Heredity and Society (Cell 1030-01)

Spring, 2014

Instructor: Cherif Boudaba, Ph.D., ; Phone: 862 8725

Office location: 4014 Percival Stern Hall, Office hours: Tuesday from 10:00 to 12:00 or by appointment.

Class meets: Tuesday and Thursday, 2:00-3:15, Boggs105

Course description: This course focuses on modern concepts related to Human genetics. Student will learn how mutated genes induce birth defects, hereditary and non-hereditary diseases. Students will be familiar with tools used to manipulate genesin order to change the genetic makeup of living plants and animals. This course will address current ethical and social issues related to gene manipulation.

Course learning outcomes: After completion of this course, successful students will be able to:

-Describe genes and relate them to protein synthesis leading to genetic traits

-Explain the rules governing gene transmission to offspring and prediction of inherited traits

-Understand gene mutation and relate it to inherited and non-inherited diseases such sickle cell anemia and cancer

-Understand to which extend environment is involved in gene expression or its damage

-Describe the techniques used to manipulate genes

-Use scientific knowledge learned to debate current social issues related to cloning, use of embryos in research, transgenic organisms, genetic determinism, pre- and postnatal genetic testing, confidentially and discrimination…

Grades:Grades are based on 2 midterms and a final exam.

No makeup is given for any missed exam, except in case of sickness (must be proven by a Doctor’s note)

Textbook: Yashon R. and Cummings M, Human Genetics and Society, Second Edition, Brooks/Cole, 2012.

Attendance: Good attendance is important for success. Excessive absences are not tolerated and will affect student’s final grade.

Honor code: All students are expected to be familiar with Tulane University Honor Code and to adhere to it.

Lectures schedule

Date Topic Textbook chapter

January

14Introduction and Overview

16Cells Biology Basics 1 (page 2)

21Cell division (mitosis) and Death12

23Meiosis, Sperm and Eggs Formation2, 3

28Development, Birth Defect1

30Sex Formation and Selection, Ethics1

February

4Reproductive Technology2

6Reproductive Technology and Ethics2

11DNA Structureand ReplicationBiology Basics 2 (page 94)

13Exam I

18Transcription and Translation5

20Mutations and Epigenetics6

25Changes in Chromosome Numbers3

27Autosomal Gene Transmission4

March

4Mardi GrasNo class

6Mardi GrasNo class

11Autosomal Gene Transmission4

13Sex-linked Gene Transmission4

18 Biotechnology7

20 Genetic Testing and Prenatal Diagnosis8

25DNA Forensics 9

27Exam II

April

1Genomics10

3Inheritance of Complex Traits11

8Cell Cycle and Cancer12

10Genetics of Behavior13

15Immunogenetics14

17Genetics and Population15

22Human Evolution16

24A Different World: Past, Present and Future17

Of Human Genetics

29Review

May

7(WEDNESDAY) at 1:00 p.m.Final Exam