Genetics Exam Syllabus and Format

Overview

This document outlines the structure, content, and rules for an upcoming Genetics exam covering chapters 3-7 and all topics discussed in lectures since the beginning of the course. The exam is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 9:40 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Exam Format

• Multiple Choice (20 questions, 2 points each) – 40 points

  • Questions will cover assigned chapters and lecture material.

  • Topics may include any material discussed in class or in the textbook.

  • Bring a pencil for answering these questions.

• Fill-in and/or Matching Questions – 30 points

  • May include homework/quiz problems and key terms from each chapter.

  • May also include short calculation or problem-solving questions (e.g., chi-square and p-value problems).

  • Students may be asked to interpret and explain the concept of chi-square and p-values, calculate these values, and determine if the null hypothesis should be rejected or not.

• Written Questions

  • Written Question 1 – 15 points: Pedigree calculations. Students will be asked to identify the mode of inheritance, genotype, and probability calculations for a particular trait.

  • Written Question 2 – 15 points: Mapping by recombination frequency. Students will be required to use recombination data to draw a gene map, determine the order of linked genes, and calculate recombination frequencies and interference.

Items Needed for the Exam

• Scientific calculator

• Number 2 pencil

• Your brain

Exam Duration

• The exam will be distributed at 9:40 a.m. and collected at 11:00 a.m.

• Late arrivals will not be given extra time.

Questions You Should Not Ask During the Exam

• Is this the correct answer?

• Am I doing this right?

• If I did this right on the homework, can I get credit for it?

• Is there a hint you can give me on this question?

• Am I on the right track?

• Is this what you want (see no. 1 & 2 above)?

• Is this wrong (see no. 1 & 2 above)?

• Can I write it this way (see no. 1 & 2 above)?

• Any other versions of questions described in no. 1 & 2 above.

General Rules

• Do NOT consume drinks or food during the exam.

• Only a pencil and calculator are allowed at your desk. All other materials (books, notes, electronics, backpacks, etc.) must be cleared away.

• Use the restroom before the exam. If you must leave during the exam, you must get permission and will be timed. More than 10 minutes away will result in a deduction of two points for every minute late after 10 minutes.

Key Academic Concepts Referenced

• Chi-square and p-value calculations: Used to test hypotheses about genetic ratios and inheritance patterns. The chi-square statistic is calculated as: where is the observed value and is the expected value.

• Pedigree analysis: Involves determining the mode of inheritance (autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, X-linked, etc.) and calculating probabilities of genotypes and phenotypes in offspring.

• Gene mapping and recombination frequency: The recombination frequency between two genes is calculated as: This value is used to estimate the distance between genes on a chromosome (measured in map units or centimorgans).

Additional info: The exam will test both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills in classical genetics, including inheritance patterns, probability, and gene mapping.