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. 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).

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, 20% 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 (20%).  Instead of an in-class final, you will be assigned a final paper and oral presentation on a genetics topic.  This will be a group project--further details will be provided later in the semester.
3.  Homework/Quizzes (10%).   Throughout the semester, written homework assignments will be assigned and graded.  
4. Class participation and attendance (10%).  We will be using the clicker system on a daily basis (starting on September 9), which helps me to assess your understanding of the material, and keeps a record of attendance..

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.

Course Evaluations:

Student input is highly valued and is important to maintain high quality instruction.  Course evaluations are mandatory  and must be completed by the indicated date (TBA).  An incomplete will appear on your transcript  if it is not submitted by that time.  The evaluation will be submitted to the Department Assistant. She will verify that you have submitted the form.  Once that has been checked, your identification will be removed and will not be printed with the comments.

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.

Extra Help & Support:

Diminished mental health, including significant stress, mood changes, excessive worry, or problems with eating and/or sleeping can interfere with optimal academic performance. The source of symptoms might be strictly related to your course work; if so, please speak with me.  However, problems with relationships, family worries, loss, or a personal struggle or crisis can also contribute to decreased academic performance.

Ithaca College provides a Counseling Center to support the academic success of students. The Counseling Center provides cost-free services to help you manage personal challenges that threaten your well-being.

In the event I suspect you need additional support, I will express my concerns and the reasons for them, and remind you of resources (e.g., Counseling Center, Health Center, chaplains, etc.) that might be helpful to you. It is not my intention to know the details of what might be bothering you, but simply to let you know I am concerned and that help, if needed, is available.

Getting help is a smart and courageous thing to do -- for yourself and for your loved ones.

Tentative Schedule (may be subject to change):