BIO2305: Genetics

Course Description

This course explores the fundamental principles of genetics, focusing on the inheritance and organization of genetic material, the mechanisms of mutation, and the processes governing gene expression and regulation. It further examines population genetics concepts—such as natural selection, fitness, and adaptation—and their critical roles in shaping biodiversity and driving evolutionary change.

Objectives of the Course

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the molecular basis of gene expression, including the roles of DNA, RNA, and proteins in regulating genetic information.
2. Analyze the principles of heredity, describing how traits and characteristics are transmitted from one generation to the next through patterns of inheritance.
3. Discuss the nature and causes of genetic mutations, including their molecular mechanisms and potential impacts on organisms.
4. Evaluate the role of genetic drift and other evolutionary forces in shaping populations and contributing to the emergence of new species.

Required Materials

Colored beads/beans for simulation.

Whiteboard/flip charts for group activities.

Multimedia projector for videos and presentations.

Books and References

1. Griffiths, A. J. F. et al. Introduction to Genetic Analysis (10th Edition).
2. Pierce, B. A. Genetics: A Conceptual Approach.
3. Hartl, D. Essential Genetics: A Genomics Perspective.
4. Alberts, B. et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell.