Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - BISC 302W D100

Genetic Analysis (3)

Class Number: 2378

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Tue, Thu, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 20, 2021
    Tue, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    BISC 202 with a grade of C- or better.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Discussion and manipulations of some of the organisms and techniques applicable to genetic analysis. Students are required to come into the lab on average of two hours per week in addition to the four hour scheduled lab each week for project work. Students with credit for BISC 302 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

COURSE DETAILS:

Lecture/Laboratory course using model eukaryotes. We will assume you understand the basics of genes, gene mapping, recombination and segregation from Bisc 202. The laboratory will include experiments involving several model organisms, including corn, Drosophila, Sordaria (a filamentous fungus), and case studies involving human genetics scenarios. We are piloting a new genotyping project using dog DNA. The work for the project will be done in groups of 3 to 5.   
 
The project may require some time in the lab outside of regular lab times.    
 
Experiments will include gene mapping, using standard genetic crosses, as well as tetrad analysis. Other labs will cover extraction of DNA, and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification of selected DNA regions. Most labs will involve problem solving and case studies. 
 
The lecture topics will include a review of standard genetic mapping, advanced mapping and tetrad analysis, mechanisms of recombination, gene conversion, epigenetics, transposable elements, sex-linkage (including the origin and evolution of sex chromosomes), and forward and reverse genetic approaches. The final lecture(s) may cover student-selected topics. Basic lectures recorded in advance, come to class prepared to answer questions and solve problems. 
 
This is a writing intensive course, which means that 50% of the grade will be based on written work, both formal writing and in-lab writing. 

Grading

  • Laboratory Worksheets and In-Lab Writing 25%
  • Research Proposal for Genetic Screen 10%
  • Short Lab, Fly Eye Colour 15%
  • Dog Genotyping Report 20%
  • Weekly Canvas Quizzes 10%
  • Midterm Exam 10%
  • Final Exam 10%

NOTES:

This grading scheme is preliminary and subject to change a little.

REQUIREMENTS:

Mode of teaching:
Lectures: Recorded, asynchronous
Labs: online, synchronous
Midterm:  time- limited, synchronous online during lecture time midsemester (TBD)
Final: time limited, synchronous online  during scheduled time (TBD)

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no Required Textbook for this course 

RECOMMENDED READING:

Whatever genetics text you already have is fine (material is provided as review papers and recorded introductions to the topics we will cover)   

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).