Syllabus
Science Prerequisites for Health Professionals
BIOL 1040 Genetics
Credits - 4
Description
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
Materials
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
Learning Outcomes for Science Prerequisites for Health Professions Program
In lecture courses, students should be able to:
- Communicate scientific concepts and information clearly.
- Illustrate fundamental laws, theories, and principles of scientific disciplines.
- Apply knowledge and critical thinking skills to scientific problems.
In lab courses, students should be able to:
- Ask a question or define a problem that can be tested.
- Hypothesize possible result(s).
- Plan and/or conduct an investigation individually and/or collaboratively to produce data to serve as the basis for evidence.
- Analyze data using tools, technologies, and/or models (i.e. computational, mathematical, graphical, etc.) in order to make valid and reliable scientific claims or determine an optimal design solution.
- Communicate the results by constructing an explanation based on multiple pieces of valid and reliable evidence obtained from a variety of sources (including students’ own investigations, models, theories, simulations, peer review) and the assumption that theories and laws that describe the natural world operate today as they did in the past and will continue to do so in the future.
- Apply scientific ideas, principles, and/or evidence gained from various experiments, as well as other observations and/or research, to provide an explanation of phenomena and solve design problems, taking into account possible unanticipated effects.
Course Outcomes
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.
SELF PACED DESIGN
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.
Assignments
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 Posts
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.
Video Presentations
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.
Case Study
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.
Laboratory Assignments
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.
Lab Report
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.
Weekly Quizzes
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.
Proctored Exams
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.
Grade Breakdown Diagram
Grading Policy
Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:
Grade Breakdown
| 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 Scale
| 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 |
Schedule
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 |
Student Resources
Accommodations
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.
Online Peer Support
Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.
Information Technology Services (ITS)
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.
Career Ready Program
The College of Professional Studies supports its online students and alumni in their career journey!
The Career Ready Program provides tools and resources to help students explore and hone in on their career goals, search for jobs, create and improve professional documents, build professional network, learn interview skills, grow as a professional, and more. Come back often, at any time, as you move through your journey from career readiness as a student to career growth, satisfaction, and success as alumni.
Online Student Support
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? Submit your student support request.
Online Peer Support
Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.
Instructor and Support Contact Information
Check Brightspace for specific instructor and support specialist contact information.
Student Lounge
The Student Lounge Discussion Forum 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.
Policies
Proctored Examinations
Your course may have proctored exams. Please see your course for full details, access, testing requirements, and guidelines.
Students must follow all proctoring requirements for their exams to be credited. Please contact your instructor for specific feedback.
Exam Attempts Policy
Students will receive two attempts at all proctored examinations. The higher score of the two attempts will be calculated into the final grade.
All students are encouraged to use a second attempt on their exams in order to improve their overall performance in the course.
Course Discussions
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.
Technology Requirements
Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Programs: Technical Requirements
Course Length
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.
- Courses in the SPHP program are equivalent to one-semester courses designed to be completed in 16 weeks
- Enrollment in the course begins the day your section opens which is listed in the Academic Calendar found on the Student Success Portal.
- Course start and end dates are in respect to Eastern Time.
Withdrawal and Refund Policies
Please visit the enrollment page to review the withdrawal and refund policies.
Grade Policy
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..
Transcripts
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.
Academic Integrity
The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:
- Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
- Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
- Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
- Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
- Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.
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.
Using Generative AI When Completing Coursework
Generative AI (GenAI) applications (like ChatGPT) have proven to be powerful and effective tools, and students are encouraged to become familiar with and use them. However, as with any tool, students must use GenAI in ways that support learning, not replace it. Learning to use AI responsibly and ethically is an important skill in today’s society.
In their courses, students are not allowed to use advanced automated tools, such as generative AI tools, on assignments unless explicitly directed to do so. Each student is expected to complete each assignment, including labs and quizzes as applicable, without substantive assistance from others, including automated tools.
Using AI-content generators to complete assignments without proper attribution violates academic integrity. By submitting assignments in UNE courses, you pledge to affirm that they are your own work and you attribute use of any and all tools and sources.
Unauthorized Use
Unauthorized use of AI is treated as a violation of academic integrity.
Citing AI Use
If permitted, students should indicate and cite any use of AI tools.
Instructor responsibility
Instructors should clearly reiterate, using UNE Online’s Policy, how students can use AI tools in their courses, and communicate this policy to students at the beginning of the semester.
Student responsibility
Students must follow the academic integrity policy of the University of New England.