University of Guelph 1997-98 Undergraduate Calendar

XII--Course Descriptions


Molecular Biology and Genetics

Department of Animal and Poultry Science

Department of Crop Science

Department of Horticultural Science

Department of Microbiology

Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics

Department of Zoology

40-100 Concepts in Human Genetics F,W(3-1)

An appreciation course designed primarily for non-biology students. Genetics in life processes, as well as ethical, political, and social interrelations. The course includes sections on eugenics, mutagens, DNA, race differences, sex, multiple births, inheritance of IQ and personality traits, and medicolegal application. Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics.

Course Profile

40-200 Introductory Genetics S,F,W(3-2)

Fundamental aspects of genetics including the chromosomal basis of inheritance, cytogenetics, genes in populations and quantitative traits. Additional topics include extranuclear inheritance, human genetics, bacterial and viral genetics. The molecular nature of the gene and general mechanisms of gene expression will be introduced but not covered in detail as these topics are expanded in 40-202. Intended as the foundation course in genetics for science students and is a prerequisite for all upper level courses in molecular biology and genetics including 40-202. Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics.

Prerequisites: one 100 level course credit in biological science.
Course Profile

40-202 Introductory Molecular Biology F,W(3-2)

Introduction to the processes by which genetic information is stored, replicated, and expressed in living organisms and the experimental techniques used to study these processes. DNA, gene-protein relationships, and the genetic code. Replication, chromosomes, transcription, and translation. Techniques employed in molecular cloning and applications. Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics.

Prerequisites: 19-258, 40-200.
Course Profile

40-300 Population Genetics F(3-2)

This course is designed to explore the concepts of random mating, inbreeding, random drift, assortative mating and selection as they relate to natural populations. The dynamic genetic structure of populations and its relationship to the process of speciation is examined. The role and significance of molecular genetics as it relates to population genetics, evolution, systematics and phylogeny is also considered. Department of Zoology.

Prerequisites: 40-200.
Course Profile

40-305 Human Genetics W(3-3)

A course designed to introduce the student to the study of biological inheritance in humans. The course includes discussion of the genetic basis of human individual differences, gene frequencies in human populations, human behavioral genetics, human cytogenetics, biochemical genetics and developmental genetics, medical genetics and other aspects of human heredity. Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics.

Prerequisites: 40-202.
Course Profile

40-306 Quantitative Genetics W(3-2)

The nature of Mendelian inheritance when extended to quantitative traits that are jointly influenced by the environment and the simultaneous segregation of many genes. Prediction of response to natural and artificial selection in populations. Department of Animal and Poultry Science.

Prerequisites: 40-200, 1 course credit in statistics.
Course Profile

40-307 Bacterial Genetics W(3-3)

Bacterial mutations, transformation, transduction, conjugation, recombination, plasmids, transposable elements, gene cloning and the control of genetic expression in bacteria and their viruses. This course is restricted to students in the B.Sc. specialized honours program in Microbiology and to Genetics majors, unless approval by the course instructor is obtained. Department of Microbiology.

Prerequisites: 40-202, 65-203.
Exclusions: 40-308.
Course Profile

40-308 Bacterial Genetics S,W(3-0)

Lecture portion only of 40-307. Department of Microbiology.

Prerequisites: 40-202, 65-100.
Exclusions: 40-307.
Course Profile

40-309 Applied Animal Breeding F(3-2)

The basis of, and methods for, effective use of modern animal breeding tools for practical improvement of livestock species. An examination and comparison of the structure of genetic improvement programs across species. International aspects and challenges to animal breeding programs.

Prerequisites: 40-200, 1 course credit in statistics.
Course Profile

40-310 Plant Genetics F(3-2)

Reproduction in plants, genetic and cytogenetic structure of plants, nature of phenotypic variability in plants, patterns of response to selection in plant populations, measurement of continuous and discontinuous genetic variability in plant populations. Department of Crop Science.

Prerequisites: 40-200, 89-204.
Course Profile

40-320 Genetics: Our Uncertain Heritage F(3-0)

An examination of the ethical, social, and political issues arising from genetic manipulation, reproductive intervention and biotechnology through the joint application of principles of modern genetics and moral philosophy. Topics include eugenics, cloning, surrogate parenting, abortion, gene therapy, DNA fingerprinting and genetic diagnosis. Related issues such as scientific freedom, access to genetic information and public policy are also considered. Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. (Offered in even-numbered years.)

Prerequisites: 40-200, 40-202.
Course Profile

40-335 Laboratory Methods in Molecular Biology I F(0-8)

Laboratory based instruction in the basic methodologies of Molecular Biology. Students will have the opportunity to develop technical skills and practical knowledge sufficient to perform basic procedures independently, and to diagnose and analyze experimental results obtained with these techniques. Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics.

Prerequisites: 19-258, 40-202.
Course Profile

40-336 Laboratory Methods in Molecular Biology II W(0-8)

Laboratory based instruction in the basic methodologies of Molecular Biology. Students will have the opportunity to develop technical skills and practical knowledge sufficient to perform advanced agendas independently, and to diagnose and analyze experimental results obtained with these techniques. Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. (First offering W99.)

Prerequisites: 40-335.
Course Profile

40-403 Advanced Animal Breeding F(3-2)

Theoretical and scientific aspects of practical animal breeding programs which lead to genetic improvement of efficiency and profitability of animal production. Integrates quantitative genetics with concepts of statistics, economics, biology and biotechnology and expands into development of practical breeding plans. Department of Animal and Poultry Science. (First offering F98.)

Prerequisites: 40-306.
Exclusion: 40-423.
Course Profile

40-404 Genetics and Molecular Biology of Development W(3-2)

An examination of the genetic mechanisms which specify organismic development. Molecular biology of determination and cell differentiation, homeotic genes, oncogenes, genetic control of morphogenesis and pattern formation. Application of embryo manipulation techniques in basic science and medicine. Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. (Offered in even-numbered years.)

Prerequisites: 40-202.
Exclusions: 40-407.
Course Profile

40-406 Transmission Genetics F(3-2)

A critical review of genetic methodologies employed in higher eukaryotes and how formal genetic analysis can be integrated with molecular genetics in studying diverse biological research areas such as meiotic recombination, DNA repair, embryonic development, transposable elements and neurobiology. Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. (Offered in even-numbered years.)

Prerequisites: 40-200.
Course Profile

40-407 Genetics and Molecular Biology of Development W(3-0)

Lecture portion only of 40-404. (Offered in even-numbered years.)

Prerequisites: 40-202.
Exclusions: 40-404.
Course Profile

40-408 Molecular Genetics F(3-0)

The chemical nature of genetic material, transcription and the control of gene expression. DNA cloning and the use of recombinant DNA molecules in modifying gene expression. Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics.

Prerequisites: 40-202.
Exclusions: 40-409.
Course Profile

40-416 Plant Breeding W(3-2)

Application of genetic principles to plant improvement. Topics include breeding objectives, mating systems, selection, testing and germplasm maintenance of horticultural and crop plants. Department of Horticultural Science and Department of Crop Science.

Prerequisites: 40-200, 89-204.
Course Profile

40-424 Applied Molecular Genetics W(3-0)

Molecular and cellular aspects of biotechnology. In vitro manipulations of animal and plant cells. Genetic engineering in eukaryotes and development of transgenic organisms. Methods of gene therapy and molecular biology of cancer and its treatment. Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics.

Prerequisites: 40-202.
Exclusions: 40-425.
Course Profile

40-427 DNA Replication and Environmental Mutagenesis W(3-0)

DNA replication, recombination and repair. Mechanisms of mutation and relation to carcinogenesis. Methods for detection of environmental mutagens and risk assessment. Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. (Offered in odd-numbered years.)

Prerequisites: 40-202.
Exclusions: 40-426.
Course Profile

40-435 Structural Molecular Biology W(3-0)

Architecture of protein and nucleoprotein complexes associated with gene expression; computational sequence analysis and structure prediction; gene and molecular evolution. Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. (Offered in even-numbered years.)

Prerequisites: 40-202.
Course Profile

40-4501:2 Research Project in Molecular Biology and Genetics I S,F,W(0-6:0-6)

Independent theoretical and laboratory research on a topic in the discipline under the supervision of individual faculty. Selection of a faculty supervisor and approval of course coordinator must be obtained before course selection. This is a double-weighted course. When you select it, you must list both 40-4501 and 40-4502 in the same semester.

Prerequisites: 40-335. Restricted to students in semesters 7 and 8 in the Molecular Biology and Genetics program.
Course Profile

40-4511:2 Research Project in Molecular Biology and Genetics II S,F,W(0-6:0-6)

Independent theoretical and laboratory research on a topic in the discipline under the supervision of individual faculty. Selection of a faculty supervisor and approval of course coordinator must be obtained before course selection. This is a double-weighted course. When you select it, you must list both 40-4511 and 40-4512 in the same semester.

Prerequisites: 40-4501:2. Restricted to students in semesters 7 and 8 in the Molecular Biology and Genetics program.
Course Profile

40-462 Molecular Cytogenetics W(3-3)

Cellular controls of cell proliferation and DNA replication; chromosome structure, behaviour, and aberrations. Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. (Offered in W97 and in even-numbered years thereafter.)

Prerequisites: (15-220 or 15-221), 40-202.
Course Profile


1998-99 Undergraduate Calendar
XII--Course Descriptions

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Last revised: November 4, 1997.