BIO 239 - Genetics

Institution:

Eastern Maine Community College

Subject:

Description:

Offers a compelling look at the current state of the science of Genetics. Ranging from peas grown by an Augustan monk to a flash of insight on a lonely road in California, our understanding how traits are passed from generation to generation has progressed from simple observation over the threshold of manipulation. We will start with the classical underpinnings of modern genetics and evolutionary theory. It will cover Mendelian genetics and the variations to Mendelian patterns of inheritance. This course will discuss the molecular basis for Mendel's observations, the structure of DNA, the sources of genetic variation, and the neo-Darwinian understanding of evolution. This course also covers the basis of variation within populations, the concepts of differential reproduction leading to changes in allele frequency, the processes of extinction and speciation. The lab portion of the genetics course will explore traditional Mendelian genetics, analysis of populations and genetic diversity, developing and analyzing your own human pedigree (with a focus on your risk for human diseases), preparation and observation of chromosomes and their importance in heredity, DNA isolation, PCR, Bacterial Transformation and DNA analysis, DNA fingerprinting with comparison to traditional fingerprints (a polygenic, multifactorial trait). This is a 'Hands-On' lab, with an emphasis on manipulation of real samples and analysis of real data. Some simulations and prepared samples will be used to supplement live material. Note: this course involves solving mathematical problems with multiple variables. (3 lec, 2 lab) Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in BIO 209 or equivalent

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.emcc.edu

Phone Number:

(207) 974-4600

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Semester

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