Genetics

BIOL-303-A

Spring 2008

Lecture:  MWF   12:00-12:50 LE 008  

Lab:        R    10:50-12:40 LE  211

Aims:  Genetics is designed to introduce the principles of genetics from a molecular first perspective.   The course is divided into four major subdisciplines: molecular genetics, transmission genetics, population genetics, and quantitative genetics.

Instructor:         Dr. Matthew D. Halfhill

Office:              Lewis Hall, 202B

Phone:              563-333-6381

Email:               halfhillmatthewd@sau.edu

Office hours:   M -   2:00-3:30

                         T-    12:30-1:30

                        W -   2:00-3:30

                         F -   2:00-3:00

Text: iGenetics, A Molecular Approach, Second Edition.  Peter Russell, 2006.

Assessment:

Exams:  Four exams (100 points for each exam, 17.7% for each exam, exams make up 70.8% of the total grade) will be given.  Attendance at each exam is mandatory, and no scheduled make-up exams will be given. 

           Quizzes:  Instead of traditional written assignments, this course will use on-line quizzes on the SAU Blackboard site for this class.  From the 21 assigned chapters, take each of the quizzes and earn 0.55% for each quiz.  Feel free to take the quiz multiple times, and you will receive the best score of the attempted quizzes.  The goal of the quizzes is to help you learn the material, so work hard to use the quiz as a learning tool.   11.5% of the total grade are available from quizzes. The on-line quiz results are due by Monday at 3:00 pm of the following week the chapter was assigned.  Quizzes taken later than Monday at 3:00 pm will not receive credit.

Labs:  The laboratory course is a semester long study of the genetics of a single gene, the marker gene for green fluorescent protein (GFP).  The lab culminates in a lab report (100 points, 17.7% of the final grade) that describes the semester long project written in the style of a journal submission to the journal, Theoretical and Applied Genetics.

Lab PCR Image:  Figure 1

Grading Scale:

A         90-100%

B+       85-89%

B          80-84%

C+       75-79%

C         70-74%

D         60-69%

F          59% and below           

Attendance:  This course is challenging, and active participation in class discussions will greatly add to the understanding of the material.  Success in this class will require almost 100% attendance.  Attendance will be recorded daily and regular attendance and participation will be noticed and appreciated.  Each student is allowed three absences, and all subsequent absences will result in a 1% deduction from the student’s final grade.  Also if your percentage lands near a grade borderline, attendance and participation will be considered as important factors.

Honor Policy:  All members of the St. Ambrose community are called upon to uphold the standards of academic integrity.  Academic dishonesty in any form (cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized assistance, multiple use, falsification or fabrication, complicity, and/or abuse of academic materials) is not tolerated and will be dealt with according to university policies.

In Genetics, all intellectual dishonesty is strictly forbidden.  Cheating will be handled swiftly, with a zero score given for the dishonest action.  If you have any questions in regards to a specific action, please contact me.

Students with Disabilities Statement:  Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities at 333-6275 as soon as possible to ensure that accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.

Student Success Center:  The Student Success Center offers academic and tutorial support to all St. Ambrose students in a low pressure setting at no cost.  Peer tutoring is available for most 100- and 200-level courses, and tutors are certified by the College of Reading and Learning Center Association.  Please use this important resource, and call 333-6331 with any questions about the services available to you (Ambrose Hall, room 243).

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