This course involves four hours of lecture/tutorial/week and three hours of laboratory work. The information content is integrated with laboratory experiments, problem sets and textbook readings.
- Introduction to Genetics and Evolution
- mitosis
- meiosis
- Mendelian Inheritance: theory and problems
- Non-Mendelian Inheritance: multiple alleles, sex linkage and multigenic inheritance
- experiments using Drosophila: how to differentiate an autosomal character from a sex-linked character.
- preparation of plant tissue for microscopic chromosome analysis.
- Molecular Basis of Life
- basic chemical formula of amino acids
- formation of primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure of proteins.
- functions and mechanisms of action of enzymes
- functions and structures of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA)
- replication of DNA
- cellular synthesis of proteins
- molecular and chromosomal basis of mutations
- structure and functions of cellular organelles
- structure and function of biologically important lipids
- models of membrane structure and transport of materials across membranes
- structure and function of biologically important carbohydrates
- biochemical tests for carbohydrates, lipids and proteins
- lab analysis of enzyme action and optimum pH
- Conversion and Use of Energy by Cells
- location and process of cellular respiration
- catabolic pathways and interrelationships for carbohydrates, fats and proteins
- significance of ATP
- location and process of photosynthesis
- light dependent reactions
- light independent reactions
- technique of paper chromatography for the separation of leaf pigments
- Plant and Animal Growth and Development
- mechanisms by which seed plants reproduce
- process of double fertilization
- results of fertilization: growth of seeds
- role of soil in plant growth and development, including impact of acid rain
- role of plant hormones and the photoreceptor phytochrome on plant growth and development
- gibberellic acid experiment: role in development of pea plants
- process of animal fertilization
- stages of development following fertilization
- significance of primary germ layers
- sea urchin fertilization
- Origin and Evolution of Life
- scientific theories with respect to how life arose on earth
- origin of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
- types of evolution
- Lamarck’s theory of evolution
- Darwin-Wallace theory of evolution by natural selection
- sources of heritable variation within a species
- meaning and role of fitness in evolution
- types of natural selection
- role of isolating mechanisms in speciation
Upon completion of this course, students will:
- Understand and be able to explain the relationship between genetics and evolution.
- Be able to explain cell division in plants and animals, and to describe the significance of mitosis and meiosis to growth, development and reproduction.
- Be capable of solving monohybrid and dihybrid problems, and problems involving multiple alleles and sex-linked genes.
- Be able to explain the molecular basis and significance of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates, and their relationship to cellular respiration and photosynthesis and general metabolism.
- Be able to explain how DNA and RNA replicate and code for proteins, and analyse problems using the genetic code.
- Understand and be able to explain how genes interact with the environment, and the role of mutations, meiosis and fertilization in changing the genetic composition of populations over time.
- Be able to discuss the mechanisms of evolution, and to apply evolutionary concepts to the analysis of current environmental problems.
- Be capable of conducting simple directed experiments and explaining the procedures and results.
- Understand and be able to use biological principles in the discussion of current issues.
Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. Evaluation will be based on the following:
| Evaluation | Marks |
| Class tests and assignments | 15-25 |
| Laboratory tests and assignments | 5-15 |
| Laboratory examination - final | 10-15 |
| Comprehensive examination - midterm | 25-35 |
| Comprehensive examination - final | 25-35 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Notes:
1. Laboratory Experiments and Activities
Laboratory work will be assigned each week. The laboratory work must be completed in the week it is assigned. Laboratory experiments and assignments are a compulsory component of this course. A minimum of 50% of the laboratory experiments and assignments must be completed to receive a P or better in the course.
2. Examinations
There will be one midterm and one final examination. The final examination will cover the entire course. If the student achieves a better grade on the final exam than on the midterm examination, the midterm grade will be raised to equal that of the final examination.
Students should consult the ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials. For example, textbooks and materials may include:
Reece, J.B. et al., Campbell Biology. (Current Edition). Benjamin Cummings
ÌÇÐÄvlog´«Ã½produced manual. Biology 1210: the Organism.