DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY 
College of Science
	            Department of Biology

GENETICS - Introduction to Genetics
Prerequisites:  Biostatistics, Biochemistry, Zoology 1 and Botany 2
														    Instructor   :  ______________________________    Contact details :  ________________________
    Instructor   :  ______________________________    Contact details:  ________________________
   Consultation Hours: ________________________   Class Schedule and Room: ________________

Course Description	
The course introduces the students to basic concepts and principles involved in the science of genetics. A balanced view of both classical and molecular genetics is presented.  Discussions on molecular genetics focus on the processes and mechanisms related to gene expression and its control, mutation in genes, mechanisms of repair and the origins and proliferation of cancer.   Classical genetics discussions revolve around the concepts on the origin of genetic variation, transmission of traits in chromosomes, and the various applications of the concepts.  These include diagnosis and screening of diseases in humans, genetic changes in captive populations through breeding and genetic improvement of quantitative traits, or the effects of human and natural stresses to gene frequencies and adaptation of natural populations. 

Learning Outcomes	
On completion of this course, the student is expected to present the following learning outcomes in line with the Expected Lasallian Graduate Attributes (ELGA).

ELGA	Learning Outcome	
Critical and Creative Thinker
Effective Communicator
Lifelong Learner
Service-Driven Citizen	On completion of the course, students are expected to know the processes through which genetic information is stored, transferred, kept intact and changed.  The student demonstrates an understanding of the impact of human activity and the new technologies developed to study, repair and manipulate these process.  Students are able to communicate how developments in genetics may be both the source and the solution to existing and future needs and problems of the society.  The student is able to take a stand on ethical issues.	

Final Course Output	
As evidence of attaining the above learning outcome, the student is required to complete
the following during the indicated dates of the term. 

Learning Outcome	Required Output	Due Date	
The student demonstrates an understanding of the impact of human activities on genomes and genes.  The student understands new technologies developed to study and manipulate these process.  Students are able to communicate how developments in genetics may be both the source and the solution to existing needs and problems of the society.  The student is able to take a stand on ethical issues.	Quizzes and seatwork
Day to day progress is monitored through seatwork and quizzes which may include problems to solve and essay questions to discuss.	Week 1-13	
	Major Exams
Upon completion of major topics, unit exams are given to assess a student’s grasp of concepts and their ability to integrate and apply knowledge in the analysis of case studies  	Week 5
Week 9
Week 11
Week 13	
	Reflection Paper and GMO Project
Submission of a reflection paper on “The Biotech Revolution” by Michio Kaku.	Week 8
Week 14	

Rubric for assessment	
The following are the Rubrics that will serve as the basis for assessing the performance of the students on their preparations and presentation of the required final output for the course.

A.  Reflection Papers

Criteria	Experts!
(3.5-4.0)	Team Players
(3.0)	Laid-Back
(2.0)	Spacemen
(1.0)	

Organization
(40%)	Information is very organized with well constructed paragraphs, use of subheadings, and information is factual and correct
	Information is organized with well constructed paragraphs and information is factual and correct	Information is organized but paragraphs are not well constructed and information is factual	information appears  not only disorganized  but inaccurate 

Quality of Information
(40%)	Information clearly relates to the main topic.  It includes several supporting details and/or examples	Information clearly relates to the main topic.  It provides 1 – 2 supporting details and/or examples
	Information has little to do with the main topic. No details and/or examples are given	Information has nothing to do with the main topic

Multimedia
(20%)	No grammatical, spelling or punctuation errors	Almost no grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors	A few grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors	Many grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors

Additional Requirements	
	Active participation in class discussions
	Attendance and participation in scheduled exams
	Timely submission of seatwork, reflection papers and assignments which are non-plagiarized
	Passing long exams

Others: class discussion, cooperative learning, submissions

Grading Systems	
  Quizzes	
15%	

Long Exams	
75%	

Assignments/Reflection Papers	
10%	

Total Marks	
100%	

	Scale:
92 – 100%	4.0	                  
86 -   91%	3.5	                 
80 -   85%	3.0	                 
75 -   79%	2.5
70-   74%         2.0
65-   69%         1.5
60-   64%          1.0
<60%	             0.0	

Learning Plan	

Learning Outcome	LECTURE TOPIC OUTLINE	Week	Learning Activities	
Students will demonstrate proficiency of basic techniques and tools, as well as demonstrate some of the techniques used in modern genetics laboratories. Students will demonstrate improved critical thinking and data analysis based on written reports and quizzes.	Overview and Introduction to Genetics	1	Group dynamics	
	Genetic Information in mitosis and meiosis	2	Group dynamics	
	Discovery of DNA and its structure	2-3	Group dynamics	
	Chromosomal DNA; extra-chromosomal DNA 	3	Group dynamics	
	DNA replication, transcription and translation 	4-5	Group dynamics	
	First Long Exam	5		
	Gene Expression	5-6	Reflection Paper
	
	DNA mutation and repair	7	Group dynamics	
	Genetics of Cancer	7-8	Group dynamics	
	BBC documentary “Biotech Revolution”	8	Film Viewing	
	SECOND LONG EXAM			
	Mendelian Genetics and Modifications	9	Group dynamics	
	Quantitative Genetics	10-11	Group dynamics	
	Population Genetics	11-13	Group dynamics	
	FINAL EXAMINATION			

References	

Klug, WS and Cummings, MR. 2010. Essential of Genetics. 7th Ed. 
Grffiths, A and Luvontin, R. 2000. An Introduction to Genetic Analysis. 7th Ed. 

Text/Materials: Laboratory exercises developed by the Biology Department.

Online Resources	

http:// www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ OMIM
The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. (2007). Available at http://www.biotech.wisc.edu/Education/Poster/backmaster.html “Biotechnology: tools for genetic ingenuity
http://casgroup.fiu.edu/writingcenter/

Class Policies	
	Honesty and integrity are integral components of the academic process.
	Absence and tardiness are strongly discouraged.
	Attentiveness and active participation are critical to successful learning.
	The use of mobile phones and other electronic devices is not allowed during class hours, unless necessary or upon the teacher’s approval. 
	The policies on academic dishonesty, attendance, and behavior stipulated in your Student Handbook are honored in this course. 
	No make up for missed exams.
	Any kind of plagiarism is strongly prohibited.

Approved by

Dr. Mary Jane C. Flores
Chair, Department of Biology