Science and Technology

GUIDE TO BIO 214 FALL 2015

OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE

This course in genetics has three major themes. The first is transmission genetics. This section of the course covers the distribution of genetic information into gametes, transmission of genes to the offspring, the interactions of members of gene pairs in the production of a trait, and gene mapping. The emphasis in this section of the course will be the integration of basic concepts and analytic thinking. The readings and lecture material can provide the background and a first level of understanding in genetics. A comprehensive understanding of this material can be achieved only in conjunction with problem solving. Genetics is an experimental science; working problems will give you experience with the use of scientific reasoning and analytic thinking. Solving problems (see below) should receive a great deal of your attention, and it is fair to say that success in this course depends on acquiring this skill.

The second major theme of this course is biochemical and molecular genetics. This section of the course places emphasis on how genetic information is stored, transmitted, altered and expressed. Knowledge about the molecular mechanisms involved in these genetic processes has generated new approaches to research, disease diagnosis and treatment, and applications to agriculture and industry. The material in this section of the course represents a work in progress, and new information is generated on this theme almost every day. An understanding of this material depends on having a firm grasp of the material from the first part of the course.

The third major theme is population genetics and evolution. First, we will explore the ways that genetic variation is analyzed in populations, and the differences among populations in the amount and type of variation present in these populations. Then we will...