This course deals with aspects of genetics having special relevance to human life and human society. Topics include mechanisms of genetic transmission and expression; genetic aspects of human development, behavior, and aging; genetic ounseling; genetic screening; in vitro fertilization; gene therapy; genes in the market place; the human genome project; cloning; and genetic technology and the law. Included in the course will be discussions of the moral and ethical issues associated with many of these topics. Laboratory required. Note: Credit may not be earned for both this course and BIOL 233: Gene Structure and Function. Understanding the Natural World. Fall.
An integrated study of cellular biology including the role of biomolecules; enzyme action; energy transformations; cellular organelles with special emphasis on the nucleus and its role in the storage and expression of genetic information at the molecular level; Mendelian genetics; multiple alleles; gene interactions; gene mapping; extra-chromosomal inheritance; and population genetics. Laboratory. Prerequisite: CHEM 115 or consent of instructor.
Study of the principles of heredity in microbes, plants and animals. An integrated course in classical and molecular genetics dealing with such topics as: Mendelian genetics, mapping, gene interaction, extrachromosomal inheritance, DNA, gene action, gene regulation, mutagenesis, recombinant DNA technology. Prerequisites: BIOL 130 and CHEM 115. Laboratory. Fall.
A study of the structure and function of genetic material at the molecular level. Topics to be discussed include: DNA, RNA, proteins and their interrelationships through the 'Central Dogma' of information transfer; genetic regulation; recombinant DNA and genetic engineering; genetic screening. Special emphasis will be on the primary literature and research methods employed in this sub-discipline of biology. Writing-centered. Laboratory. Prerequisites: BIOL 233 and CHEM 271. Spring.