PCB 3063L - Genetics Lab

College of Natural Sciences

Credit(s): 1
Contact Hours: 45
Effective Term Spring 2019 (555)

Requisites

(Prerequisite BSC 2010CH with a minimum grade of C or
(Prerequisite BSC 2010 with a minimum grade of C and
Prerequisite BSC 2010L with a minimum grade of C)
) and
Prerequisite CHM 2046 with a minimum grade of C and
Prerequisite CHM 2046L with a minimum grade of C and
Pre- or Co-requisite PCB 3063 with a minimum grade of C

Course Description

This course is designed to teach three major areas of genetics: the organization and transmission of genetic material, the molecular biology of gene expression and regulation, and the modification and evolution of genes and genomes. This course provides an understanding of the history and process of genetics as an experimental science as well as a foundation for understanding the current advances and rapid changes in the field of genetic engineering and genomics. (Note: Credit is not given for both (PCB 3063C) and (PCB 3063/PCB3063L)).

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will investigate the transmission of genetic material and classical Mendelian genetics by:
    1. utilizing human pedigree analysis.
    2. using statistical methods to test genetic hypotheses.
    3. completing laboratory exercises on Mendelian genetics, including formulating hypothesis, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting and explaining results.
    4. setting up mutant genetic crosses and examining inheritance of unknown and known traits using model organisms.
  2. The student will analyze non-Mendelian inheritance by:
    1. completing laboratory exercises on non-Mendelian genetics, including formulating hypothesis, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting and explaining results.
    2. evaluating data sets in laboratory exercises to generate chromosome maps.
  3. The student will investigate the molecular mechanisms of DNA replication, recombination, gene and protein expression and regulation by:
    1. comparison of protein profiles using proteomic techniques and quantitation of differential protein expression.
  4. The student will consider the role of genetics in controlling development and the cell cycle and the consequences of mutations by:
    1. visualizing cells during mitosis, meiosis and replication.
    2. inferring the genetics behind human diseases and performing laboratory exercises relevant to human genetics such as karyotyping and pedigree analysis.
    3. experimenting with non-vertebrate mutant lines of yeast and Drosophila.
    4. diagnosing human diseases using karyotyping.
  5. The student will compare and contrast the techniques of molecular genetics including an understanding of how experiments are conducted, what real data looks like and how they are interpreted by:
    1. performing library and/or internet research and writing term papers and lab reports on student laboratory exercises and current experimental research and advancements in the field of classical, evolutionary or molecular genetics.
    2. reading and interpreting peer reviewed primary research articles that relate to experimental laboratory activities.
    3. performing experiments and analyzing results using current DNA technology such as Restriction Enzyme digestion and gel electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA fingerprinting, and transformation.
    4. conducting cutting edge technology experiments such as detection of GMOs, proteomic and genomic analysis, advanced microscopy and western blots as deemed relevant.
  6. The student will explore and apply current methods in genetic engineering, molecular cloning and genomics in a laboratory setting by:
    1. examining new experimental advances in Biotechnology and Genomics.
    2. developing skills in use of bioinformatics to search and analyze publicly available genome data.
    3. conducting recombinant technology driven experiments such as cloning and restriction mapping.
    4. cloning and restriction analysis of genes using recombinant technology, sequencing and bioinformatics.
    5. mastering PCR through application i.e. detection of GMOs.
  7. The student will develop competencies in basic molecular laboratory skills by:
    1. collecting and analyzing data, formulating hypothesis, and interpreting and explaining results based on laboratory exercises on gene action.
    2. development of experimental questions, experimental design and execution.
    3. formal documentation using standard lab notebook formats and written analysis of experimental data in lab reports and presentations.
    4. troubleshooting and practical application of techniques learned to novel experimental questions

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will, with a minimum of 75% accuracy, demonstrate mastery of each of the above stated objectives through classroom measures developed by individual course instructors.

History of Changes

C&I Approval: 05/16/2014, BOT Approval: 10/21/2014, Effective Term: Spring 2015 (495).
C&I Approval: 07/26/2018, BOT Approval: 09/18/2018, Effective Term: Spring 2019 (555)

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