(in Polish) Everyday genetics 2600-OG-EN-EG

1. Basic concepts of genetics.
Students will learn several concepts, including genotype, phenotype, gene, allele, gametes, crossing over, homozygous, and heterozygous. Students will learn how to write genetic crosses correctly.

2. The structure, characteristics, and replication of DNA. Bacteria transformation.
During the class, the structure of DNA will be thoroughly discussed. The process of DNA replication and the relation between DNA replication and inheritance will be explained. The bacteria transformation using the heat-shock method will be performed. Students will learn about the application of genetically modified bacteria, e.g., medicine for pharmaceutical production.

3. Mutagens and mutagenesis. Drosophila melanogaster – the object of genetic research. The Ames test.
The mechanisms of mutation appearing and the mechanisms of the action of mutagens will be discussed. Students will learn culturing techniques for D. melanogaster and techniques to manipulate flies and prepare crosses between flies. Students will learn how to assess the mutagenic potential of chemical compounds via the Ames test. Students will learn about the impact of mutations on phenotype, single-gene disorders, and the genetic basis of civilization diseases.

4. Mendel’s laws and variations of Mendel’s laws.
The principles and mechanisms of the inheritance of traits and genes in individuals from one generation to the next will be presented. Based on experimental data, students will learn how to conclude heredity patterns. Students will learn how to plan experiments to verify whether a gene is transmitted to the next generation according to Mendelian or non-Mendelian inheritance patterns. Students will understand how the knowledge about Mendelian inheritance patterns can be used in medical genetics procedures and genetic counselling.

5. Polygenic inheritance.
Students will learn about traits controlled by more than one gene (usually several genes). Based on the experimental data, students will learn how to verify whether a trait is controlled by more than one gene. Students will know many important characteristics of everyday life traits, including human height, animal longevity, seed size or disease resistance, controlled by several genes.

6. Genetic linkage and recombination.
Students will learn about gene linkage and the recombination process. The impact of those processes on genetic variation will be discussed. Students will learn how genetic linkage and recombination affect inheritance during the class.

7. Forensic genetics.
Students will learn what DNA sequences are tested in forensic science. Students will be introduced to methods used in forensic science laboratories. Students will learn about the ethical, legal and social aspects of DNA testing.

Total student workload

Contact hours with teacher: - participation in laboratory classes - 30 hrs Self-study hours: - consultations - 2 hrs - preparation for classes - 15 hrs - reading literature - 28 hrs - preparation for test - 15 hrs Altogether: 90 hrs (3 ECTS)

Learning outcomes - knowledge

W1. Student defines basic genetic terms. W2. Student characterises the mechanisms of inheritance. W3. Student explains the relationship between genotype and phenotype and the environment's role in shaping an organism's phenotype. W4. Student understands the effect of mutations on DNA, heredity, and evolution.

Learning outcomes - skills

U1. Student predicts heredity patterns based on the available data. U2. Student links mutations and the environment with phenotype. U3. Student interprets genetics experiments. U4. Student applies genetic knowledge in everyday life.

Learning outcomes - social competencies

K1. Student interprets critically and is aware of scientific literature, information from the internet and mass media, and biological folk wisdom. K2. Student understands and accepts the constant need to expand their knowledge of genetics and molecular biology. K3. Student understands the significance of ethical practices of using genetics in everyday life.

Teaching methods

Teaching methods - lecture-discussion - demonstration - laboratory

Observation/demonstration teaching methods

- display

Expository teaching methods

- discussion

Exploratory teaching methods

- laboratory

Type of course

elective course

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of genetics at the level of secondary school.

Course coordinators

Agnieszka Mierek-Adamska

Assessment criteria

The achievement of all learning outcomes will be verified via the final test with single and multiple-choice questions.

Grades based on the number of points from the test: 100-92% very good (5.0), 91-82% good plus (4.5), 81-72% good (4.0), 71-62% satisfactory plus (3.5), 61-55% satisfactory (3.0), 54-0% unsatisfactory (2.0).

Practical placement

not applicable

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2600-OG-EN-EG in USOSweb