Genetics: Principles and Applications
http://academic.evergreen.edu/curricular/genetics/
Betty Kutter, Ph.D.
Department of Biophysics
Lab I, Rm# 2023
360.867.6099
kutterb@evergreen.edu
Syllabus |
Class Links |
Images |
Evergreen PhagePage |
Contact Info |
This is an upper division/graduate course designed particularly for people with a strong interest in the subject and good study and library research skills, but without a strong molecular background. (Those who DO have a strong molecular background will be expected to work a turn or three further up the spiral of learning, do more of the problems or a more complex small-group research project for presentation and/or more exploration of the original literature.) The format will include assigned readings, lectures, workshops, student presentations, problems and laboratory work on PCR and gel analysis of DNA. The initial assignments are given below; more details will be worked out once the full make-up of the class is clear.
Books:
The Secret of Life. Jim Watson: (paperback: available on sale at Amazon)
From Genes to Genomes. Lee Hartwell et al.:
The new 2nd edition is excellent and highly readable, especially good for those of you who will be wanting to gradually learn more about genetics and its applications over years to come – it is expensive ($129), but there are some rather unusual deals at Amazon.com or half.com that you might try for, so I am only asking the bookstore to order a few copies. Also, I have seen excellent deals (some under $20) for the first (2000) edition (also very good, I am sure – the authors are tops in the field as both educators and scientists)
DNA Learning Center Link
DNALC Biology Animations Library
Some suggested small-group research topics:
Genetically modified foods: goals and concerns – potential benefits and problems
Forensic applications of genetics – uses and concerns
Environmental causes of mutations
Genetic bases of current antibiotic resistance problems
Managing potential abuses of human genetic information
iRNA and gene regulation – in nature and by design
Syllabus - Genetics - draft as of Jan 4, 2005 - |
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This will be finalized in conjunction with the class, reflecting their particular needs and interests, and will include both student and faculty presentations. |
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Week |
Topics and Activities |
Readings |
| In Hartwell unless otherwise specified. | ||
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Week 1 |
General discussion of backgrounds, interests, goals and potential applications; bring in news articles related to things you would like to discuss over the quarter The conceptual and molecular basis of genetics – from phage, plant and human perspectives – I will hand out illustrated notes and go over interactive sites of interest. |
2nd ed. 1-33 |
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Week 2 |
How genes work: overview of DNA replication, information storage, mutation and recombination, and the PCR reaction that is used so much for identifying particular genetic material. (lecture/workshop/discussion) |
2nd ed. 155-188; 191-203; 227-228; 300-301 |
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Week 3 |
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pg. 155-188, 191-203, 227-228, 300-301 |
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Week 4 |
Lab: the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and related technologies; discussion sessions while PCR is running. --Results!! |
Hartwell; Ch. 9 –"Deconstructing the Genome: DNA at High Resolution – pg. 277-315 as well as 371-387 (part of chapter 11), and 398-406 (again chapter 11). |
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Week 5 |
Gene expression |
Hartwell; pg. 208-221, on using T4 phage to understand the basic properties of the genetic material. |
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Week 6 |
Somatic genetics and cancer. |
Hartwell; Chapter 18. Pgs 617-646 and 581-605 |
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Week 7 |
Analyzing the genome |
Gene Cloning: pgs. 285-297 & |
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Week 8 |
Integration Paper Due
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Genetics Evolution and Embryology: Pgs: 707-735 |
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Week 9 |
Snacks - ??
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Week 10 |
Snacks- Take, Debbie
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GMO Reading in Watson: Ch. 6; pgs 135 - 163 Conservation Genetics Reading in Hartwell: pgs 677-683, genetic drift pgs 687-688 |
| Evals | ||