Introduction to Genetics and Evolution-E2
| Numbering Code | U-LAS14 20034 LE68 | Year/Term | 2022 ・ Second semester | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Credits | 2 | Course Type | Lecture | |
| Target Year | Mainly 1st & 2nd year students | Target Student | For science students | |
| Language | English | Day/Period | Mon.3 | |
| Instructor name | GUY, Adam Tsuda (Graduate School of Biostudies Associate Professor) | |||
| Outline and Purpose of the Course | This course will provide an introduction to genetics and evolution, starting with the most fundamental topics. What are chromosomes? What is the genetic code? What is natural selection? We will begin by learning some of the basics about DNA, the genetic material: the Central Dogma, concepts of dominant and recessive modes of inheritance, mitosis and meiosis, and then we will progress to more specific topics such as human genetic diseases and genetic engineering. We will then move on to some basic concepts of evolutionary biology, such as common descent, genetic variation, abiogenesis and reproductive success. This course will introduce students to the simultaneous unity and diversity of living things. | |||
| Course Goals | Students will become familiar with molecular biology, classical genetics, gene mutations, genetic diseases, genetic engineering and genetically modified organisms, and learn some basic principles of evolution including natural selection, gene mutation and adaptation. | |||
| Schedule and Contents |
1. Introduction 2. The Structure of DNA and Chromosomes 3. RNA 4. Gene Expression 5. Mitosis and Meiosis 6. Genetic Variation 7. Model Organism for the Study of Genetics 8. Cancer and Genetic Diseases in Humans 9. Genetic Engineering and Gene Therapy 10. Introduction to Evolutionary Biology 11. The Tree of Life: Classification and Phylogeny 12. Genes and Evolution 13. A Brief History of Life on Earth 14. Evolution, Science and Society 15. Final Exam 16. Feedback Class |
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| Evaluation Methods and Policy | Lectures will encourage student participation. There will be a final exam and some mini-quizzes to assess comprehension. Evaluation: attendance and student participation: 40%; quizzes: 30%; final exam: 30%. | |||
| Course Requirements | This is an introductory course. There are no requirements but knowledge of basic biology is highly recommended. The course will be taught in English. Some students may have some knowledge of biology but maybe not in English language. Other students may have good English skills, but will have to learn some technical terms used in the study of genetics and evolution. | |||
| Study outside of Class (preparation and review) | Students may need 2-3 hours per week to review the lecture material and look up any background information as necessary. Some students may know the subject already, but need to learn the English vocabulary; others may need to learn both Biology and English. | |||
| Textbooks | Textbooks/References | Lecture handouts will be provided for each class. | ||
| References, etc. |
Essential Genetics and Genomics 7th edition, Hartl, (Jones and Bartlett Learning), ISBN:9781284152456, Most of the content of this course is covered in this textbook. The Molecular Biology of the Cell, Alberts, Johnson, Lewis, Morgan, Raff, Robert & Walter, (Norton), ISBN:9780815344322 Campbell Biology, Wasserman, Minorsky, Cain, Urry, Waterman, Stanley & Reece, (Pearson), ISBN:9780134082318 Evolution, Futuyma & Kirkpatrick, (Sinauer), ISBN:9781605356051 |
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