GENETICS - BIOL 97                         Dr. Katherine T. Schmeidler

Phone:   ext. 5493 -- (949) 451-5493      Office:  A 227 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)

Dr. Schmeidler's Genetics webpage

Office Hours:          T/Th 7:00- 8:00 a.m., Th 9:30-12:30 p.m., &  by appointment

Genetics is a rapidly growing field which encompasses many domains of science.  It can be loosely subdivided into three categories:  transmission, molecular, and population genetics.  There is significant interdependence of the theory and techniques of these three categories - on each other and on other areas of scientific study (e.g. biochemistry, molecular biology, and cellular biology).  This field is changing and expanding rapidly.  Therefore we will discuss the basics of classical and molecular genetics, with emphasis on understanding genetic concepts  and developing the ability to apply this knowledge to current problems.  The official “student learning outcomes”  are posted in the IVC Schedule of Classes, as is a link to the Schmeidler website.

This course will have two midterm exams and a final. These exams will include problems, short answer and multiple-choice questions, and open-ended essays. Each exam will be based primarily on the unit(s) covered since the last exam. However, the nature of this class, and the discipline of genetics, is hierarchical. Thus, to some extent, each exam is also cumulative. 

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.
 

GRADING SYSTEM:

2 midterm exams @  100 pts each                      200
comprehensive final exam @  150 pts                 150
10 quizzes @ 10 pts each  (choose best 10)       100
homework assignments & participation               200             Total= 650
 

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".

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 RECEIVE "F".