BIOL 121 - Genetic Revolution

5 Credits

An introduction to human genetics examining genes, inheritance, gene expression, population genetics, genomics, research and technologies.

Pre-requisite(s) MATH 81 or higher min 2.0
Placement Eligibility Math 91 or higher
Fees

Quarters Typically Offered
Summer Online
Fall Online
Winter Online
Spring Online

Designed to Serve Non-majors
Active Date 20250522T11:53:55

Grading Basis Decimal Grade
Class Limit 28
Contact Hours: Lecture 55
Total Contact Hours 55
Degree Distributions:
AA

Science
Natural Science

ProfTech Related Instruction

BAS

Course Outline
Part 1 Introduction:

What Is in a Human Genome?
Cells
Meiosis, Development, and Aging

Part 2 Transmission Genetics:

Single-Gene Inheritance
Beyond Mendel’s Laws
Matters of Sex
Multifactorial Traits
Genetics of Behavior

Part 3 DNA and Chromosomes:

DNA Structure and Replication
Gene Action: From DNA to Protein
Gene Expression and Epigenetics
Gene Mutation
Chromosomes

Part 4 Population Genetics:

Constant Allele Frequencies and DNA Forensics
Changing Allele Frequencies
Human Ancestry and Evolution

Part 5 Immunity and Cancer:

Genetics of Immunity
Cancer Genetics and Genomics

Part 6 Genetic Technology:

DNA Technologies
Genetic Testing and Treatment
Reproductive Technologies
Genomics

Student Learning Outcomes
Describe how DNA is organized.

Identify the molecular components and mechanisms necessary to preserve and duplicate an organism’s genome.

Describe the mechanisms by which an organism’s genome is passed on to the next generation.

Deduce information about genes, alleles, and gene functions from analysis of genetic crosses and patterns of inheritance.

Recognize how genetic information is expressed so it affects an organism’s structure and function.

Identify how genes and genomes control changes in an organism’s structure and function throughout its life cycle.

Recognize the processes that can affect the frequency of genotypes and phenotypes in a population over time.

Identify experimental methods commonly used to analyze gene structure, gene expression, gene function, and genetic variants.