Course Syllabus
Course: BIOL 2035
Division: Natural Science and Math
Department: Biology
Title: Introductory Genetics Laboratory
Semester Approved: Fall 2022
Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2027
End Semester: Summer 2028
Catalog Description: This laboratory course allows for student experimentation and application of principles learned in the Introductory Genetics lecture course. (Lab fee required.)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 0; Lab: 2
Prerequisites: BIOL 1610 (can be taken concurrently), or with instructor's permission.
Corequisites: BIOL 2030
Justification: The Introductory Genetics lecture course (BIOL 2030) and laboratory (BIOL 2035) are part of the biology major's lower division core. This course will help students progress through the biology major pathway. Genetics at Snow is similar to other genetics courses found at most USHE schools. It is a requirement for most biology majors, and related (e.g. plant science). Genetics is recommended for pre-med, PA, pre-vet, even pre-dental students.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Through the study of genetics in a laboratory setting, students will be able to apply the scientific method in the collection and analysis of data and demonstrate an understanding of some scientific hypotheses and theories as explanations for natural phenomena. Students will demonstrate this through lab reports and/or lab quizzes.
Students will be able to make careful observations, collect and analyze data, draw conclusions relevant to key biological concepts and demonstrate effective reading, knowledge retrieval, clear written communication, and scientific experimentation. Students are given opportunity to demonstrate both their experience in and mastery of laboratory skills as these illustrate biological principles in lab reports and/or quizzes.
Content:
This course will cover laboratory experiments that will reinforce topics introduced in lecture.Experiments may include mitosis (Allium, whitefish); meiosis (Zea, {Lilium, Ascaris}); autosomal dihybrid F2 and testcross ratios (Zea); epistatic ratios (Zea); genome analysis promoter sequences, Shine-Dalgarno, ORFs (open reading frames), exons, introns, etc; DNA restriction digests, ligation, gel electrophoresis and bacterial (E.coli) transformation; plasmid extraction and analysis; DNA extractions, PCR and gel electrophoresis; DNA fingerprinting; CRISPR; two-point mapping (Drosophila, Zea); three-point mapping (Drosophila, Zea); tetrad analysis (Sordaria); X-linkage (Drosophila) and nondisjunction and aneuploidy, chromosomal mutations (human syndromes). The lab may consist of authentic research experimentation (e.g. CURE: course-based undergraduate research experience) or other inquiry based labs that promote genuine application of the scientific method. Just as in the lecture portion of the course, the lab will also highlight diverse identities, perspectives, and backgrounds. This course will address how genetics is a way of knowing about the natural world. As such, there will be discussions on how genetics has shaped and has been shaped by historical, ethical, and social contexts.
Key Performance Indicators:
Lab Reports 70 to 100%
Lab Quizzes 0 to 30%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Laboratory manual
Pedagogy Statement:
Laboratory classes are naturally hands-on where students are activity learning and practicing important laboratory technics. An additionally emphasis will be placed on inquiry-based labs and authentic experimentation. Lab pedagogy will foster inclusivity, in particular by accepting students with a breadth of abilities and prior experience in a genetics lab. Further, teaching technics that place value on differences in opinions and perspectives will be utilized.
Instructional Mediums:
Lab
Maximum Class Size: 24
Optimum Class Size: 12
