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:Assist.Prof.Dr EMRE AKSOY
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 Outcomes0123
1Perform basic laboratory and field techniques/approaches used in various branches of biology.
2Understand and apply principles of laboratory and field safety.
3Understand the inner workings of the scientific processes, think critically, and frame questions using experimental and theoretical approaches in biology.
4Proficiency in communicating issues in both English and Turkish.
5Read, and understand scientific communications from primary literature in biology.
6Identify and explain issues in biological sciences.
7Be ready to take new theoretical and technological challenges by recognizing the value and act upon the need for lifelong learning.
8Work as an individual, as well as a team member, and assume leadship when needed.
9Follow the rules of scientific ethics within their careers and professions.

0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution