Genetics is the study of how genes act to produce the characteristics of a living organism. In this course, we will focus on the transmission and expression of genetic information. Related “ethical questions” will also be discussed as they arise. This course will be divided into 3 areas of study:
classical genetics: how traits are inherited
molecular genetics: how DNA encodes traits and
genomics: how all an organism's genes function and interact.
Although the course predominantly emphasizes eukaryotic molecular genetics, we will also familiarize ourselves with prokaryotic (bacterial) molecular genetics. Topics will include gene interactions, multiple-factor inheritance, chromosome inheritance, chromosome mapping, and biotechnology. The roles of mutation, selection, migration, and genetic drift may also be investigated in this course to determine the genetics of different populations.