Biology 305 (Principles of Genetics)

Scope and Objectives: This course covers genetics, the science of heredity, from its basic
principles to the most recent advances in the field. By the end of the course, you will have a
working knowledge of classical (transmission) and molecular genetics. You should be able to
analyze and solve genetics problems and you will have a good understanding of most of the
laboratory techniques employed in modern molecular genetics labs. The course will require timely
effort on your part. Read your textbook prior to class and don't skip classes.

Prerequisite: BIOL 200 A, B, and CHEM 140 A or CHEM 200, CHEM 201.
Instructor: Dr. Kamal M Ibrahim
Office: Life Science III, Room 1014
Email: kibrahim@siu.edu
Tel: 453-4120
Office Hrs.: MWF 10:00 – 11 am or by appointment.
Meeting Time: MWF: 02:00-02:50.
Meeting Place: Lawson Hall 0201
Textbook: (Genetics: From Genes to Genomes; 4th Edition).
Assignments: four online assignments each of which will carry 50 points.
Tests/Exam: three class tests (200 points each) and a final exam (200 points).
Attendance Bonus: 50 bonus points (5%) for not missing more than 2 classes.
Grading: Total points available = 1000 (+ 50 bonus points for attendance)
A >= 90% (900 points) B = 80% to 89% (800 - 899 points)
C = 70% to 79% (700 - 799 points) D = 60% to 69% (600 - 699 points)
F < 60% (less than 600 points)
Other:
No make-up tests except for university approved absence.
Assignment due dates will be strictly adhered to.
Lecture outlines are available on D2L in PDFs as well as PowerPoint Slides.
Print the former if you use pen/pencil to take notes. PowerPoint slides are easier
to work with if you prefer using laptops/tablets.
 Syllabus

We will cover the topics in your text book (Genetics: From Genes to Genomes; by
Leland Hartwell et al., 4th Edition) in four sets of lectures, each to be followed by
an online assignment (on D2L) and a class test. Lecture outlines will be available
on D2L but they are in no way sufficient to prepare you for the tests. Be sure to
read the textbook prior to each lecture.

Lectures 1 -11
August 19 to September 11
Chapter 1- Genetic: The Study of Biological Traits
Chapter 2 - Mendel's Principles of Heredity
Chapter 3 - Extensions to Mendel’s Laws
Chapter 4 - The Chromosome Theory of Inheritance
Chapter 5 - Linkage, Recombination, Mapping
Assignment 1 (Due September 11)
Test 1 - September 13 (Covers Lectures 1 to 11)
Lectures 12 - 22
Sept 16 to Oct 09
Chapter 6 - DNA Structure, Replication, Recombination
Chapter 7 - Anatomy and Function of a Gene
Chapter 8 - Gene Expression
Chapter 9 - Digital Analysis of DNA
Chapter 10/11 - Genomes / genome-wide variation
Assignment 2 (Due October 09)
Test 2 – October 11 (Covers Lectures 12 to 22)

Lectures 23 – 32
October 16 - November 06
Chapter 12 - The Eukaryotic Chromosome
Chapter 13 - Chromosomal Rearrangement
Chapter 14 - The Prokaryotic and Organelle genetics
Chapter 15 - Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes
Assignment 3 (Due November 06)
Exam 3 November 08 (Covers Lectures 23 to 31)

Lecture 33 – 43
November 13 – December 06
Chapter 16 - Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes
Chapter 17 – The Genetics of Cancer
Chapter 19 – Variation and Selection in Populations
Chapter 20 - Evolution at the Molecular Level
Assignment 4 (Due date: December 06)
Final Exam: Friday 13 December, 12:50-02:50 (Covers Lectures 32-42