BIO 306 General Genetics

GENERAL GENETICS 306 144 SB, MWF 11:30-12:30 Fall 1995
Dr. John C. Thomas. My Office hours are by appointment, Lab 166 SB or Office 111E SB (E-mail JCTHOMAS@umd.umich.edu).

TEXT: CONCEPTS OF GENETICS 4TH EDITION, BY W.S. KLUG AND M.R. CUMMINGS (K&C)

SEPT 6 Introduction to Genetics Chapter 1 K&C
8 Cell Division and Chromosomes Chapter 2 K&C
11 Mendelian Genetics Chapter 3 K&C
13 More Mendelian Genetics Chapter 3 K&C
15 Even More Mendelian Genetics Chapter 4 K&C
18 Still More Mendelian Genetics Chapter 4 K&C
20 Linkage and Chromosome Mapping Chapter 5 K&C
22 Linkage and Chromosome Mapping Chapter 5 K&C
25 Other Aspects of Exchange Chapter 5 K&C
27 REVIEW
29 EXAM #1

OCT2 Computer Genetics Handout
4 Chromosome Variation and Sex Chapter 6 K&C
6 More Sex and Chromosomes Chapter 6 K&C
9 DNA Structure and Analysis Chapter 8 K&C
11 DNA Replication Chapter 9 K&C
13 DNA Organization in Chromosomes Chapter 10 K&C
16 DNA Mutations, Repair Chapter 11 K&C
18 More DNA Mutations Chapter 11 K&C
20 DNA Cloning and Manipulation Chapter 12 K&C
23 DNA Applications/Technology Chapter 13 K&C
25 Review
27 EXAM #2

30 Storing and Expressing the Code Chapter 14 K&C
NOV1 More on Genetic Information Chapter 14 K&C
3 Proteins, The end products Chapter 15 K&C
6 More Proteins (Topics Due) Chapter 15 K&C
8 Genetic Regulation in Bacteria Chapter 16 K&C
10 Genetic Regulation in Eucaryotes Chapter 17 K&C
13 Genetics of Cancer Chapter 18 K&C
15 Genetics of Development Chapter 21 K&C
17 Genetics of Immunity Chapter 22 K&C
20 Genetics of Behavior Chapter 23 K&C
22 Genetics of Behavior Continued Chapter 23 K&C
24 NO CLASS Genetics of Thanksgiving Break
27 Review
29 EXAM #3

DEC1 Genetics Seminars
4 Genetics Seminars
6 Genetics Seminars, Papers Due
8 Final Review
11 NO Class, Study Day
Final in Classroom 144SB SB Dec 13, 12-3pm, Then run away!

Genetics is a subject that spans your Biological Sciences experience and your daily life. Today we can cut, paste, manipulate and express genes in almost all organisms, including people. Recombinant DNA therapy is now in trial clinical stages for several genetic diseases. Transgenic agricultural products (animals and plants) will improve the price and quality of many products. Vaccines and expensive drugs are being replaced with inexpensive production in bacteria, such as humilin (human insulin). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and RFLP analysis are being used as tools in genetic counseling. Even a major former NFL football player's release or conviction and possible execution will be determined by genetic techniques before the term is complete. So how can you really get started in genetics?

We will begin general genetics with Gregor Mendel's ideas on classical and/or transmission genetics (pea stuff), then to DNA, then to cancer, development, behavior and immunology. You should have the tools necessary to proceed here in genetics.

Grading: (Mendelian, DNA, and Transcription/Translation plus topics) 3 equal weight exams and one research/topic paper (100 points each). Homework problems, due the next class period (100 points). Class participation will be worth 100 points, recitation plus lecture (700 points total). Will I accept homework that is late? Yes, but not more than a week overdue, I do research too! We will do homework problems in recitation. Finally the final exam (100 points) will stress concepts (segregation, mutation, transcription) rather than problem solving, as by then we all will have had ENOUGH!
Good luck to you! John Thomas