Course Introduction and Structure

Overview of PCB3063 – General Genetics

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of genetics, including the molecular, cellular, and evolutionary mechanisms underlying heredity and variation. The course is designed for undergraduate students and covers both classical and modern genetic concepts.

• Course Title: General Genetics (PCB3063)

• Lecture 1 Focus: Introduction to Genetics

• Instructor: Dr. Rokyta, Ph.D.

• Teaching Assistants: N. Khadem, Y. Fang

Course Schedule and Logistics

• Lecture Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00–9:15am

• Help Session: Tuesdays, 6:00–7:00pm

• Exam Dates:

  • Tuesday, September 30

  • Thursday, November 6

  • Thursday, December 11

Required Materials

• Essentials of Genetics, 10th edition, by Klug, Cummings, Spencer, Palladino, and Killian

• Mastering Genetics (online assignments)

• Top Hat student response system (for quizzes and participation)

• Non-programmable calculator

Course Website and Resources

• Canvas: Syllabus, lecture schedule, reading assignments, homework assignments, and lecture slides (posted after class)

Example Weekly Schedule

Grading and Course Policies

Grading Breakdown

• Homework: 160 points (10 points each)

• Quizzes: 120 points

• Participation: 120 points

• Unit Exams: 600 points (200 points each)

• Cumulative Final: 100 points

Letter Grade Scale:

• A: 900–1000

• B: 800–899

• C: 700–799

• D: 600–699

• F: 0–599

Attendance Policy

• Attendance may be monitored via Top Hat but does not directly affect your grade.

• Poor attendance can negatively impact participation and quiz scores.

Make-up Exams

• Formal documentation is required for make-up exams.

• Requests for planned absences must be made within the first two weeks of class.

• Unexpected excused absences must be reported no later than two days after the exam.

Classroom Rules

• Phones must be in silent mode during class.

• Bring a phone, tablet, or laptop to class for participation.

• Do not seek out TAs or instructors in their labs.

• Be considerate during office hours.

Suggestions for Success

• Read assigned textbook sections before class (quizzes may include reading material).

• Bring a calculator and paper to class.

• Practice homework problems repeatedly.

• Attend help sessions and lectures regularly.

Additional Information

• Homework is assigned weekly and submitted via Mastering Genetics.

• Quizzes are administered through Top Hat; 14 total, with the two lowest scores dropped.

• Lecture slides are posted on Canvas after class.