Genetics Course Syllabus

Course Overview

This course covers the fundamental principles and processes of genetics, including inheritance, gene expression, molecular biology, developmental genetics, quantitative genetics, population genetics, and evolutionary genetics.

• Genetic Inheritance: Study of how traits are passed from parents to offspring through genes.

• Gene Expression: Examination of how genetic information is transcribed and translated to produce proteins.

• Molecular Biology: Analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying genetic processes.

• Developmental Genetics: Exploration of how genes control the development of organisms.

• Population and Evolutionary Genetics: Investigation of genetic variation within populations and its role in evolution.

Pre-requisites

• For Bioinformatics and Biophysics Majors: BIOL 101; CHEM 102 or CHEM 106 or CHEM 105.

• For other majors: BIOL 102, 112; CHEM 102 or CHEM 106 or CHEM 180.

Learning Outcomes

Students will develop knowledge and awareness of the genetic basis of modern biology. They will understand Mendelian principles of inheritance, chromosome and DNA structure and replication, gene expression, molecular and population genetics, and evolutionary genetics.

• Mendelian Genetics: Principles of inheritance discovered by Gregor Mendel, including segregation and independent assortment.

• Chromosome and DNA Structure: Organization and function of genetic material.

• Gene Expression: Processes of transcription and translation.

• Population Genetics: Study of genetic variation and its evolutionary implications.

Course Website

• Course lectures and materials will be made available on Sakai: Sakai Course Site

• Students do not have permission to share course materials without prior consent.

Required Course Platform

This course uses Codon Learning, a platform designed to help you practice concepts and skills for this class. It includes pre-class readings, assignments, homework, and study paths against specific objectives. Codon Learning uses evidence-based strategies such as self-testing and metacognition to help you develop self-regulated learning skills and to enhance retention.

• To get started, visit Codon Learning and click "Reset Password" to set your password. Your username is your Loyola email address.

• If you added the course after 8/25 and cannot reset your password, email support@codonlearning.com to request enrollment.

• Course Access: You have free access to Codon Learning for 21 days from the first day of class or until you need to pay for the subscription.

Technological Expectations

• Students are required to bring a fully charged and functioning laptop or tablet to class each day.

• Exams, quizzes, and in-class activities will require the use of a laptop or tablet.

Optional Reading Materials

• Codon Learning includes open access links to pre-class readings for each topic.

• Recommended open access (free) Genetics textbook by Amanda Simons: Genetics Textbook

Modes of Instruction

The course is structured around evidence-based pedagogical approaches that promote student learning, retention of course material, and advancement of scientific reasoning. Instruction includes pre-recorded video lectures, in-person meetings, and hybrid elements. Exams and quizzes are typically in-person, while other assignments may be completed online.

• Pre-recorded Lectures: Available on Sakai and Codon Learning.

• In-person Classes: Scheduled weekly for discussion and activities.

• Online Assignments: Homework and quizzes may be completed online.

Attendance Policy

Attendance and active student engagement are essential for performing well in this course. There are two attendance options:

• Option 1 (Attendance counts): Up to two unexcused absences allowed. Attendance will contribute to your grade as follows:

• Option 2 (Attendance does not count): Attendance records will be updated regularly but will not affect your grade.

Evaluation and Grading

Student grades are based on scores from exams, group quizzes, assignments, and reading assessments for a total of 1000 points as follows:

Exams

• Three exams during the course, each worth 15% of the total grade.

• Exams are predominantly multiple-choice and short-answer format.

• Final exam is cumulative and weighted as the lowest scoring unit exam if it helps your grade.

Group Quizzes

• At the end of each unit, group quizzes are worth 5% of the total grade.

• Quizzes consist of short answer questions and problem sets.

Pre-class Assignments

• Prior to each class period, students are expected to watch video lectures and complete pre-class assignments on Codon Learning.

• Pre-class assignments must be completed before class; late assignments are not accepted.

Homework

• Homework assignments are implemented on Codon and Sakai and must be completed by the due date.

• Late homework assignments will not be accepted.

Exam Study Path

• Each unit exam includes a Study Path assignment worth 15% of the course grade.

• Study Path consists of Prep Questions and Practice Test.

• Late Study Path assignments will not be accepted.

Grading Scale

Requests for Accommodation

• Loyola University Chicago provides reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Contact the Student Accessibility Center (SAC) for assistance.

• Students may need to use audio recorders during lectures for accommodation purposes.

Academic Integrity

• Academic integrity is a hallmark of good scholarship. Dishonest behavior will not be tolerated.

• Students should familiarize themselves with the university's academic integrity policies: LUC Academic Integrity Policy

• Dr. Grillo will review specific protocols during quizzes and exams to discourage dishonesty.

Student Code of Conduct

• Respect the rights and opinions of others.

• Allow all classmates the right to voice their opinions.

• Adhere to the Loyola University Code of Conduct.

Additional info:

• This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the Genetics course structure, expectations, and policies. For detailed study of genetics topics, refer to the recommended open access textbook and course materials on Sakai and Codon Learning.