BIO/BIOL 110 - BASIC HUMAN HEREDITY
A one-semester introductory course for non-science majors focused on basic human genetics and evolutionary theory. Students will learn modern concepts of heredity and evolution, and their impact and application on everyday life. One all day field trip on weekend may be required in lieu of some regularly scheduled sessions.
The primary goal of this course is to enable the students to become familiar with the basics of human heredity. Students will also get familiar with modern concepts of evolutionary theory, and will understand the importance of genetics and evolutionary theory in everyday life and society.
|
BIO 110 - LECTURE TOPICS
|
|
1. Introduction. Objectives of the course. Genetics and evolution – why they are together.
|
|
2. Diversity of life. a. Definition and characteristics of life. b. Eukaryotic cells - structures and functions.
|
|
Diversity of life. c. Single-cellular and multi-cellular organisms. d. Taxonomy and systematic of organisms. e. Origination of life. f. History of life on Earth
|
|
3. Darwinism. a. History of evolutionary views. 1. Evolutionary ideas before Darwin. b. Darwin’s theory. c. Evolutionary ideas after Darwin. 1. Population genetics. 2. Comparative biochemistry/molecular biology. d. Current controversies in evolutionary theory.
|
|
4. Biological communications between generations. a. Cell division. 1. Mitosis. 2. Meiosis. 3. Sexual and asexual reproduction. b. Heredity: How are the traits inherited? 1. Classic genetics. 2. Mendelian inheritance in Humans. c. Sex and genetics. d. Molecular genetics
|
|
5. Human Genetics. a. Pedigree analysis in Human Genetics 1. Autosomal recessive traits 2. Autosomal dominant traits 3. Sex-linked inheritance 4. Pedigree analysis and variations in Gene expression.
|
|
Human Genetics b. Polygenes and Mutifactorial Inheritance. 1. Polygenes and Variations in Phenotype 2. Polygenes and Environment 3. Twin studies
|
|
6. Cytogenetics: Karyotypes and Chromosome Aberrations. a. The human chromosome set. b. Analyzing chromosomes and karyotypes. c. Hereditary diseases. Variations in chromosome numbers.
|
|
7. Development and Sex Determination. a. How is sex determined? b. Defining sex in stages: Chromosomes, Gonads and Hormones c. Sex-influenced and sex-limited traits.
|
|
8. DNA, Proteins, Phenotypes. a. DNA structure and chromosome organization.
|
|
DNA, Proteins, Phenotypes b. The Gene. 1. Gene expression. 2. How are proteins made? c. Gene mutations. 1. Human gene mutations
|
|
9. Genes and Cancer. a. Cancers and malignant tumors. b. Mutation in specific genes and cancer. c. Genetic model for cancer. d. Cancer and environment
|
|
10. Genetic Testing, Gene Therapy and Counseling. a. Prenatal and pre-symptomatic testing for genetic disorders. b. Gene therapy. c. Gene counseling
|
|
11. Human diversity and Evolution a. Genetic diversity in human populations. b. What are races? c. Biological evolution. 1. Evidence of human evolution. 2. Primate evolution and human origins.
|
|
BIOL 110 – LAB TOPICS |
|
o Introduction to the course.
|
|
o Using a microscope. History of Microscopy
|
|
o Cell structure. Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes. Plasma membrane. Tissues and Organs.
|
|
o Diversity of life. Taxonomy and systematic of organisms. (Trip to American Museum of Natural History.)
|
|
o Origination of life
|
|
o Evolution. Evidence for Evolution
|
|
o Natural selection. Laboratory simulation of evolution
|
|
o DNA. Structure and functions
|
|
o Mitosis and meiosis
|
|
o Genetics. Probability. Concepts of Genetics. Useful Applications of Genetics
|
|
o Genes in human populations. Methods of human genetics. Pedigree analysis.
|
|
o Genes in human populations. Human genetic disorders.
|
|
o Sickle Cell Concepts. Analysis of the homework
|
SEARCH FOR COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Webpages maintained by BBaker