HUMAN GENETICS AND MEDICINE - BIO 272 - SPRING 2012
Tentative Lecture Schedule and Reading List


THIS SCHEDULE IS APPROXIMATE, AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE

lecture date suggested chapters general topic(s) of discussion
Jan. 10 (Biology Basics) BB1 Introduction to course - What is genetics?
12
 2
 Reproductive strategies, fertility and infertility
17
 3
 Mitosis and meiosis: chromosomes and cell division
19
 4 Heredity: current interpretations of Mendel’s observations
24
 1
 Sex determination; chromosome structure: normal and abnormal karyotypes
26
 4
 Pedigrees and simple crosses
 31
  1 - 4
Sex and heredity, maternal inheritance, sex-linkage
Feb.  2
  BB 2
DNA: the genetic material - structure and function
7
EXAM I
9
 5
 Genetic information flow: DNA–> RNA–> protein
14
 5
 Regulation of gene activity
14
LAST DAY TO DROP WITHOUT  "W"
16
 6 Mutations: their causes and their effects
21
 6, 7
 Variations in gene activity - a molecular level view
23
 7, 8
 Molecular genetics technology - measuring and assessing DNA
28
 7, 8 Molecular genetics technology - manipulating DNA, DNA cloning
Mar 1
 9
 Uses of DNA technology: the Human Genome Project, other databases
6
 10
 Genomics and the new information age: computational genetics
8
EXAM II
20
 11
 Extensions to Mendel - multiple genes, multiple alleles
22
 11
 “     ” - when genes interact with each other and the environment
27
 TBA
 Ways to study genetics in humans
29
 12 Cancer and genetics
Apr 3
 12
 Cells: germ-line, somatic, stem reproduction and development
5
LAST DAY TO DROP WITH A  "W"
5
 14 Genetics and immunity, transplantation, blood-borne disorders
10
 13 Genetics and human behavior
12
EXAM III
17
 15
 Measuring alleles and allele frequencies in individuals and populations
19
 16
 Using genetic approaches to study human populations and origins
24
 15, 16
 What we can learn from studying populations present and past
26
 9, 17
 Interventive and forensic methodologies: preventing, curing, or reducing the impact of disorders and diseases
May 1
 9, 17 Interventive and forensic methodologies: legal and ethical considerations
3
 17 Interventive and forensic methodologies, continued
8
 17
 Genetic counseling, predicting risks, using genetics for diagnosis and treatment strategies
15
 ALL
 The future of human genetics in medicine



19

FINAL EXAM: in class

NOTE: IT IS THE STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO DROP A COURSE OFFICIALLY IF THE STUDENT WISHES TO AVOID AN "F". THE INSTRUCTOR MAY DROP STUDENTS FOR NON-ATTENDANCE, BUT THIS IS DISCRETIONARY. STUDENTS WHO DO NOT DROP, BUT DO NOT COMPLETE THE WORK WILL RECIEVE "F".

REQUIRED TEXT: Yashon and Cummings.  2012.  Human Genetics and Society/2e

Instructor: Dr. Katherine T. Schmeidler                                              Office: A 227

Phone: ext. 5493 =  (949) 451-5493                                                      email: kschmeidler@ivc.edu

       Please note that our discussion board is up & running in BlackBoard if you wish to participate;
 also you might want to visit the
    Genetics webpage (via schedules or the Department's web page)

Office Hours:   T/Th 7:00- 8:00 p.m. and 10-11 p.m.; T  11:00 a.m. - noon; &  by appointment
          Office hours may be in A408 or A227 --  be sure to check both these places!

This course will have three midterm exams and a final.  These exams will include problems, short answer and multiple-choice questions, and open-ended short essays.  Each exam will be based primarily on the unit(s) covered since the last exam.  However, the nature of this class, and our ability to discuss issues of human genetics is hierarchical and interdependent.  Thus, to some extent, each exam is also cumulative as more is learned and students are able to re-examine earlier topics.

The (tentative) class schedule includes suggested reading for each week.  This reading assignment is not exclusive, but is intended as a guide ONLY.  Relevant material may be found throughout the text, and some outside reading may also be assigned.  Students are responsible for material included in assigned reading and all topics covered in class.  Failure to complete any assignment (or arranged substitute assignment) will result in a failing grade for the course.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1.    Describe the molecules involved in genetic information storage and utilization: DNA, RNA, and protein.
2.    Compare the structure and function of genetic information molecules. *
3.    List several human genes and their functions.
4.    Relate gene structure in mutated and wild-type forms to the effects of the mutation, for several representative human genes. *
5.    Describe and compare different approaches and methods for mapping human genes. *
6.    Describe, and analyze strengths and limitations, of technologies for analyzing human genetic systems, including the Human Genome Project. *
7.    Describe, and analyze strengths and limitations, of technologies for manipulating genetic systems that relate to human medical conditions. *
8.    Propose and assess ethical arguments relating to the use of genetic manipulation in human medical practice. *
9.    Propose and assess ethical arguments relating to the use of human genetic analysis, for example its use in criminal investigation (forensic use), hiring practices, use by insurance companies to estimate risk. *
10.    Analyze genetic map information, pedigrees, and hereditary relationships. *

Further details of this course, including learning objectives, are posted on the “details page” of the on-line schedule”.

GRADING SYSTEM:

3 midterm exams @ 100 pts each                     300
comprehensive final exam @ 150 pts                150
homework assignments and quizzes                   250                                          Total= 700

Final letter grades are tentatively assigned:

>90% = A;     80-89% = B;     66-79% = C;     55-65% = D;     <55% = F

If you miss a lecture exam, a make-up exam will be arranged, probably during final exam week. Be warned, this exam may be more difficult than the class exam. You may only make up one exam!

Students assessed as requiring accommodation must follow College procedures and notify the instructor accordingly.

NOTE: all papers including exams will be returned to student if possible. IVC regulations state that paperwork will be held for 3 months after the end of a semester. After that period, all uncollected work will be discarded. Please note that it is your responsibility to retain all of your records. No reconsideration of any grade is possible without evidence, and it is the student's responsibility to demonstrate the basis of any grade change. IT IS THE STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO RECOVER THESE MATERIALS!!

ACADEMIC HONESTY: IVC Regulations and guidelines regarding academic honesty will be followed and enforced. Cheating or plagiarism may result in an F on the assignment involved, the entire course, or, in even more serious cases, College disciplinary action may be taken. If you have any questions or confusion about what is considered honest (and what is not) be sure to clarify these definitions right away! There are no "second chances".

All IVC and SOCCCD regulations and guidelines will be followed and enforced.  See the IVC Catalog  and MySite for details.