Download Cell 103 Heredity and Society

Heredity and Society (Cell 103)
Spring, 2010
Instructor: Cherif Boudaba, Ph.D., [email protected]; Phone: 862 8725
Office location: 4014 Percival Stern Hall, Office hours: Monday from 10:00 to
12:00 or by appointment
Class meets: Tuesday and Thursday, 2:00-3:15 PM, Boggs 105
Course description: This course focuses on modern concepts related to Human
genetics. Student will learn how mutated genes induce birth defects, hereditary and
non-hereditary diseases. Students will be familiar with tools used to manipulate
genes.
Course learning outcomes: After completion of this course, successful students
will be able to:
- Describe genes and relate them to protein synthesis leading to genetic traits
- Explain the rules governing gene transmission to offspring and prediction of
inherited traits
- Understand gene mutation and relate it to inherited and non-inherited diseases
such sickle cell anemia and cancer
- Understand to which extend environment is involved in gene expression or its
damage
- Describe the techniques used to manipulate genes
- Use scientific knowledge learned to debate current social issues such as
cloning, use of embryos in research, transgenic organisms, genetic testing,
prenatal diagnosis…
Grades: Grade determination is based on 2 midterms and a final exam worth
equally (25% each), and homework (25%).
No makeup is given for any missed exam, except in case of sickness or death of an
immediate family member; in both cases a written proof is required.
Textbook: Yashon R. and Cummings M, Human Genetics and Society, First
Edition, Brooks/Cole, 2009.
Attendance: Good attendance is important for success. Excessive absences are not
tolerated and will affect student’s final grade.
Tentative lecture schedule
Date
Topic
Textbook chapter
January
12
Introduction and Overview
14
Cells
19
Cell division and Death
21
Meiosis, Sperm and Eggs Formation
2
26
Development, Birth Defect
1
28
Development, Sex Formation
1
2
Reproductive Technology
2
4
Reproductive Technology and Ethics
2
9
Review
11
Midterm I
16
Mardi Gras
18
DNA Structure and Replication
4
23
Transcription and Translation
4, 5
25
Chromosome
3
2
Autosomal Gene Transmission
4
4
Sex-linked Gene Transmission
4
9
Biotechnology
6
11
Genetic Testing and Prenatal Diagnosis
7
BB1.1-BB1.4
11
February
No class
March
16
DNA Forensics
8
18
Review
23
Midterm II
25
Human Genome Project
30
Spring Break
No class
1
Spring Break
No class
6
Polygenic and Multifactorial inheritance
10
8
Cell Cycle and Cancer
11
13
Behavior
12
15
Blood types, Organ Transplants
13
20
Genetics and Population
14
22
A Different World: Past, Present and Future
Of Human Genetics
15
27
Review
9
April
May
4
Final exam (at 1:00 pm)