Genetics

Course Details

Course Number: BIOL 3334  Section Number: 101

Fall 2012

Location: Bolin Hall

Classroom Number: 209

Days & Times:

Lecture:  MWF 9-10
Lab: T & W 2-5

Course Attachments

Textbooks

Genetic Analysis: An integr
loose leaf + mastering genetics
  ISBN: 0-321-73250-2

Genetics Lab Manual 13th ed
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. Jon B. Scales   
view Profile »

Course Objectives

Philosophy:

Genetic principles underlie virtually every area of biology. The concepts and principles by which we understand the passage of heritable information is crucial to our understanding of virtually everything else in biology and biology-related fields. 

In this course, we will cover aspects of molecular and classical genetics. We will learn how genetic principles underpin our current approaches to studying biology.

The objectives of this course are to gain a factual knowledge base in genetic terminology and concepts, to hone your analytical problem solving skills and to gain an appreciation for the practice of the biological sciences.

Attendance is crucial to successful performance in this course. I expect participation from my students and you can’t do that if you’re not here. Students with excessive absences (>3) will be dropped. Attendance to lab is mandatory. You can only miss 1 lab! Students will be dropped from lab on their 2nd absence.


Course Expectations

Prerequisite courses:   BIOL 3054, CHEM 1143 & 1243, MATH 1233 or 1534, BIOL 1544 & 1144


Grading Standards

See written syllabus or online syllabus http://faculty.mwsu.edu/biology/jon.scales/Courses/index.htm


Final Exam12/10/2012  8-10 AM

Submission Format PolicyNote: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

There must be extenuating circumstances in order to make-up a missed exam and then you’ll have that opportunity only once. In the case of illness, you must contact the instructor as soon as possible. In the case of an academic conflict, you must notify the instructor in advance. Failure to do either in these cases will mean you won’t have a chance of doing a make-up.

There will be NO make-up of missed lab activities, quizzes or exams.


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance is crucial to successful performance in this course. I expect participation from my students and you can’t do that if you’re not here. Students with excessive absences (>3) will be dropped. Attendance to lab is mandatory. You can only miss 1 lab! Students will be dropped from lab on their 2nd absence.


Other Policies

No cell phone use:  1st offense - sent out of lecture,  2nd offense - dropped from course.

No laptop computer or tablets (iPad, Kindle, etc..) use in lecture room during lecture.  Use in lab is ok.

Examinations & Quizzes:

There will be quizzes periodically so always be prepared! If you come to class or lab after a quiz is in progress, you WILL NOT be allowed to take the quiz.

We will have four exams (including the final) when there seems to be an appropriate break in the topics. Each exam will be announced at least three lecture periods in advance. As we progress through the semester, I may revise the topic list/schedule. The exams are comprehensive in the sense that the  

There must be extenuating circumstances in order to make-up a missed exam and then you’ll have that opportunity only once. In the case of illness, you must contact the instructor as soon as possible. In the case of an academic conflict, you must notify the instructor in advance. Failure to do either in these cases will mean you won’t have a chance of doing a make-up.

There will be NO make-up of missed lab activities, quizzes or exams.

Grading and Point Assignments:

A >=90

B ≥80

C ≥70

D ≥ 60

F < 60

 

 Lecture Exams --------

60%

Quizzes --------

10%

Lab --------

30%
Students should refer to the current MSU handbook and activities calendar for university policy on academic dishonesty, class attendance, student rights and activities.

Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.