Genetics Courses
01:447:414 Thesis Writing and Communication in Genetics
- Semester Offered: Fall
- Credits: 1.5
- Course URL: Canvas
- Core Curriculum: WCr
Prerequisites
Concurrent registration in 447:408, Honors in Genetics Research. By special permission number only. Please see the Genetics Dept. SPN website for information.
Course Description
Assists students with writing their honors thesis in the form of a lengthy published research article. Students will review examples of published research articles use them as a guide to write the following sections of their thesis: Title, Abstract, Introduction, Materials and Methods and Literature Cited. The Results and Discussion sections of their thesis will be completed in the next course in the sequence. Emphasis will be placed on helping students understand and develop the core question/hypothesis of their thesis, as well as finding relevant research articles and reviews in the published literature to support their underlying premise. Students will also make an oral report of their work in the format of an interview, similar to an interview as part of an application to medical school, graduate school, or for a job in academia, industry, or government. This is the first part of a two-semester sequence (414-415). For seniors completing Departmental Honors; by Special Permission only.
The course is being offered in-person. Although this course will be given in-person, there is always the possibility of a class cancellation because of inclement weather (e.g., snow) or other issues (e.g., COVID outbreak). In this case, lectures and discussions during class will transition to being synchronous and live using Zoom. If this should occur, the Meeting ID, Passcode, and URL for accessing the class on Zoom will be available as an announcement on the course Canvas site and sent to students’ email. It is incumbent on the student to check their email and the Canvas course site announcements before each class to determine if a class will be held via Zoom as an alternative.
Course Syllabus
Learning Goals
This course has been certified as satisfying the following learning goals of the Department of Genetics and the SAS Core Curriculum Goals: Writing and Communication, Revision (WCr)
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Use genetics information and ideas to critically analyze published research articles in genetics.
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Design an experiment, carry out the research using the appropriate laboratory techniques and analyze and interpret their data.
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Communicate their discoveries through a written article appropriate for publication in a peer-reviewed Genetics journal, and through talks or posters appropriate for scientific meetings.
SAS Core Learning Goals:
This course satisfies the SAS requirement for:
- Communicate effectively in modes appropriate to a discipline or area of inquiry.
- Evaluate and critically assess sources and use the conventions of attribution and citation
correctly. - Analyze and synthesize information and ideas from multiple sources to generate
new insights.
Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy
Grades will be based on attendance, participation in class, quality of oral and written presentation, and homework. Since this course requires participation and presentations, attendance is mandatory.
Course Closed?
To request an SPN, please see the Genetics Dept. SPN website for special permission.
Course Materials
Articles from the published literature available from the Library of Science and Medicine website. No clickers or other specific requirements for in-class equipment
No required textbook. Reference book in Library of Science of Medicine: Hofmann, A.H. 2014. Scientific Writing and Communication: Papers, Proposals, and Presentations. 2nd edition. Oxford University Press, NY. Paper. ISBN 978-0-19-994756-0.
Faculty
Dr. Chris Rongo, Waksman Institute/Dept. of Genetics
** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.
01:447:410 Research in Genetics -Writing Intensive
- Assists students with their Honors project. Emphasis will be on analysis of research data and writing the discussion. Student will be expected to complete their results and discussion sections of their thesis. Students will also prepare both a fifteen minute platform talk and a much longer talk for their thesis defense. Finally, they will prepare a poster that explains their research to the general public.
- Semester Offered: Fall, Spring
- Credits: 1.5
- Core Curriculum: WCr, WCd
Prerequisites
Concurrent registration in 447:409 (or equivalent college-based Honors Program); By special permission number only.
Course Description
Research in Genetics- Writing Intensive is intended to provide you with an opportunity to engage in original laboratory research under the direct supervision of a faculty mentor, usually in the faculty member’s research laboratory. You are expected to carry out your own research project. NOTE: this research requires a heavy commitment of time and effort and can impact your performance in coursework, especially if you have not yet managed the foundational material for the discipline. Click here to see the expectations (see page 2).
The Department of Genetics requires a minimum of 6 credits of Independent Scholarship taken with a single advisor over two semesters (except for the Genetic Counseling Rotation, which may be performed under more than one advisor). The Research in Genetics - Writing Intensive course, 447:410 (Fall/Spring), is one option to complete this requirement.
Course Syllabi
Course Satisfies Genetics Departmental Learning Goals
- Integrate the material from multiple courses and research. That is, to think holistically and to see the whole as well as the parts.
- At the end of four years, all our students will be able to design an experiment, carry out the research using the appropriate laboratory techniques and analyze and interpret their data. They will also be able to communicate their discoveries through a written article appropriate for publication in a peer-reviewed Genetics journal, and through talks or posters appropriate for scientific meetings.
Course Satisfies SAS Core Learning Goals:
Writing and Communication, Revision (WCr)
Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy
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Description |
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85% |
Research mentor's evaluation of your work. At the end of the semester, the department will send your research mentor a grading rubric through Qualtrics to provide his/her grade for your time in the lab and for your Semester Research Paper (see Research Mentor's Grade assignment for more details). |
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15% |
Completing other course requirements (ON TIME!) · Points will be taking off for submitting late assignments. It is your responsibility to know when each is due. I have set Canvas to take an automatic 15% reduction for each 24 hours the assignment is late (i.e., 25 hours = 30%). There are 4 assignments for this course- review the details for each on the Canvas course site. · 7% course grade: Submitting Detailed Proposal Form · 2% course grade: SURVEY: Current Independent Scholarship project and mentor information · 2% course grade: SURVEY: Additional research/independent scholarship credits · 4% course grade: Submitting your Semester Research Paper to this Canvas site |
Course Materials
No required textbook
Course Closed?
Registration is by SPN only. Please request an spn for the course under the Genetics section on the SPN Request Page. Please note the system does not notify students unless they can be accommodated in the course. SPNs are distributed throughout the remainder of the semester and through the drop/add period. If you have any questions, please contact the genetics department at
Faculty
Dr. Gary Heiman
** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.
01:447:415 Thesis Writing and Communication in Genetics
- Semester Offered: Spring
- Credits: 1.5
- Course URL: Canvas
- Core Curriculum: WCd
Prerequisites
Concurrent registration in 447:409 (or equivalent college-based Honors Program); By special permission number only.
Course Description
Assists senior Genetics majors with their honors project. Emphasis will be on analysis and communication of research findings. Students will be expected to complete their results and discussion sections of their thesis, as well as finalize the overall thesis in preparation for defense. Students will also prepare both a ten-minute platform talk and a much longer talk for their thesis defense. Finally, they will prepare a poster that explains their research.
The course is being offered in-person. Although this course will be given in-person, there is always the possibility of a class cancellation because of inclement weather (e.g., snow) or other issues (e.g., COVID outbreak). In this case, lectures and discussions during class will transition to being synchronous and live using Zoom. The recurring “join meeting” Meeting ID, Passcode, and URL for accessing the class on Zoom will be available as an announcement on the course Canvas site and sent to students’ email. It is incumbent on the student to check their email and the Canvas course site announcements before each class to determine if a class will be held via Zoom as an alternative.
Course Satisfies Genetics Departmental Learning Goals
1. Effectively incorporate critiques from peers and faculty in their revision of written and oral communication.
2. Effectively describe their research, using relevant discipline-specific terminology with precision, accuracy & purpose.
3. Accurately and effectively present advanced scientific concepts through oral presentations and poster formats.
Course Satisfies SAS Core Learning Goals:
Writing and Communication, Revision (WCr)
Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy
Grades will be based on attendance, participation in class, quality of oral and written presentation, and homework. Since this course requires participation
and presentations, attendance is mandatory.
Course Materials
No required textbook. Clickers are not required.
Course Closed?
Registration is by SPN only. This course is only for Genetics majors. Please contact the Genetics Department undergraduate office for an SPN.
Faculty
Dr. Chris Rongo
** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.
01:447:484 Behavioral and Neural Genetics
- Semester Offered: Spring
- Credits: 3
- Course URL: Canvas
Prerequisites
Genetics 01:447:380 or Genetic Analysis I 01:447:384 and General Biology Lab 01:119:117
Methods of molecular biology are highly recommended. Statistics is also highly recommended.
Course Description
Using molecular and mouse genetics (genetically modified mice) in research on behavior, memory and neuron function with an emphasis on the contemporary methods and new discoveries in neuroscience.
The class will be held in person.
Course Syllabus
Spring 2024 Syllabus (Spring 2025 will be updated soon)
Course Learning Goals
- To understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms controlling learning, memory and behavior. To understand how these mechanisms can go wrong in mental disorders, and how mouse models can help to understand these disorders, such as depression, postpartum depression, drug addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism, Alzheimer’s and others.
- To understand how the balance between nature (genes) and nurture (environment and epigenetics) shapes behavior of animals and humans.
- To be able to read and discuss peer-reviewed original research neuroscience articles published in scientific journals.
Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy
To understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms controlling learning, memory and behavior. To understand how these mechanisms can go wrong in mental disorders, and how mouse models can help to understand these disorders, such as depression, postpartum depression, drug addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), autism, Alzheimer’s and others. To understand how the balance between nature (genes) and nurture (environment and epigenetics) shapes behavior of animals and humans. To be able to read and discuss peer-reviewed original research neuroscience articles published in scientific journals.
Course Materials
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Principles of Neural Science, by Kandel, et al. Sixth Edition (2021), (ISBN 9781259642234) – recommended.
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Original research articles posted on Canvas website material - Required.
Course Closed?
There is no wait list for this course. Please continue to monitor WebReg for openings. Please contact the Genetics Undergraduate Office (
Faculty
Gleb P. Shumyatsky
Life Sciences Building 322, Busch Campus
** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.
01:447:460 Genetics of Compulsive Behavior
- Semester Offered: Fall
- Credits: 3
- Course URL: Canvas
- Core Curriculum: WCd
Prerequisites
Genetics 01:447:380 or Genetic Analysis I 01:447:384 and General Biology Lab 01:119:117
Course Description
Compulsive urge can be channeled toward productive endeavors such as a strong drive to succeed in competitions, schooling, and career. On the other hand, improper handling of compulsive urge may lead to problematic behaviors such as alcoholism, drug use, gambling, and other undesirable behaviors. There are also conditions that are medically defined as disorders, with certain types of compulsive behaviors as part of the diagnostic symptoms, such as OCD and ADD/ADHD. There is evidence that genetics contribute to compulsive behavior in humans, and research in animal models has begun to uncover the molecular factors that underlie the genetic basis of compulsive behavior.
Primary research literature will be used as the main material for this course, selected to cover a range of the study of compulsive behavior genetics. The course will involve extensive reading and discussion and will examine scientific literature relating to the genetics of compulsive behavior. Each cycle will begin with assigned primary literature on the genetic research of a specific compulsive behavior, with student presentations and class discussion. Each student will then write an essay, summarizing the salient features of the research paper, and presenting her/his own analysis and critique. A peer-review component is also incorporated, with randomized roster assignment to peer-review classmates’ writings, conducted in a two-way anonymous fashion (neither the peer reviewers nor the reviewees know each other’s names), to promote objective peer reviewing. Typically, six to eight rounds of literature review and essay writing will be conducted during the course, covering scientific research on major types of compulsive behavior. The course focus will be on developing skills in critical thinking and effective writing, as well as critical evaluation of written materials.
Course Syllabus
SAS Core Curriculum Goal:
WCd – Student is able to communicate effectively in modes appropriate to a discipline or area of inquiry; evaluate and critically assess sources and use the conventions of attribution and citation correctly; and analyze and synthesize information and ideas from multiple sources to generate new insights.
Course Satisfies Learning Goals
1. Knowledge specific goals: Know the terms, concepts and theories in genetics.
2. Integrate the material from multiple sources and research. That is, to think holistically and to see the whole as well as the parts.
3. Develop critical thinking skills by studying primary research literature.
4. Develop scientific writing skills:
- Communicate complex ideas effectively, in standard written English, to a general audience;
- Communicate effectively in modes appropriate to genetics research: in-class presentation, questions and answers with course instructor and fellow students in the course;
- Evaluate and critically assess sources and use the conventions of attribution and citation correctly: written summary of assigned reading;
- Analyze and synthesize information and ideas from multiple sources to generate new insights: written essays based on assigned reading, with an emphasis on generating one's own synthesis of the study topics.
- Improve writing skills through multiple rounds of essay writing, by responding effectively to editorial feedback from the instructor and peers.
Exams, Assignments, and Grading Policy
- Research literature will be assigned for reading and essay writing;
- During the class, most time will be devoted to discussion of assigned reading and evaluation of student's writing;
- 20% class discussion participation,
- 80% written essay, peer review critique, and on-time submission of writing assignments.
Course Materials
Research literature and journal articles assigned by the instructor
Course Closed?
There is no wait list for this course, and Department of Genetics no longer issues Special Permission Numbers. Please continue to monitor Web-Reg for openings.
Faculty
Dr. Lei Yu
Office: Smithers Hall, Room 107
Phone: 848-445-0794
Email:
** All information is subject to change at the discretion of the course coordinator.