BIOL351 INTRODUCTION TO GENETICS
| Course Code: | 2380351 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 4 (4.00 - 0.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 6.0 |
| Department: | Biology |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Undergraduate |
| Course Coordinator: | Prof.Dr. AYŞE ELİF ERSON BENSAN |
| Offered Semester: | Fall Semesters. |
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, the student will have learned:
- the fundamentals of transmission genetics, and the molecular, developmental and evolutionary mechanisms behind these;
- the basic processes in molecular genetics; including the structure of DNA, mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription, translation, and gene expression regulation;
- current problems, terminology, and technology in the field of genetics.
Course Content
This course provides the students with the basic concepts of classical genetics and with the view of molecular genetics from today`s perspective. General principles of Mendelian Genetics, chromosome theory of inheritance, linkage and mapping, structure and function of genes, gene expression and its regulation, chromosomal aberrations and mutations are covered. Elementary principles that govern developmental, quantitative, behavioral, population and evolutionary genetics are also discussed.
Course Learning Outcomes
The successul student will be able to:
- describe the basic laws and mechanisms governing transmission genetics;
- predict inheritance modes by studying pedigrees;
- describe the fundamental processes in molecular genetics, including DNA replication, mutation, recombination, transcription, and translation;
- distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems with respect to gene regulation;
- suggest experiments to study alternative mechanisms of gene regulation;
- develop hypotheses on the molecular, developmental and evolutionary mechanisms behind specific inheritance patterns;
- develop realistic research strategies to genetic study of phenotypic variation and disease, including evolutionary differences among species, hereditary disease, pathogenic disease, cancer, and aging;
- discuss the potential social implications of genetic technologies.
Program Outcomes Matrix
| Level of Contribution | |||||
| # | Program Outcomes | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 1 | Perform basic laboratory and field techniques/approaches used in various branches of biology. | ✔ | |||
| 2 | Understand and apply principles of laboratory and field safety. | ✔ | |||
| 3 | Understand the inner workings of the scientific processes, think critically, and frame questions using experimental and theoretical approaches in biology. | ✔ | |||
| 4 | Proficiency in communicating issues in both English and Turkish. | ✔ | |||
| 5 | Read, and understand scientific communications from primary literature in biology. | ✔ | |||
| 6 | Identify and explain issues in biological sciences. | ✔ | |||
| 7 | Be ready to take new theoretical and technological challenges by recognizing the value and act upon the need for lifelong learning. | ✔ | |||
| 8 | Work as an individual, as well as a team member, and assume leadship when needed. | ✔ | |||
| 9 | Follow the rules of scientific ethics within their careers and professions. | ✔ | |||
0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution