Course Description:

Genetics is the study of heredity, or how traits are passed from one generation to the next.  Genetics directly impacts our lives and society, as we are often faced with decisions that require a basic understanding of genetics principles. The purpose of this course is to inspire responsible and informed decision-making in matters involving genetics by fostering an awareness of basic genetics principles and an understanding of how genetics affects daily life at an individual level (in nutrition, health, and disease), and in society (in social, ethical, and political issues).

In this course, we will cover and discuss 1) the mechanisms by which genetic information is transferred on both the molecular and the organismal levels, 2) our past and present understanding of genetics and how this understanding has shaped history and continues to impact our lives and society, and 3) recent advancements in our understanding of genetics and how these advancements are being applied to solve problems facing today’s society.         

Course Goals:

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

1. Understand the basic mechanisms of human inheritance and use this information to infer more complex concepts and solve basic genetics problems.
2. Recognize several ways in which genetics influences daily life at the level of the individual and in society.
3. Understand some of the basic tools used in genetics research and gain an appreciation for where our current understanding of genetics comes from.
4. Demonstrate self-directed learning in genetics by identifying and utilizing credible resources available to the educated layperson.
5. Effectively communicate genetics principles and issues in both written and oral forms.

Assessment:

 The following are designed to test and ensure consistent progress on all five of the stated learning goals:

1. Exams (60% total, 30% for each in-class exam).  The questions on the exams will be a combination of multiple-choice, short-answer, and/or short essay.
   
2. Final paper and oral presentation (30%).  There is no in-class final exam.  Instead, a final paper and oral presentation on a genetics topic will be assigned during the second half of the semester and due by the end of the semester.  This will be a group project.  Further details will be given mid-semester.
3.  Homework assignments (5%).   Throughout the semester, written homework assignments will be assigned and graded.  
4. Quizzes (5%).  Unannounced quizzes will be issued randomly throughout the semester and can test the understanding of material just covered in class, or the understanding of the home reading assignments.

Grading scale:            

		B+	87-89	C+	77-79	D+	67-69
A	93-100	B	83-86	C	73-76	D	63-66	F < 60
A-	90-92	B-	80-82	C-	70-72	D-	60-62

Academic Honesty:

All work that you submit must be your own.  Please familiarize yourself with the definition of plagiarism.  Academic dishonesty can lead to a zero grade on that assignment, a failing grade in the course, academic code probation, or suspension or expulsion from the College depending on the gravity of the violation and the decision of the judicial board.

Students with Disabilities:

In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation will be provided to students with documented disabilities on a case-by-case basis.  Students must register with the Office of Academic Support Services (607-274-1005, TDD 607-274-7319, acssd@ithaca.edu) and schedule an appointment with their instructors as soon as possible to discuss their needs.

Tentative Schedule (may be subject to change):

 *Final draft of paper is to be submitted on Tuesday, Dec. 16 by 4:30 PM (the day of the final exam.)