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Instructor: Dr. Jennifer Schisa Office: Brooks Hall, 230A Phone: 774-2203 email: schis1j@cmich.edu (the best way to reach me) Office Hours: Mon., Wed., Fri. 11am-12pm, or by appointment. Sign-up sheet posted outside my office. Lecture: Brooks 203, MWF 10-10:50am Course Description: The principles of heredity dealing with the location, transmission, structure, and function of genes and the results of modern genetic techniques. Prerequisites: Nine hours of biology (BIO 101 and 2 of the following 3: 203-botany, 208-microbiology, 218- zoology). Microbiology, general chemistry, and basic algebra are strongly recommended. Required texts and software:
Lab Sections: Brooks 204
Grading: Best 2 of first 3 exams plus final = 500 points total (50%). Exams 1, 2 and 3 (150 points each) will be given in the CLAS Testing Center, located in Robinson Hall. Hours are: Wednesday and Thursday, 9am-9pm. It is your responsibility to allow sufficient time to complete the exam. Please do not contact the Testing Center regarding testing dates. You can check their web page for test information at www.cmich.edu/clas/. The final exam (200 points) will be given during the regular final exam period. You must have a passing grade on lab reports and worksheets to pass the class. You must attend lab in order to get credit for assignments on that lab.
Reading Assignments: Reading assignments in the text are listed on the tentative lecture schedule. Readings and lectures will complement each other -- I cannot cover every detail in lecture and will expect you to obtain certain information from reading the text rather than from lecture. Don't fall behind! Try to read the assignment before each class, but at the very latest read it on the same day as the class. Course Goals: This is a truly exciting time in human history to be studying genetics! Advances in molecular biology and computer science have created a synergy that is allowing us to uncover information that most geneticists dared not even dream about a few decades ago. The genome sequencing projects are generating data at a very rapid pace, revealing the complete genomic sequences of a wide variety of organisms ranging from bacteria to us. The human genome mapping and sequencing projects are helping us to determine the function of the 30,000 or so genes that to a large extent direct how we develop and function biologically. These projects are also helping to identify those genes, that when defective, cause disease. We are also learning about how life has evolved, and the genetic differences that separate one species from another. So now is an exciting time to become a geneticist-- even if only for one semester! But, we'll have to start at the beginning, and learn the fundamental basics that researchers such as Gregor Mendel, Thomas Hunt Morgan, Watson and Crick, and colleagues discovered and on which all modern molecular genetics is grounded. The purpose of this course is to think biologically about transmission, molecular, and population genetics. You will learn how to analyze and interpret genetic data, from working chapter problems and from laboratory data. Students who reason well about genetics should be able to make connections with other aspects of biology, and better understand genetic issues in society at large. Students should be better thinkers and problem solvers after taking this course. Absences: Students with 5 unexcused absences will have their course grade dropped by one letter grade per additional unexcused absence. Students with extended absences due to illness or other excused reason should contact me about making up required coursework. The last day to withdraw from class with an automatic W is 5 PM, Friday, Nov. 2. The final exam will not be given at any other than the scheduled time. Make-up quizzes and exams will be given only under extreme personal circumstances (illness, death in the family), extramural athletic participation, required field trips in other courses, or employment obligations, and must be approved in advance. A note from the appropriate authority must be provided. A grade of Incomplete will be given only to students who are passing the course and, for some reason of emergency, fail to complete the course requirements. Late assignments: NO late homework, lab reports, or other assignments will be accepted. In the "real world", your boss will not tolerate a late report. Being ready the next day will not do you any good. College is meant to prepare you for the real world and this policy is consistent with that goal. General lab issues: Laboratory work in Genetics is not a separate course unrelated to what is discussed in the lecture room. Students are urged to make a serious effort to synthesize the material covered in the lecture, laboratory, and text. All of these will be appropriate material on which to base an examination question. Accordingly, students are expected to be present each week when the laboratory group meets. Since it will be impossible to set up missed laboratory exercises after the normally scheduled time, only excused absences will be considered. Although formal lab reports are not required for every lab session, lab attendance is mandatory at every session. If you cannot attend a lab, please contact me. You are responsible for notifying me as soon as possible about illness, trouble, or conflict. You are responsible for any make-up assignments, if possible, and for an excused absence. There will be no make up assignments for unexcused absences. Any lab that is missed without notification of the lab instructor will be considered unexcused. Missed labs hurt not only you but also your lab partner. If you have a serious problem that you don't want to discuss with your instructor, please contact the Office of Student Life, 774-3016. Policy on Academic Integrity: In May 2001, the Central Michigan University Academic Senate approved the Policy on Academic Integrity which applies to all university students. Copies are available on the CMU web site at http://academicsenate.cmich.edu/noncurric.htm, and in the Academic Senate Office in room 108 of Bovee University Center. All academic work is expected to be in compliance with this policy. See also Plagiarism: a brief overview at if you have questions. Any plagiarized work or other act of dishonesty will receive a Zero and the Office of Student Life will be notified. You are responsible for understanding what constitutes plagiarism. Requests for Accommodation: CMU provides students with disabilities reasonable accommodation to participate in educational programs, activities or services. Students with disabilities requiring accommodation to participate in class activities or meet course requirements should first register with the office of Student Disability Services (250 Foust Hall, telephone #989-774-3018, TDD #2568), and then contact me as soon as possible. Classroom Civility: Each CMU student is encouraged to help create an environment during class that promotes learning, dignity, and mutual respect for everyone. Students who speak at inappropriate times, sleep in class, display inattention, take frequent breaks, interrupt the class by coming to class late, engage in loud or distracting behaviors, use cell phone or pagers in class, use inappropriate language, are verbally abusive, display defiance or disrespect to others, or behave aggressively toward others could be asked to leave the class and subjected to disciplinary action under the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Disciplinary Procedures.
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