Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - BISC 302W D100

Genetic Analysis (3)

Class Number: 1806

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Tue, Thu, 11:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 15, 2023
    Sat, 7:00–10:00 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 (fruit flies), Sordaria (a filamentous fungus), and case studies involving human genetics scenarios. We are also running genotyping project using dog DNA. The work in most of the labs will be done in groups of 3 to 5.   Some will be done individually also.
 
The project may require some time in the lab outside of regular lab times. This time is to be shared among the team members.  Each semester may differ slightly.
 
Experiments will include gene mapping, using standard genetic crosses, as well as tetrad analysis. Other labs will cover extraction of DNA, and PCR amplification of selected DNA regions. Many 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, epigenetics, transposable elements, sex-linkage (possibly including the origin and evolution of sex chromosomes), and forward and reverse genetic approaches. The final lecture(s) may cover student-selected topics.


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 20%
  • Research Proposal for Genetic Screen 10%
  • Short Lab Report, Fly Eye Colour 15%
  • Dog Genotyping Report 20%
  • Final Exam 15%
  • In-class iClicker questions 10%
  • Midterm Exam 10%

NOTES:

This grading scheme is subject to change.

REQUIREMENTS:

Mode of teaching: 

Lecture: synchronous, in person

Laboratory: synchronous, in person

Tutorial: N/A

Midterm(s): synchronous; date: TBA 

Final exam: synchronous; date: TBA

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no required text. Any introductory genetics text can be used as a reference. Iclickers will be used in the lectures.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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