Principles of Human Genetics  (BIO446/591 and ASM446/546)

Fall 2008          This will be updated for fall 2009

Class Time:  Tuesday and Thursday 1:30-2:45PM      location:  LSE 250

Instructors:  

Office hours:   or by appointment.

Course Description:   The study of human genetics is of relevance to people in a number of professions including: medical doctors, biomedical researchers, pharmaceutical developers, anthropologists, evolutionary biologists, psychologists, kinesiologists, law enforcement officials, bioethicists, lawyers, historians, among others. This course will examine human molecular genetics from an evolutionary perspective to examine basic principles of human genetics, methods of analysis, the current debates about the origin and history of humans, the Human Genome Project, natural selection and adaptation, genetic disease, and ethical issues in society.

Course web site:  All information will be available through this site and  ASU Blackboard

Grading:  For undergraduate students, the final grade for the course will be based on two exams (50%) and four homework assignments consisting of problem sets or reading assignments (50%). For graduate students, the final grade for the course will be based on two exams (50%), four homework assignments (25%), and a research paper due at the end of the semester (25%). Extra credit will not be offered in this course. Qualified students with disabilities needing appropriate academic adjustments should contact us as soon as possible to ensure your needs are met in a timely manner. Handouts are available in alternative formats upon request.

Grades will be scaled in the following manner:

97-100% = A+                        84-86% = B                             60-69% = D

94-96% = A                            80-83% = B-                           below 60% = E

90-93% = A-                           77-79% = C+

87-89% = B+                          70-76% = C

Text:  Unless otherwise noted, we will use Jobling, Hurles, and Tyler-Smith (2004) Human Evolutionary Genetics, Garland Publ.

Extra Readings:  Additional readings for the course will be made available to the class two weeks in advance of their discussion.

Academic Dishonesty

In the “Student Academic Integrity Policy” manual, ASU defines “’Plagiarism” [as] using another's words, ideas, materials or work without properly acknowledging and documenting the source. Students are responsible for knowing the rules governing the use of another's work or materials and for acknowledging and documenting the source appropriately.”  You can find this definition at:

http://www.asu.edu/studentaffairs/studentlife/judicial/academic_integrity.htm#definitions

Academic dishonesty, including inappropriate collaboration, will not be tolerated. There are severe sanctions for cheating, plagiarizing and any other form of dishonesty.

Schedule: (this may be updated during the semester)