BIOL 222 - Principles of Genetics

An introduction to the underlying principles, theories, technology, and vocabulary that constitute the discipline of genetics. Concentrating on the molecular aspect of classical and extended genetics, course topics include molecular organization of genetic information in viruses, prokaryotes, and eukaryotes; the molecular basis of phenotypic variation; and the molecular aspects of gene action, expression, and regulation. Collectively, this course provides a framework for understanding how genetics is used as a tool for investigation of issues related to human health, medicine, and in biotechnology. PREREQUISITE(S): A grade of C or better in BIOL 150, CHEM 131, MATH 117 or higher, or consent of department. Students may not receive credit for both BIOL 220 and BIOL 222. Three hours lecture, two hours of discussion/recitation each week.

4 semester hours

Course Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

Define and properly use terms related to the study of genetics.
Describe the roles of mitosis and meiosis in reproduction and explain how meiosis leads to genetic variability.
Explain patterns of Mendelian, epistatic, and quantitative (polygenic) inheritance.
Solve basic genetic problems involving different modes of inheritance and application of the rules of probability.
Describe the chromosomal basis of inheritance, linkage and crossing over, and mapping of linked genes.
Cite major advancement and key experiments that lead to the basic principles of molecular genetics.
Describe details of DNA structure, DNA replication, DNA mutation, and DNA repair.
Explain the process of transcription, translation, and regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
Describe how genes can be experimentally isolated and manipulated.
Discuss the application of genetics in human health, medicine, and biotechnology.
Demonstrate the effective use of current genetic information, including library and Internet database resources.
Evaluate a population for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and discuss the role of molecular genetics in evolution.

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