Time Schedule:
Geoffrey D Findlay
GENOME 371
Seattle Campus
Covers gene transmission, including chromosome mapping, genetic pathways; mutational analysis of biological processes emphasizing mutations affecting chromosome transmission. Introduction to genomics - cloning and sequence analysis of whole genomes. Emphasizes formal genetic mechanisms, molecular techniques. For biological sciences majors. Prerequisite: minimum grade of 1.5 in BIOL 180; minimum grade of 1.5 in BIOL 200; may not be repeated. Offered: A.
Class description
GENOME 371 is an upper-level course that provides an introduction to genetics and genomics for biological science majors. Students are introduced to thinking about genetics both as the study of heredity and the genetic material, and as a tool for answering questions throughout the biological sciences. The course emphasizes logic and critical thinking and places a premium on being able to recognize a pattern or theme from one example and apply it in a different context. Topics covered include: the central dogma, mitosis and meiosis, Mendelian inheritance, the molecular nature of dominant and recessive mutations, gain vs. loss of gene function, logic and methods of mutagenesis and genetic screens, complementation, epistasis, molecular techniques, DNA cloning and sequencing, genetic mapping, disease gene identification, and genome-wide association studies. Students encounter these topics through lectures (which include many opportunities for individual and small-group problem solving) and quiz sections, which extend lecture concepts through hands-on activities and further opportunities for problem solving with peers. Examples are drawn from model organisms (especially yeast and flies), humans, and other selected systems, particularly those with well-studied body pigmentation genes.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Lecture with many opportunities for problem-solving with peers. Quiz sections include short lessons from TAs and hands-on activities and problems.
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Grades will be based on performance on three quizzes (combined for 20% of the total grade), a midterm exam (40% of the grade) and a final exam (40% of the grade).
