Human Heredity & Birth Defects

Biology 270 and Lab - 4 credit hours
Lauri Miller, Instructor of Biology
Saint Joseph College Honors Program
Agnes Curry, Director

Course Description: This course covers topics including: DNA and genes; cell structure and control; what causes genetic disease, including single trait disorders, multifactorial inheritance, chromosomal abnormalities and mitochondrial disorders; autosomal and sex-linked inheritance; genetics of behavior; reproductive technologies; genetic testing and counseling, genetic engineering and therapy.  The volume of genetic discoveries and technology has exploded in the last few years.  New technologies have implications far beyond the science involved. Students are required to write 3 short essays throughout the semester; the essays are 2- 3 pages long and must include: (1) the scientific basis, (2) the ethical implications, (3) opinion on the issue.  There is no right or wrong answer; the objective is to have students start thinking about issues that society will most likely face in the near future.  Students are required to write and present a research paper on a genetic disorder that is of particular interest to them.  This course also includes a weekly laboratory section where we explore in detail some of the technologies that we are studying.

Texts:
Lewis, Ricki. 2008. Human Genetics: Concepts and Applications, 8th Edition. McGraw- Hill Companies. ISBN: 0-07-299539-8. 

Gilbert, Scott. 2005. Bioethics And The New Embryology: Springboards For Debate. Sinauer Associates, Inc and W. H. Freeman & Company. ISBN:  0-7167-7345-7.  This book contains supplemental material addressed in the course. It also provides the basis for some of the ethical issues as we now have the ability to alter the course of human development.

Syllabus

Date Topic

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

 

Week 5

Overview of Human Genetics

Genes & Disease Risk, Bioethics, DNA Structure and Replication     

Quiz 1, DNA Models, Gene Action: From DNA to Protein/ Transcription

Cells – Cell Cycle, Plasma Membranes, Cytoskeleton, Stem Cells
Should We Use Stem Cells To Repair the Body?
Should We Allow Humans to Be Cloned?

Gene Action: From DNA to Protein/Translation
EXAM 1

Week 6


Week 7

Week 8

Meiosis and Human Development
When Does Life Begin?

Quiz 2, Abnormal Development     

Single Gene Inheritance-Test Cross, Dihybrid Cross , Pedigrees
Problem Set 1
EXAM 2

Week 9

Week 10




Week 11


Week 12

Beyond Mendel’s Laws, Incomplete Dominance, Penetrance, Mitochondrial Disorders, Genetic Essentialism          

Matters of Sex, X-Linked Diseases, X-Inactivation    
Problem Set 2, Reproductive Technologies                                       
Should Assisted Reproductive Technologies Be                                                                                Regulated?/ Arguments For and Against Sex Selection

Multifactorial Traits Chromosomes, Chromosomal Disorders
Problem Set 3

Genetics of Behavior
EXAM 3

Week 13

Week 14



Week 15

Genetic Testing and Treatment, Genomics, Human Genome Project

Recombinant DNA Technology                                  
Should We Modify the Human Genome?                 
Do You Want Your Genome Sequenced?

FINAL EXAM

 

Laboratory Schedule

Date Topic
Lab 1

Lab 2

Lab 3

Lab 4

Lab 5

Lab 6

Lab 7

Lab 8

Lab 9

Lab 10

Lab 11

Lab 12

Scientific Method, How to write a Laboratory Report, Isolation of DNA

Transcription and Translation (Sickle Cell Amenia)

Cell Division – Mitosis in Onion Root Tips

Ascaris Fertilization/ When Does Life Begin?

Population Genetics: Trait Wheel, Coin Toss, Paper Tasting

Cat Lab (Single Inheritance and Sex-linked Inheritance)

IVF Discussion/ Designer Babies video Part 1

mtDNA isolation and PCR

mtDNA isolation and PCR

mtDNA isolation and PCR                

Presentations  

Presentations              

Grading Policies :

Opportunity                                
In-class exams (3)                     
Final Exam                                               
Research paper (1)                  
Presentation                               
Short essays (3)                                                       
Quizzes/Problem sets             
Laboratory Reports/Handouts

  %  of Grade
30% (10% each)
10 %               
10 %
10%    
15%                                                  
15 %   

 

Contact person: Lauri Miller, lmiller@sjc.edu