Introductory Genetic Analysis, commonly referred to as just plain Genetics, is the sister course to Cell Physiology; most students who take Genetics first semester take Cellphys second semester. Genetics introduces students to Mendelian, molecular, and medical genetics, in both a historical and present day context. Specific topics include, but are not limited to: Genetics' History, Monohybrid and Dihybrid Crosses, Hardey-Weinberg Equilibrium, Meiosis and Mitosis, Karyotypes, Chromosome Aberrations, DNA Replication, Transcription, and Translation, Genetic Testing, Manipulation of DNA, Gene Regulation, Bacterial/Phage Genetics, Mutation, Gene Therapy, the Human Genome Project, Cancer, AIDS, Bioethics, and Homeotics (Whew!). Hands on laboratory exercises, problem solving sessions, student-led seminars, field trips, and other class activities compliment the lectures and discussions in the class. By the end of the course, students will:

• Be able to draw upon the historical significance and classical laws of genetics.
• Become familiar with recombinant DNA technology through laboratory exercises on the molecular level.
• Be able to relate generalized ideas in genetics to specific molecular events.
• Be able to relate chromosome structure to function.
• Read and report on original research found in scientific journals.
• Debate the ethical issues surrounding current genetic research.

As mentioned above, there are a number of labs performed during the course of the class. While these can vary from year to year, a typical set includes:

• Preparation of Human Chromosome Spreads — Students observe chromosomes from a human tumor cell line.
• Isolation of DNA from an Onion — Students use chemical and mechanical means to isolate DNA.
• Human Inheritance Lab — Students investigate the Hardey-Weinberg principle.
• Measurements, Micropipetting, and Sterile Technique — Students learn how to work with small volumes with micropipets.
• Genetics and Sickle Cell Anemia — Students use protein electrophoresis to compare normal and sickle cell hemoglobin.
• Bacterial Cultural Techniques: Isolation of Individual Colonies — Students learn how to culture bacteria on solid media.
• Bacterial Cultural Techniques: Overnight Suspension Culture — Students learn how to culture bacteria in liquid culture.
• DNA Restriction Analysis — Students use enzymes to cut phage DNA and compare electrophoretic patterns of different digests.
• Principle of Polymerase Chain Reaction — Students analyze PCR products through gel electrophoresis.
• Rapid Colony Transformation of E.Coli with Plasmid DNA — Students use chemicals and heat shock technique to transform ampicillin sensitive bacteria into ampicillin resistant bacteria.
• Purification and Identification of Plasmid DNA: Plasmid Miniprep of pAMP — Students isolate the transforming plasmid from the bacteria from the Rapid Colony Transformation lab.
• Purification and Identification of Plasmid DNA: Restriction Analysis of purified pAMP — Students digest their miniprep plasmid DNA and compare its electrophoretic pattern with control plasmid DNA.