Georgia Southern University
BIOL 5132 and 5132G: Eukaryote Molecular Genetics
Class Syllabus
BIOL 5132/5132G Tuesday/Thursday 8.00-9.15am 3 credit hours
Instructor: Dr Chris Cutler
Course Web Link http://www.bio.georgiasouthern.edu/Bio-home/Cutler/
click on 'Eukaryote Molecular Genetics home page'.
Office: Herty 2109C Office hours Tuesday/Thursday 9.30-10.30am.
Phone Number: 486-7175 e-mail: ccutler@georgiasouthern.edu
The Biology Department values challenging course work and serious students. We are training students in the process of science while teaching the vocabulary, laboratory and field skills, and theoretical basis of biology. Furthermore, we believe that the ability to communicate what is learned in written and oral presentations is of utmost importance.
Texts: Required – Concepts of Genetics - 8th Edition with student companion website access, by Klug, Cummings and Spencer approximate price $119.59 (Amazon), $144 MSRP. ISBN 013169944X
Electronic Alternative – Concepts of Genetics - 8th Edition, by Klug, Cummings and Spencer from http://www.coursesmart.com $72 for 180 day access. ISBN 0131873350
Optional – Concepts of Genetics: 8th Edition, Student handbook and solutions manual by Klug, Cummings, Spencer and Nickla (this may have been replaced by website access but you could get older an edition).
We will be trying to cover selected topics from the textbook in the following order.
1) DNA structure 2) Chromosomal organization
3) DNA replication 4) The Genetic Code
5) Translation 6) Regulation of gene expression
7) Mutations 8) Mitosis and Meiosis
9) Chromosome mapping 10) Chromosomal mutations
11) Sex Chromosomes 12) Extra nuclear inheritance
13) The Cell Cycle 14) Genomics
15) Dissection of Gene Function
We may not be able to cover all of the above topics!
Students need to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the material, and competence in applying the material to new situations, through performance in multiple choice/true-false matching and/or short answer questions etc. Tests will usually be 20 (or more) questions. Graduate students may have a small additional section of harder questions on their tests.
Tests 1-6 100 points each
Extra Tests 100 points each
90% of Total score 600-900 points
Final exam Comprehensive 10% of final total (66-100 points)
Extra credit points will be available for various assignments at my discretion (come to class to find out). The extra credit points earned will be added on top of the above points.
Final grades will be assigned based on the standard format:- A (³90%); B (80-89.99%) C (70-79.99%) D (60-69.99%) F (<60%). Grade averages will not be rounded up or down.
You are required to bring a Scantron form (2052 or 20052) for tests.
Be aware!
Material to be examined in tests/exams will be taken both from my classes and additional information in the assigned textbook (this includes both text and diagrams).
The instructor reserves the right to change the material covered in tests. Come to class to get details.
Test dates will be announced in class at least 1 week in advance. It's your responsibility to get information by attending every class.
Attendance is not required but is strongly recommended. Notification of test dates will be given during class time. Regular attendance is the easiest way to do well in this or any course. Consistent attendance in lecture (i.e., EVERY TIME) will keep you up to date, and will let you know what I think is important. It should also be obvious that material covered in lectures is also more likely to be tested!
All persons showing any evidence of cheating will be reported and penalties will ensue. Follow the honor code ("I will be academically honest in all my coursework and will not tolerate the dishonesty of others") as found in the Student Conduct Code: Policies and Procedures for 2007-8. Regardless of any temporary "success" from cheating, it will eventually catch up with you.
Make up tests will be available for students who notify me in advance that they are going to be absent, however it is the students responsibility to ensure that they can attend the subsequent make up test. The only acceptable excuse for not informing myself of an absence after a test is in the case of absence due to illness, such absence has to be verified in writing by a member of medical profession. For illnesses, arrangements must be made immediately upon return to school (first day the class meets). Students failing to make such notification/arrangements will immediately be assigned zero for that test. A single make up test will normally be held: This will usually occur during the week following the original test.
Students with disabilities
In accordance with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special accommodations, please contact me during the first week of class.
Learning Outcomes:
These learning outcomes represent a minimum of what we expect you take away from the course.
1. Learn about the structure of nucleic acids.
2. Understand how the genetic code works and translates DNA sequences to produce proteins.
3. Know about chromosomal structure and the genome.
4. Become familiar with the regulation of gene expression.
5. Comprehend the nature of mutations and chromosomal rearrangements.
6. Understand how DNA is replicated.
7. Learn about the different types of cell division.
8. Understand the role of extra-nuclear inheritance.