School of Science, Health and Technology
Biology Department
Anthony Udeogalanya, Chairperson
tel. 718.270.6213

GENETICS,   BIO 302

TEXTBOOKS

Textbook: Concepts of Genetics 9th ed By William S. Klugg. Michael R. Cummings, Spencer, & Palladino
Publisher: Pearson/Prentice Hall

Lab Manual: Genetics Laboratory Investigations, 13th ed By Thomas A. Martens and Robert L. Hammersmith
Publisher: Pearson/Prentice Hall.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course covers the basic principles of genetics with emphasis on the classical principles of inheritance. Mendel's Laws of Heredity, molecular genetics and population genetics, the cell and cell division, gene and genetic material, chromosome changes and mutation. The objective of the course is the explanation of the basic principles of inheritance as well as the application of genetic principles in the improvement of plants and animals. It will aim at enabling students to:

1. Identify the hereditary material and the nature of its chemical and structural properties.
2. Study the organization of the genes into chromosomes and the transmission of the chromosomes from parents to progeny either by sexual or asexual reproduction.
3. Attempt the analysis of the interactions of the different genes and the environment to produce the characteristics of the individual.
4. Study the different types of genetic diversity that can occur and the consequences of this diversity to the individual and to the population.

METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:

Lecture, discussion and laboratory. In addition, quizzes will be given in the lecture and / or the lab as well as take home problems and lab assignments. Lab notebooks are expected to be kept up to date at all times and they will be turned in at the end of the semester for grading. No formal lab exam will be given at the end of the semester. Attendance to lectures and labs is mandatory and punctuality is very essential. Students are encouraged to take notes during instruction and also to take advantage of the instructor=s office hours any time they need additional assistance.

NOTE:

Students are expected to prepare for each lab session by studying the assigned exercises in the lab manual before coming to the lab. Manuals should be kept up to date with all data entered in appropriate places. Manuals may be collected and graded by the instructor at any time.

SYLLABUS
GRADING POLICIES AND SCHEDULE OF EXAMS

• There will be separate grade points for lecture exams, lab exams and lab activities that would be added when final grade is computed. The scheme of exams is described as below.
• Course is graded out of 100 points. Out of that 60 points would come from the lecture exams, and 40 points from lab. Your lab participation / lab reports would be graded for 10 points. Please see at the end of the syllabus how the grade would be computed. The tentative scheme / schedule of Lecture and Lab exams are outlined below:

LECTURE

LECTURE EXAMS:

• Lecture exam will be given during first half session of the class meeting.
• You are responsible for the material that is covered in the class.
• Exam will promptly start at the beginning of the class, so please be in time.

LECTURE MAKEUP EXAM POLICY:

• There would be NO makeup exam for this course.
• Make up is solely at the discretion of the instructor and would be given to you only if your situation is beyond your control in reality and you can document your reason like doctor’s note etc. Please let the instructor know ahead of time.
• There would be NO multiple – choice question FORMAT in the makeup exam. It may contain short essays, definitions, fill-in-the-blank, drawings and matching type of questions.

LABORATORY:

A. LAB ACTIVITIES AND EXAM DATES:

B. LAB EXAMS:

• Lab Exam will be given during first half hour of the lab meeting.
• Exam will promptly start at the beginning of the class, so please be in time.
• If you are late, you missed the exam.

C. LAB MAKEUP POLICY:

• There is no provision for making up a missing lab and you would lose participation points.
• Under no circumstance a lab exam can be made-up so you would lose those points in entirety.

D. LAB REPORTS / ASSIGNMENTS (LAB PARTICIPATION AND ACTIVITIES; 10 POINTS):

You are required to participate in lab activities from beginning to finish.
• Your everyday activity in the lab would be graded for a maximum of 10 points, out of total of 120 (10X12), 12 points would be going to the final grade.
>Lab reports should be completed and turned in on due date and time. Please complete the lab work in the assigned time and follow the instructions at the beginning of the each lab.

E. CHEATING POLICY:

• Any form of cheating including but not limited to consulting notes / books, talking to a friend, peeking someone’s exam would earn you a ZERO point in that exam.
• Second attempt would simply get you an F grade.
• Cell phones or any communicable electronic devices must be turned off during the exam unless you are instructed otherwise. If you have a reason to keep that on, inform and talk to your instructor before the exam.

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