This course covers important concepts of genetics like the transmission and expression of genes. Both Mendelian and non-Mendelian traits will be examined. One of the important topics covered in this course will focus on the influence of genetic mutations on the development of disease, like cancer. The critical role chromosomes play in genetics will be emphasized through the study of cellular reproduction, gene-mapping on chromosomes, the effect of chromosomal variation on disease, and the study of both the autosomal and sex chromosomes. Students will learn from examples drawn from the scientific literature, which stress modern technological and experimental methodologies used in studying the genetics and genomics of various prokaryotes and eukaryotes as well as bacteriophages. Topic presentations will also reflect the fundamental role genetic mechanisms play in the pathogenesis, treatment, and health maintenance of genetic diseases.
Prerequisite: General Biology I
Klug WS, Cummings MR, Spencer CA, Palladino MA. Concepts of Genetics. 12th ed. Pearson; 2019. ISBN-13: 978-0134604718
To complete the laboratory component of this course, students are directed to purchase the following lab materials:
Dry-Erase Whiteboard with Marker and Eraser for Proctored Exams. This course permits the use of a UNE-compliant dry-erase whiteboard for scratch work during your proctored midterm and final exam. No scratch paper is permitted.
In lecture courses, students should be able to:
In lab courses, students should be able to:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Define the terms associated with cellular reproduction, Mendelian genetics, non-Mendelian genetics, cancer genetics, population/evolutionary genetics, extranuclear inheritance, gene mapping, DNA organization, DNA duplication, gene expression, gene regulation, gene mutation/repair, epigenetics, chromosomal sex determination, and chromosomal variation.
2. Summarize the principles of cellular reproduction, Mendelian genetics, non-Mendelian genetics, cancer genetics, population/evolutionary genetics, extranuclear inheritance, gene mapping, DNA organization, DNA duplication, gene expression, gene regulation, gene mutation/repair, epigenetics, chromosomal sex determination, and chromosomal variation.
3. Interpret the processes of cellular reproduction, Mendelian genetics, non-Mendelian genetics, cancer genetics, population/evolutionary genetics, extranuclear inheritance, gene mapping, DNA organization, DNA duplication, gene expression, gene regulation, gene mutation/repair, epigenetics, chromosomal sex determination, and chromosomal variation.
4. Explain the central dogma of biology in detail with a thorough description of the structure and function of DNA, RNA, and proteins and mechanisms of transcription and translation along with their regulation.
5. Describe the unique features and properties of bacterial and phage genetics.
6. Construct genetic maps for physical locations of loci with respect to one another using data from recombination frequencies, three-point testcrosses, or molecular markers.
7. Examine how chromosomal changes lead to genetic disease and the interplay between genetics and manifestation of cancer.
8. Synthesize primary literature from the field of genetics.
9. Assess genetic data using the scientific method.
On the course start date, students will have access to orientation. This must be completed to be able to gain access to the first module in the course. Students must complete the first module to gain access to the next one. We recommend that students spend about 15 hours per week to complete a course in 16 weeks. When trying to complete the course in less than 16 weeks, we typically see students do this successfully within 12-14 weeks. Instructors will be timely in grading and feedback, but it will not be instant.
Refer to the Grade Breakdown diagram and table below for the percent value of assignments towards your total grade. See the course schedule below for where assignments occur in the course. All assignments should be completed in the order that they appear. Due to the course design, you may be unable to take a proctored exam if you do not complete all assignments that appear prior to that exam.
Discussion board assignments cover interesting current events or materials related to this course that contribute to a deeper understanding of key concepts and allow you to interact with your classmates and the instructor. Each assignment may require you to conduct internet research, read additional materials (a short journal or magazine article), visit a specific webpage, AND/OR view a short video prior to writing a response following the specific guidelines in the assignment.
To Earn Full Credit: you will need to post an initial response to the discussion topic (200-300 words in length formatted in AMA style for in-text citations and references), respond to the original posts of at least two other students, and then contribute meaningfully to an ongoing discussion. You will need to post your initial response before you will see any posts from your classmates. Please keep in mind that only this first post will be graded as your initial post, so make sure you have followed all of the guidelines and written a complete response prior to submitting the post. Any edits or subsequent posts will not be graded as your initial post.
For special cases where one or two students are accelerating faster through the course, the instructor will participate in the discussion so that everyone has the opportunity to interact.
Please see Brightspace for a full description and rubric, along with specific guidelines, for each assignment. See the course schedule below for where discussions occur in the course. Discussion board assignments should be completed, along with all other assignments in the course, in the order that they appear. Due to the course design, you may be unable to take a proctored exam if you do not complete all assignments that appear prior to that exam.
There are 4 video presentation assignments in this course. Refer to the presentation assignments on Brightspace for the full requirements of each presentation and links to resources on how to prepare your presentations. Also, refer to the presentation assignment rubric in Brightspace for grading requirements. Please note you must begin each video presentation by showing yourself full-screen, looking directly into the camera, and clearly stating your full name while holding up a piece of paper on which your full name is printed in large, bold letters, and the date of the presentation.
Video recordings without the required identification will not be accepted.
See the course schedule below for where presentations occur in the course. Presentation assignments should be completed, along with all other assignments in the course, in the order that they appear. Due to the course design, you may be unable to take a proctored exam if you do not complete all assignments that appear prior to that exam.
There is one Case Study assignment in the course. Your instructor will provide a list of topics for you to choose from to complete your Case Study assignment. Refer to the Case Study assignment instructions on Brightspace for the full assignment requirements. Also, refer to the case study rubric in Brightspace to help you prepare an effective case study.
This course uses a combination of at-home lab kits, lab activities using an online lab platform, lab activities using a virtual lab platform, and lab exercises built on Brightspace for active experiential learning of genetic concepts. See the course schedule below for lab assignments.
For Hands on Labs and Labster assignments, you will be completing those assignments as directed using the online platforms provided by the two lab companies. Your instructor will have a course set-up in each for you to complete your work. Once you complete the lab assignments, you will use the text submission field for the assignment in Brightspace to write a message to your instructor. This will serve as an alert to your instructor that your assignment is ready to be reviewed and graded.
There is one lab report assignment. The lab report will be based on the Extraction of DNA Lab completed in Unit 3. Refer to the Lab Report assignment instructions on Brightspace for the full assignment requirements. Also, refer to the Lab Report rubric in Brightspace to help you prepare an effective lab report.
The weekly quiz will cover the content and learning outcomes assigned for that particular week including lab content. The quizzes are timed and could include multiple-choice, multiple-answers, and matching questions. Refer to each quiz in Brightspace for specific instructions. The quizzes are not proctored.
There are two proctored exams. The University of New England has contracted with ProctorU to provide students with the most convenient online exam proctoring system. Upon enrollment into the course, you will register with ProctorU and establish a login name and password. This will give you access to all of ProctorU’s services.
When you’re ready, you will schedule your exam time with ProctorU at least 72 hours prior to taking the exam. Please refer to the full requirements for proctored exams in the Policies section below.
There is a highly recommended Practice Proctored Exam available to all students. The first attempt is free. This exam does not cover course material and is not included in your overall course grade. It prepares test takers for what the testing environment will be like, what forms of identification are needed, and provides a chance to test your external webcam with a live proctor. This is a great way to become familiar with and prepare for your exam!
Midterm Exam: Will cover the content and learning outcomes studied during weeks 1 to 7 (units 1 and 2), including the lab content. The exam is closed book and closed notes
You may use a UNE-authorized whiteboard during the exam. The exam is 60 questions (multiple-choice, matching, multiple answers, and essay) with a 2-hour time limit and two attempts to complete the exam. You cannot go back and change the answer to a question once submitted.
Final Exam: Will cover all the content studied throughout the entire course, including the lab content. The exam will predominantly (80%) cover the content and learning outcomes from weeks 9 to 15 (units 3 and 4). The rest of the exam (20%) will cover the content and learning outcomes covered during the first half of the course (units 1 and 2). The exam is closed book and closed notes. You may use a UNE-authorized whiteboard during the exam. The exam is 80 questions (multiple-choice, matching, multiple answers, and essay) with a 2.5-hour time limit and two attempts to complete the exam. You cannot go back and change the answer to a question once submitted.
You must use a UNE-compliant external webcam to take your proctored examinations. Remember to order your webcam at least three weeks prior to scheduling your first proctored exam.
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Assignments | Percent of Total Grade |
---|---|
Lecture Grade Assignments: | |
Weekly Quizzes | 10% |
Discussions and Presentations | 15% |
Case Study | 20% |
Midterm Exam | 25% |
Final Exam | 30% |
Total | 100% |
Laboratory Grade Assignments: | |
Lab Activities (HOL, Labster) | 80% |
Lab Report | 10% |
Lab Video Assignments | 10% |
Total | 100% |
Final Course Grade (Weighted Total): | |
Lecture Grade | 75% of Lecture Grade |
Lab Grade | 25% of Laboratory Grade |
Total Course Grade | 100% |
Grade | Points Grade | Point Average (GPA) |
A | 94 – 100% | 4.00 |
A- | 90 – 93% | 3.75 |
B+ | 87 – 89% | 3.50 |
B | 84 – 86% | 3.00 |
B- | 80 – 83% | 2.75 |
C+ | 77 – 79% | 2.50 |
C | 74 – 76% | 2.00 |
C- | 70 – 73% | 1.75 |
D | 64 – 69% | 1.00 |
F | 00 – 63% | 0.00 |
This is a 16 week, self-paced course. Learning modules are organized by weeks as a guide for completing the course in the required timeframe. Your pace for learning and completing weekly assignments may vary. All learning modules are set to open sequentially after the previous module learning activities are completed. If you don’t see the next module in the sequence, it means you have not completed all the previous module activities.
You must complete the SPHP New Student Orientation in Brightspace, including the Scavenger Hunt and Academic Integrity Agreement first to access the lab purchasing instructions and Unit 1.
Unit 1 |
Week 1 Topics: |
Week 1 Lab Activities: Hands On Labs – Getting Started, Lab Safety, and Using the V-Scope Mitosis Lab Videotape Assignment |
Week 1 Assignments: Intro Video Recording Intro Discussion Post Unit 1 Discussion Post Week 1 Quiz |
Week 2 Topic: Mendelian Genetics (Chapter 3) |
Week 2 Lab Activities: |
Week 2 Assignments: Week 2 Quiz |
|
Week 3 Topic: Extensions of Mendelian Genetics (Chapter 4) |
Week 3 Lab Activities: |
Week 3 Assignments: Unit 1 Presentation (Applied Genetics) Week 3 Quiz |
|
Week 4 Topic: Extranuclear Inheritance (Chapter 9) |
Week 4 Exercise (Brightspace) |
Week 4 Assignments: Week 4 Exercise Week 4 Quiz |
|
Unit 2 |
Week 5 Topics: |
Week 5 Lab Activities: Labster Virtual Labs – Medical Genetics |
Week 5 Assignments: Unit 2 Presentation (Mapping Demo) Week 5 Quiz |
Week 6 Topic: Chromosomal Mutations: Variation in Number and Arrangement (Chapter 8) |
Week 6 Lab Activities: Hands on Labs – Human Genetics |
Week 6 Assignments: Unit 2 Discussion Week 6 Quiz |
|
Week 7 Topics: |
Week 7 Lab Activities: |
Week 7 Assignments: Week 7 Quiz |
|
Week 8 Topic: Study for Midterm Exam |
Week 8 Lab Activities: No lab assignment this week. |
Week 8 Assignments: Proctored Midterm Exam |
|
Unit 3 | Week 9 Topic: DNA Structure and Analysis (Chapter 10) |
Week 9 Lab Activities: Hands on Labs – Extraction of DNA and Lab Report DNA Extraction Lab Videotape Assignment |
Week 9 Assignments: Unit 3 Discussion Lab Report Week 9 Quiz |
Week 10 Topic: DNA Replication and Recombination (Chapter 11) |
Week 10 DNA Replication Exercise (Brightspace) |
Week 10 Assignments: Week 10 Exercise Week 10 Quiz |
|
Week 11 Topics: The Genetic Code and Transcription (Chapter 13), Translation and Proteins (Chapter 14) |
Week 11 Lab Activities: Hands on Labs – DNA, RNA, and Protein Synthesis |
Week 11 Assignments: Unit 3 Presentation (Beyond the Genetic Code) Week 11 Quiz |
|
Week 12 Topics: Gene Regulation (Chapter 16 sections 1, 2, and 5; Chapter 17 sections 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; Chapter 18 sections 1, 2, 3, and 5) |
Week 12 Lab Activities: Labster Virtual Labs – Gene Regulation |
Week 12 Assignments: Week 12 Quiz |
|
Unit 4 | Week 13 Topics: Gene Mutation, DNA Repair, and Transposition (Chapter 15) |
Week 13 Lab Activities: Labster Virtual Labs- Animal Genetics |
Week 13 Assignments: Unit 4 Presentation (Gene Therapy) Week 13 Quiz |
Week 14 Topics: Cancer Genetics (Chapter 24), Epigenetics (Chapter 19 sections 1, 2, 3, and 4) |
Week 14 Lab Activities: Skin Cancer Lab Videotape Assignment |
Week 14 Assignments: Unit 4 Discussion Week 14 Quiz |
|
Week 15 Topics: Population and Evolutionary Genetics (Chapter 26) |
Week 15 Lab Activities: Hands on Labs – Population Genetics and Evolution |
Week 15 Assignments: Case Study Due Week 15 Quiz |
|
Week 16 Topic: Study for Final Exam |
Week 16 Lab Activities: No lab assignment this week. |
Week 16 Assignments: Proctored Final Exam |
Any student who would like to request, or ask any questions regarding, academic adjustments or accommodations must contact the Student Access Center at (207) 221-4438 or pcstudentaccess@une.edu. Student Access Center staff will evaluate the student's documentation and determine eligibility of accommodation(s) through the Student Access Center registration procedure.
Students should notify their Student Support Specialist and instructor in the event of a problem relating to a course. This notification should occur promptly and proactively to support timely resolution.
ITS Contact: Toll-Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673.
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Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you - they will monitor course progression and provide assistance or guidance when needed. Please don’t hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, course materials, billing, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies.
Questions? Visit the Student Support Science Prerequisites page
Check Brightspace for specific instructor and support specialist contact information.
The Student Lounge Discussion Board is a designated support forum in which students may engage with each other and grapple with course content. Feel free to post questions, seek clarification, and support each other, but be mindful of UNE's Academic Integrity Policy.
Your instructor will monitor this forum. However, if you are seeking specific and timely answers to questions about course content or your personal grades, please contact your instructor via course messages. For questions about course materials, program policy, and how to navigate and proceed through the course, please contact your Student Service Advisor through the Student Portal.
The University of New England has contracted with ProctorU to provide students with the most convenient online exam proctoring system. This system provides a simple, no cost to the student, secure, online proctor for exams and allows the student to take all the exams at home and on their own schedule.
Upon enrollment into the course, each student will register with ProctorU and establish a login name and password. This will give the student access to all of ProctorU's services. When ready, students will schedule each of their proctored exams with ProctorU. Exams must be scheduled at least 72 hours in advance to avoid fees. Prior to taking their exams, students must be sure that they have downloaded any required additional software. They must also be sure their testing site's connection meets the minimum requirements by using ProctorU's "Test It Out" utility.
Upon the exam day and hour, students will log in to ProctorU and click on "exams". After following the procedures outlined at ProctorU's website, the student will log in to Brightspace and locate their correct exam. The proctor will then allow student access to that exam.
Students must use ProctorU and must follow all proctoring requirements for their exams to be credited. Please contact your instructor for specific feedback.
Students will receive two attempts at all proctored examinations. The higher score of the two attempts will be calculated into the final grade. Students can schedule their second attempt by following the same ProctorU instructions as with the original exam.
All students are encouraged to utilize a second attempt on their exams in order to improve their overall performance in the course.
Discussion topics cover events or materials related to this course that contribute to a deeper understanding of key concepts and allow you to interact with your classmates and the instructor. Each discussion topic may require you to conduct internet research, read additional materials, visit a specific webpage, AND/OR view a short video before writing a response following the specific guidelines in the discussion topic prompt.
To earn full credit you will need to post a response to the discussion topic, respond to the original posts of other students, and then contribute meaningfully to an ongoing discussion. You may need to post your initial response before you will see any posts from your classmates. For special cases where one or two students are accelerating faster through the course, the instructor will participate in the discussion so that everyone has the opportunity to interact.
Please see Brightspace for a full description, along with specific guidelines, for each discussion topic. Discussion board assignments should be completed, along with all other assignments in the course, in the order that they appear. Due to the course design, you may be unable to take a proctored exam if you do not complete all assignments that appear prior to that exam.
Please also refer to the Grading Policy/Grade Breakdown section of the syllabus to learn the percentage of your grade that each discussion is worth.
Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Programs: Technical Requirements
A schedule of lectures and assignments is included in this syllabus. This is, however a self-paced course and you can complete the course in less time.
Please visit the enrollment page to review the withdrawal and refund policies.
Students are expected to attempt and complete all graded assignments and proctored exams by the end date of the course. View the incomplete grade policy..
Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, only the student may request official transcripts. This may be done online by going to the University of New England Registrar website and following the directions on the page.
To view your unofficial UNE student transcript:
To request your official UNE student transcript:
Please review your Unofficial Transcript prior to requesting an Official Transcript.
After you click Submit Request, your official transcript will be put into the queue to be printed in the Registrar's Office.
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Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.
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