This course introduces students to a wide range of topics in the burgeoning field of genetics and evolutionary biology. Topics to be covered include the structure and function of DNA; Mendelian inheritance and deviations from this assumption; aspects of evolution including the neutral theory; selection; drift; and evolutionarily stable strategies; sexual versus asexual reproduction; behavioral genetics and the concept of heritability; and gene-by-environment effects. Through the use of educational technology, students explore their own analyses of these areas throughout the course.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

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

1. Apply the Hardy-Weinberg Law in analyzing population genetics for gene frequency, sex linkage, equilibrium, and heterozygote frequency.
2. Examine processes of transcription, translation, replication, and mutation
3. Analyze Mendel’s experiments and laws and explain how they affect generational phenotypes
4. Compare processes of mitosis and meiosis, sexual and asexual reproduction
5. Calculate broad and narrow sense heritability
6. Examine environmental impact on the expression of the human genome
7. Differentiate types of evolution and consider the impact of evolution on genetics

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week. The Final Exam will take place during Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time).

Week 1: Unit 1 – DNA Structure and Expression

Week 2: Unit 2 – Mendelian Genetics with Some Deviations

Week 3: Unit 3 – Population Genetics

Week 4: Unit 4 – Mutations and Selection

Week 5: Unit 5 – Mitosis, Meiosis, Sexual Reproduction, and Asexual Reproduction

Week 6: Unit 6 –  Evolutionarily Stable Strategies and Heritability

Week 7: Unit 7 – Gene Expression and Environment Interactions

Week 8: Unit 8 – Evolution and Phylogenetics

Week 9: Unit 9 – Course Review and Final Exam

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.

Unit 1: DNA Structure and Expression

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 2: Mendelian Genetics with Some Deviations

• Peer assess Unit 1 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 3: Population Genetics

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz
• Take the Graded Quiz

Unit 4: Mutations and Selection

• Peer assess Unit 3 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 5: Mitosis, Meiosis, Sexual Reproduction, and Asexual Reproduction

• Peer assess Unit 4 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 6:  Evolutionarily Stable Strategies and Heritability

• Peer assess Unit 5 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz
• Take the Graded Quiz

Unit 7: Gene Expression and Environment Interactions

• Peer assess Unit 6 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz

Unit 8: Evolution and Phylogenetics

• Peer assess Unit 7 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete an entry in the Learning Journal
• Take the Self-Quiz
• Complete and submit the anonymous Course Evaluation
• Read the Unit 9 Learning Guide carefully for instructions on the Final Exam
• Take the Review Quiz

Unit 9: Course Review and Final Exam

• Read the Learning Guide and take the Review Quiz, if you haven’t already done so
• Prepare for, take, and submit the Final Exam
• The Final Exam will take place during the Thursday and Sunday of Week/Unit 9 (UoPeople time); exact dates, times, and other details will be provided accordingly by your instructor