BIOL 161 - Human Genetics

Credits: 5
LEC hours per week: 5
Introduction to genetics with an emphasis on the impact of genetics on individuals, families and society. Topics include cell division, stem cells, meiosis and reproduction, Mendelian inheritance, multi factorial traits and diseases, DNA structure, gene expression & analytics, epigenetics, human genetic variation, mutations, chromosomal abnormalities, cancer, genetic and identity testing, human ancestry, PCR, recombinant DNA, gene therapy and genomics. This is a non-lab course.
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 087 or AENG 100 with a grade of C or higher or appropriate placement; or permission of the Science Division Chair or designee.
Recommended: READ 088 or higher.
Course Outcomes:

Identify the relationships between a person’s genotype and phenotype.
Explain how genetic material is passed on and expressed.
Recognize the role that exists between cancer and other diseases and genetics.
Speculate about the potential future that genetic engineering can bring.
Explain the concept of epigenetics.
Apply major terms, vocabulary, and concepts that are related to discussing genetics.
Integrate knowledge of genetics with evolution.
Describe the basic mechanisms of cell reproduction.
Explain the location and function of stem cells, as well as their role in gene therapy.

Course Topics:

The Molecular Basis of Heredity and Evolution
Transmission Genetics according to Mendel’s work
Cell Division
Inheritance Patterns
Gene Linkage in Eukaryotic Cells
DNA Structure and Replication
Transcription and Translation
RNA Processing
Chromosome Structure
Gene Mutation and DNA Repair
Chromosome Aberrations
Regulation of Gene Expression
Recombinant DNA Technology
Genomics

Course Attribute(s): Natural Science