Instructor: Dr. Cindy Church
Science 2037.
E-mail address:churchcy@msudenver.edu
Website: http://drchurchbiology.com
Office Hours: Tue. 9:00-9:30; 1:00-2:00; 3:45-4:45
Thur: 9:00-9:30

Text: Klug, Cummings, Spencer & Palladino, Essentials of Genetics, 10th edition without Mastering. (2020) Pearson.
This is the stand-alone book without Mastering. You can also choose the ebook.
Print ISBN: 9780134898414
eText ISBN: 9780135308400
Note: Students sometimes ask about using an older edition of the book. The problem with using the 9th edition (I don't recommend anything older than that) is that some of the material has been updated--particularly the sections on gene expression. Also, the reading assignment pages will be different for those using the 9th edition. However, I understand the financial concerns, so I have listed the page numbers for both editions on the schedule in case you decide to purchase the older, less expensive edition.

Course description: This course is designed to introduce you to the behavior of genes and chromosomes in eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. We will examine how genetic traits are transmitted from generation to generation, the nature and location of genes, and how they are expressed and regulated.

Prerequisites: Learning genetics requires constant reference to principles of basic biology, chemistry and mathematics. If you lack the necessary background from previous courses, you will probably not be able to follow lectures, understand the textbook, or complete the practice problems. If you have not completed the prerequisites or you do not have Jr. or Sr. status, you should drop this class and enroll in the prerequisite courses.

Mathematics. College-level algebra. You should know how to work with exponential and logarithmic functions and how to setup and solve algebraic problems.
Introductory Biology.You should understand the fundamentals of chemistry and biochemistry as presented at the beginning of your introductory biology course; basic life cycles of animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria; cellular structure and function including the structures and functions of all major organelles; cell cycle, mitosis, cytokinesis, and meiosis; Mendelian inheritance; structure and replication of DNA; transcription and translation.
I expect you to understand the above topics at the level they are covered in the prerequisite courses. Most of the topics will be covered in greater depth in this class, so a basic understanding of them is essential.

Teaching Philosophy: I will strive to make this an interesting, rewarding class that you look forward to attending. This class will incorporate more than rote memorization and dry application into the learning process. My goal is to help you learn the concepts of genetics well enough to apply them to new examples and data sets. I realize that this instructional style may seem intimidating if you are used to simply memorizing facts, but modern science requires an ability to synthesize and apply knowledge. This will not be a class where you will passively absorb the material; I will present facts, which you will then use as tools to find answers. Expect the lectures to be interspersed with activities and student participation to stimulate active learning. My intention is to challenge you, not frustrate you. If the material seems too difficult, please see me early in the semester.

Grading and Make-up Exams: There will be 4 hourly exams each worth 50 points. I will substitute the optional notebook (50 points) for an exam grade, so there will be no make-up exams. The final exam will be worth 75 points and it will be cumulative.

Points: 400 total
Hourly exams: 200 (or exams 150 + notebook 50)
Final exam: 75
Definitions quizzes: 50 mu
Presentation: 50
Teamwork, attendance and participation: 25

Grading Scale

A	B	C	D and Failing
97-100%:  A+ 93-96%:    A 90-92%:    A-	87-89%: B+ 83-86%: B 80-82%: B-	77-79%: C+ 73-76%: C 70-72%: C-	60-69%: D Less than 60

Extra Credit: From time to time people ask me about extra credit.  First of all, I feel strongly about the necessity of mastering the basic concepts that are covered in this course, and I think spending a lot of time on extra credit assignments would distract you from that goal.  Secondly, I go to great lengths to see that everyone in the class is treated equally. and offering individual extra credit would violate that rule.

Assignments: Your understanding will be greatly improved if you read the assigned chapter or section before attending the lecture. The practice questions and reviews are for your benefit and will not be graded.  Analysis and problem solving are particularly important in the genetics. To do well in this class, most students need to practice problem solving over and over. You should do the practice questions on time and not wait until exam time to cram. This is a class for which cramming is likely to cause undue stress and a poor grade.

Attendance: I believe that you are mature enough to decide whether or not to attend class and there will be no penalty for missed classes. However, you are responsible for all material discussed in class and all reading assignments. It is your responsibility to obtain notes from any lectures that you miss. Also, keep in mind that your participation and attendance go hand-in-hand,

This is a challenging course, but it is fascinating as well. You should plan to work hard, but you should also be able to catch a glimpse of the beauty and logic of genetics in the process. Many students feel that this was among the most difficult yet rewarding courses of their college careers.

Note: The University Policies pages are posted in Canvas.