BI 220 - Genetics

Credit Hours: 3

A study of the principles of genetics, including Mendel’s Laws, chromosomal theory of heredity, molecular genetics, gene regulation and behavioral genetics with emphasis on human genetics and cytogenetics.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

introductory concepts: Describe the history of genetics beginning with prehistoric times and ending with the advent of molecular genetics;
mendelian genetics: Describe Mendel’s early experiments and clarify how genetics is explained by the laws of probability;
sex determination and sex chromosomes: Explain the importance of the X and Y chromosomes in relation to sexual determination;
quantitative genetics: Analyze the findings that led geneticists to postulate the multiple factor hypothesis that involved the idea of additive alleles to explain inheritance pattern;
chromosome mutation: Define nondisjunction, monosomy trisomy, polyploidy, deletions, duplications, inversions, and translocations;
chromosome mapping in eucaryotes, bacteria and bacteriphage: Describe mapping using Drosophila and explain the effects of recombination in bacteria;
DNA: Analyze the differences and similarities between DNA and RNA;
recombinant DNA technology: Define genomics, bioinformatics and proteomics. Discuss the applications and ethics of biotechnology;
genetic basis of cancer: Describe tumor suppressor genes, proto-oncogenes and chromosomal translocations as a hallmark of leukemia. Detail colon cancer as a genetic model of cancer; and
miscellaneous genetic topics: Analyze the relationship between genetics and populations, including natural selection, mutation, migration, genetic drift, and nonrandom mating. Also detail the relationship between genetics and evolution, and genetics and conservation.

Prerequisites: Any college-level biology course, including lab.
Concurrent Registration: BI 221
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