PCB 2061C - Applied Genetics

College of Natural Sciences

Credit(s): 3
Contact Hours: 77
Effective Term Fall 2022 (610)

Requisites

(Prerequisite BSC 2010 with a minimum grade of C and
Prerequisite BSC 2010L with a minimum grade of C) or
Prerequisite BSC 2010CH with a minimum grade of C

Course Description

This course introduces the concepts and mechanisms associated with the transmission of heritable information including Mendelian genetic analysis, modern molecular genetic analysis and regulation of gene expression. The aim of this course is to provide students with a foundation for understanding the current genetic advances in regards to their application to current methods in biotechnology. Quantitative genetic analyses, genomics, and the genetic basis of disease will be explored.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

  1. The student will illustrate the structure of the DNA molecule, DNA replication, gene expression and gene regulation by:
    1. diagraming the DNA structure and organization within prokaryotic and eukaryotic chromosomes.
    2. explaining the classic genetic experiments that resulted in the identification of DNA as the genetic material.
    3. explaining the processes of DNA replication, transcription and translation.
    4. listing the key molecules and events in the process of DNA replication, transcription and translation.
    5. describing the major differences between the process of DNA replication, transcription and translation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; including their implications in biotechnology.
    6. outlining the association between alterations in nucleotide sequence with gene mutation.
  2. The student will investigate the principles of Mendelian genetics by:
    1. using Mendel’s principles to identify dominant and recessive alleles using Punnett squares.
    2. using statistical methods to test genetic hypotheses.
    3. using human pedigrees and Mendel’s principles to identify dominant and recessive alleles within human families.
    4. describing the phenomenon of codominance, gene interactions, inheritance within human families.
    5. completing laboratory exercises on Mendelian genetics, including formulating hypotheses, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting and explaining results.
    6. setting up mutant genetic crosses and examining inheritance of unknown and known traits using model organisms.
  3. The student will investigate the role of genetics in the cell cycle and development by:
    1. visualizing cells during various stages of the cell cycle.
    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 model systems such as yeast and Drosophila.
  4. The student will discuss the significance of recombinant DNA and cloning by:
    1. reviewing the historical development of recombinant DNA and cloning.
    2. explaining current advancements in recombinant DNA technology; including the development of transgenic animals.
    3. researching a current application of recombinant DNA technology and presenting these findings.
    4. conducting recombinant technology-driven experiments such as cloning and restriction mapping.
    5. practicing PCR through application
  5. The student will evaluate the current state of gene therapy with knowledge of the human genome and potential patient risks by:
    1. researching and presenting information on a genetic topic and relating the current knowledge to ethical, legal, social aspects.
    2. utilizing risk assessment techniques such as fault tree analysis and probability methods such as Cox regression analysis to determine outcome probabilities.
  6. The student will explain how biotechnology affects society by:
    1. describing the advantages and consequences of genetic modified organisms.
    2. evaluating biotechnology tools for bioremediation and development of alternative fuels.
    3. analyzing the use of genetics in the personalized medicine and drug development.

Criteria Performance Standard

Upon successful completion of the course the student will, with a minimum of 70% accuracy, demonstrate mastery of the above stated objectives through measurements developed by individual course instructors.

History of Changes

C&I Approval: 11/21/2014, BOT Approval: 02/17/2015, Effective Term: Fall 2015 (505). C&I Approval: 02/09/2018, BOT Approval: 04/17/2018, Effective Term: Fall 2018 (550). C&I Approval: , BOT Approval: , Effective Term: Spring 2021 (585).
C&I Approval: , BOT Approval: , Effective Term: Fall 2022 (610)

Related Programs

  1. Biotechnology Laboratory Technology (BIOT-AS) (640) (Active)