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This course is an introduction to the many areas of modern genetics and emphasizes the
principles of genetics in each of 5 main areas, Transmission,
Cytogenetics, Quantitative, Population, and Molecular Genetics.
Students are expected to demonstrate excellence in conceptual and
problem solving approaches for genetics questions drawn from each of
those sub-disciplines.
Grading Policy
I will drop the lowest score of the first three exams, replacing it with your
final examination grade (if higher). Three lecture exam grades are averaged,
providing 75% of your final lecture average. The final exam will be cumulative
and comprehensive. It will represent 25% of your final lecture grade. Your
overall lecture average represents 70% of your final course grade. Your final
laboratory average provides the remaining 30% of your final course grade.
There are no make up exams, if you must miss an examination make provisions
with me well in advance of the exam. All emergencies or unforeseen difficulties
causing you to miss an exam will result in that missed exam having the lowest
exam score (zero) and it will be replaced by your final exam grade. (See also
Pop Quizzes below)
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory, however, I do not explicitly deduct from your grade
based on absences (however see Pop Quizzes below).
I want to do my best to help each student to do well in
genetics. Over the past five years one thing seems to do that very well,
consistent attendance. I expect each student to be prepared for the material
and to be in class each day. I will sometimes (or not) give Pop quizzes during
the semester, a Pop Quiz grade is equivalent to an exam grade and will be
averaged as if it was simply another lecture exam. (Thus a zero on a pop quiz
becomes your lowest grade and would then be replaced by the final exam grade).
The Pop Quiz will be one or two questions drawn from the chapter problems for
the current lecture (not yet covered in class) or a just completed one (the
previous lecture)Chapter problems
Lecture Exams
All of the exams in this course are mixed format. They
include multiple choice (including True/False), short answer, matching and essay
questions. One very successful means of preparing for the exams is completing
all problems in the chapters for each exam. Calculators (or any other electronic
device) are NOT allowed for use during the exams, practice and preparation
without a calculator (especially probabilities) is strongly encouraged.
Chapter Problems
Chapter problems will not be collected nor graded,
however, all problems in each of the chapters are considered as assigned and
often appear on examinations. Sample examinations are available online at:
http://mikeforstner.com (see left
sidebar for more information)
**Anyone requiring special assistance with
disabilities, religious holidays, or university approved events please contact
me immediately in order that any necessary accommodations may be made
**Please note that academic dishonesty is a serious offense and harsh penalties results.
Please review the
Academic Honesty policy which applies to all Texas State University students.
Class Syllabus |
