:

Quiz 1...........................................4 % Mid-term.....................................30 % Quiz 2...........................................4 % Project.........................................20 % Presentation...................................2 % Final exam...................................40 % Total 100 % The grading scale is: A = 90-100 B = 80-89 C = 70-79 D = 60-69 F = <59

Other Information:

* Students should plan to devote four to six hours of study for each class meeting. * It will be very helpful if students read the assigned reading materials before class. * Participation in class discussion is expected. * Late assignments will be graded on both the quality of the work and the circumstances necessitating the delay. Students should communicate with the instructor ASAP when difficulties arise in order to make appropriate arrangements for late assignments. * Make up exams are allowed on a case-by-case bases and must be arranged in advance if possible. * The grade of incomplete "I" is discouraged. Students must make arrangements for a course extension as soon as possible. Failure to make arrangements prior to the end of the course will likely result in a grade of Fn.

Project Descriptions:

Select an article from a reputable news source related to human genetics that has been published in the past 6 months. Using the UMUC database or similar resources select 4 or more scientific articles support or refute the information in the article. Adhering to MLA format prepare a 3 to 4 page report on your findings. Project Format: Submit copies of all material cited. Size 12 "Times New Roman" font Double spaced Standard margins Paper heading in the upper left corner, - Title, students name, course name and location, date Students will be given 3 to 5 minutes to present their findings to the class.

Academic Policies:

Cases of plagiarism are handled consistent with current UMUC guidelines. See the UMUC policies at the following URL: http://www.umuc.edu/policy/

Course Schedule:

Course Schedule: (This is a tentative schedule based on an 8 week term meeting two times a week for 3 academic hours. It will be modified to meet the needs of the class.) Class 1 Intro - Chapter - 1 Class 2 Chapter - 2 & 3 Class 3 Chapters - 4 & 5 Class 4 Chapters - 5 & 6 Class 5 Chapters - 7 Quiz 1 Class 6 Chapter - 8 Class 7 Chapter - 9 & Review Class 8 (Mid-Term) Class 9 Chapters 10 & 11 Class 10 Chapters 11 & 12 Class 11 Chapters 13 & 14 Class 12 Chapter 15 Class 13 Chapters 15 & 16 Quiz 1 (Article Due) Class 14 Review Class 15 Class Presentations Class 16 Final Exam