Explores the principles of genetics ranging from classical Mendelian inheritance to the most recent advances in the biochemical nature and function of t he gene. Includes experimental design and statistical analysis.

In this course, you will become familiar with Mendelian genetics and working word problems that deal with probability. You will analyze phenotypic ratios of offspring and use those to determine the mode of inheritance of a trait. You will understand epistasis and how to interpret pedigrees. You will learn how to map genes, using two or three traits at a time, and how to calculate recombination frequencies. In the molecular biology part of the course you will review DNA replication, transcription and mutation and study the effects of mutation on evolution. The area of population genetics will allow you to study gene frequencies within populations, not just within families.

The course is designed primarily for biology majors.

Entry Level Competencies:

• any two of the following courses: BIO 101, 102, 110, 120, 141, 142 
• or division approval

If you complete this course and do well, you will be able to:

1. read and interpret written material of a genetic nature
2. diagram and explain the fundamentals of the chemical nature of the gene and its basic action
3. diagram basic Mendelian crosses and predict the types and frequencies of the expected first andsecond generation progeny
4. discuss the factors which affect inheritance patterns, such as sex, recombination, chromosomeaberrations and point mutations
5. interpret research data in the areas of gene action and regulation
6. calculate gene frequencies in populations and analyze factors that affect these frequencies. 

Your course grade will be determined by the ten virtual labs, the four tests, the two proctored exams, and the group project, according to the following:

Course Grade (100%)
Lab Portion (30%)		Lecture Portion (70%)
Assignments	Points	Assignments	Percent
Mitosis and Meiosis Lab	20	4 Tests	9%
Probability Lab	20
Statistics Lab	20	Midterm Exam	28%
Fly Lab	30
Pedigree Lab	20
Linkage Lab	20	Final Exam	28%
Epigenetics Lab	20
Mitochondrial DNA/PCR Lab	20	Group Project	5%
Hemoglobin Lab	20
Evolution Lab	20
Lab Grade  (one lowest grade of the nine 20-point labs will be dropped.)	190	Lecture Grade (one lowest grade of the tests will be dropped)	70%

Bonus Points: 12 Self-Check Quizzes 
You need to complete at least 10 out of 12 self-check quizzes in order to receive 3.5% bonus on top of thecourse grade.

NOTE: The course grade in your gradebook doesn't include the bonus points you earn. Use the gradebook as a record of your grades. Your instructor will add your bonus points to your final grade at the end of the course and post your final letter grade in NOVAConnect.

Your final grade will be based on the following scale. Please note that you must pass one of the proctored exams in order to pass the course, regardless of your scores on the other assignments.

Grade	Percent
A	90-100
B	80-89
C	70-79
D	60-69
F	0-59

There are 2 exams in this course. The exams are online and must be taken at a campus testing center.

Last Updated: July 23, 2013