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WESTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL
2009-2010 Genetics Honors Syllabus
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
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Instructor: Ms. Rajput
Classroom Location: Room # 461
E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone Number: (404) 346-6400
Instructor Tutoring: Monday’s 4:00 – 5:00 PM, By Appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The course "Genetics" has been designed to introduce the
student to nearly all of the fundamental concepts of genetics. The first half of the course
will focus on the basic principles of classical (Mendelian) genetics, while the second half
of the course will deal with the modern discoveries of molecular biology and their
applications in today's world. Although the primary function of this course is to prepare
the biology major for more advanced course work in genetics, topics will be covered in
sufficient detail to provide other science majors with a good understanding of the field of
genetics
COURSE TEXT: Human Heredity: Principles and Issues by Michael Cummings
AP Biology seventh ed. by Campbell and Reese (Unit 3 Genetics)
OUTCOME EXPECTATIONS:
At the end of this course students should be able to:
1) Understand the basics of the structure, and function of nucleic acids.
2) Know the basics of DNA replication in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
3) Know the basics of transcription, translation, transcriptional control, and posttranscriptional control in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
4) Be familiar with the most common techniques in molecular genetics.
5) Understand the laws of heredity and how they can be used in basic and applied
research.
6) Predict the outcome of genetic crosses.
7) Deduce the nature of hereditary systems given the results of genetic crosses.
8) Know how genes are packaged with proteins in the form of chromatin.
9) Understand gene mapping and its significance, including how genes are mapped both
genetically and physically.
10) Understand how gene variation occurs and how populations maintain or lose genetic
diversity, including how selected mutagens change DNA sequences.
11) Be able to describe changes in chromosome structure and number and describe the
significance of these changes.
12) Describe genetic variation in populations as well as the factors which effect this
variation.
13) Predict how the genetics of populations change over time.
14) Understand the nature of continuously varying traits.
15) Know how knowledge of variable traits can be used to breed new types of animals
and plants.
16) Acquire laboratory skills and gain the ability to make adjustments in laboratory
protocols as needed. Collect, analyze and present data scientifically.
CONTENT ORGANIZATION and Course Calender:
Chapter 13 Meiosis and Sexual Life Cycles: Students will understand that
offspring acquire genes from parents by inheriting
chromosomes; that fertilization and meiosis alternate in sexual
life cycles; meiosis reduces the number of chromosome set from
diploid to haploid; and genetic variation produced in sexual life
cycles contributes to evolution
Chapter 14 Mendel and the Gene Idea: Students will understand that
Mendel used the scientific approach to identify two laws of
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inheritance; that laws of probability govern Mendelian
inheritance; that inheritance patterns are often more complex
than predicted by simple Mendelian genetics; and many human
traits follow Mendelian patterns of inheritance
The Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance: Students understand
that Mendelian inheritance has its physical basis in the
behavior of chromosomes; that sex-linked genes exhibit unique
patterns of inheritance; that linked genes tend to be inherited
together because they are located near each other on the same
chromosome; that alterations of chromosome number or
structure cause some genetic disorders; that some inheritance
patterns are exceptions to the standard chromosome theory
Chapter 16 The Molecular Basis of Inheritance: Students will need to
know that DNA is the genetic material; that many proteins work
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together in DNA replication and repair; that a chromosome
consists of a DNA molecule packed together with proteins
From Gene to Protein: Student will understand that genes
specify proteins via transcription and translation; that
transcription is the DNA-directed synthesis of RNA; that
eukaryotic cells modify RNA after transcription; that translation
is the RNA-directed synthesis of a polypeptide; that point
mutations can affect protein structure and function; and that
gene expression differs among the domains of life
Regulation of Gene Expression: Students will understand that
Chapter 18
bacteria often responds to environmental change by regulating
transcription; that eukaryotic gene expression can be regulated
at any stage; cancer results from genetic changes that affect cell
cycle control
Viruses: Students will know a virus consists of a nucleic acid
surrounded by a protein coat; viruses reproduce only in host
cell; viruses reproduce only in host cells; viruses, viriods, and
prions are formidable pathogens in animals and plants
Biotechnology: Students will learn that DNA cloning yields
multiple copies of a gene or other DNA segment; DNA
technology allows us to study the sequence, expression, and
function of a gene; cloning organisms may lead to production of
stem cells for research and other applications; that practical
applications of DNA technology affect our lives in many ways
Chapter 19
Chapter
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COURSE LABS: There will be at least four major labs and several additional lab
activities. Each major lab will require a Lab Write Up.
Topics of Major Labs
1. Meiosis
2. Population Genetics
3. DNA Transformation
4. PCR Technique
COURSE GRADING PROCEDURES AND POLICIES
All graded work is important! Don’t neglect any aspect of the class. Don’t ask me to
raise your grade just because you’re close. An 89 is an 89. Here are the expected
percentages of the grade:
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Labs/Performance Assessments – 25%
Quiz – 20%
CW/HW – 15%
Final- 15%
Test- 25 %
The Fulton County grade distribution is as follows:
90 – 100
A
80 – 89
B
70 – 79
C
Below 70
F
The grading policy is such that everyone can be successful. Keeping up with work on a
daily basis is the key to success. Evidence of student learning will be assessed by means
of homework, class work, notebook checks, projects, laboratory experiences, tests, and
exams.
MATERIALS
Textbook, 1 to 11/2" binder with organized tabs, Pencil and pen, Access to computer with
Internet hook-up, Calculator
MAKE-UP WORK POLICY
1. It is the student’s sole responsibility to make contact with the teacher to request and
initiate all make-up work for any absence.
2. Requests for make-up work must be made the FIRST class meeting back after the
absence.
3. For students with EXCUSED or UNEXCUSED absences, assignment deadlines will
be extended by the number of class days absent.
4. For students with UNEXCUSED absences, the grade earned on the makeup work
will be reduced by 10 points.
5. NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED! To receive credit for assignments,
they must be turned in on time. Makeup work submitted late will receive a zero.
6. If a student is absent the day of an announced quiz or test, or on the day that any
other assignment is due, he/she will take the quiz or test during class on the next day
present unless other arrangements are made that are satisfactory with the teacher.
RECOVERY POLICY
Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative
grade (74% or less) will be allowed when all work required to date has been completed
and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements
including attendance. Students should contact the teacher concerning recovery
opportunities. Teachers are expected to establish a reasonable time period for recovery
work to be completed during the semester. All recovery work must be directly related to
course objectives and must be completed ten school days prior to the end of the semester.
Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may
improve their grades.
LABORATORY EXPERIENCE
Approximately 25% of your course work will be in the form of laboratory investigations.
You will be required to wear appropriate safety attire while working in the lab.
A copy of the Laboratory Safety Rules is attached. You must earn a score of 90% on the
Safety Test in order to be allowed to participate in any laboratory experience. Safety will
be reinforced in every laboratory experience. Anyone not observing safety regulations
will be removed from the laboratory setting and earn a grade of “0” (zero) for the lab.
BEHAVIOR
1. Expect to use class time only for activities related to science class.
2. Expect to act responsibly and in a way that promotes learning (both your own
and that of your classmates) whenever you are involved in an Environmental
Science activity, both in and out of the classroom.
3. Expect to work every day in this class.
4. Expect to follow all school and classroom rules.
PARENT CONNECT:
The grading policy is such that everyone can be successful. Keeping up with work on a
daily basis is the key to success. Progress reports will be issued every three weeks and a
report card at the end of the semester. Parents are encouraged to use Parent connect to
check their student’s progress at any time during the semester.
HONOR CODE:
The Westlake High School Honor Code is in effect at all times. Cheating will not be
tolerated! Cheating is defined as giving or receiving information in any form that is
related to a gradable experience including the use of sources of information other than
those specifically approved by the teacher either during or outside of class. Students are
required to sign honor pledges as applicable for major tests, projects, and/or papers.
Examples of Cheating include, but are not limited to:
 Plagiarism – using words or ideas from a published source without proper
documentation; using the work of another student (e.g. copying another student’s
homework, composition, or project); using excessive editing suggestions of
another student, teacher, parent or paid editor.
 Looking on someone else’s paper during a test or quiz.
 Cheat sheets of any kind.
 Knowingly accepting or giving information concerning the contents of a test or
quiz.
 Changing the appearance of computer printouts.
 Allowing another student to complete web-based activities using your name and
login information.
Students guilty of cheating will receive a grade of “0” on the assignment or test. The
assignment may not be made up (students having zeros are not eligible for recovery).
Violations may be considered by faculty in making future recommendations.
Memberships in honor clubs will be jeopardized. Students receiving an Honor Code
violation may be assigned to serve two (2) days of extended detention for the first
offense.
SCHOOL-RELATED ACTIVITIES (Speakers, Field Trips, Music, Athletics, Etc.)If you wish to attend a school-related activity at the same time as your science class, you
must get permission to do so! The teacher may refuse your request or may allow you to
attend the event. If you are allowed to attend, the work you will miss must be completed
before leaving or as directed by the teacher, not at your convenience.
SCIENCE RULES!
The teacher and the students will adhere to the Westlake Rules and Procedures Policy as
outlined in the Student Handbook as well as the following classroom rules:
Expected Classroom Behaviors
1. Be in your seat when the tardy bell rings.
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Leaving class is because of emergencies only.
Be silent and listen when another person is speaking.
Use your time in this class to work only on assignments related to Science.
Be sure to observe the Honor Code.
Keep working until your teacher dismisses you.
Follow all laboratory safety rules and procedures.
Respect other people and their ideas.
Be prepared for learning.
a. Bring all materials to class (See MATERIALS).
b. Bring completed assignments to class. You will not be allowed under any
circumstances to go to your locker or to your car to retrieve assignments.
10. According to the FCBOE Policy: “Students shall not alter or attempt to alter
school or private property including technology hardware and software.”
THEREFORE:
a. DO NOT change desktop settings or control panels on computers.
b. DO NOT remove or damage mouse tracking balls, keyboard keys, cables,
connectors, network jacks, or any other hardware.
c. DO NOT modify computer software, damage computer disks, CD ROMS,
or other media.
d. DO NOT bring any food, gum, candy, or consumable liquids into the
classroom.
e. DO take care of books desks, and lab equipment.
The student that fails to follow safety or classroom rules will be subject to detention
and/or referred to the administration for further disciplinary action.