Genetics 466 Summer 2002: Course Information
Professor: Carter
Denniston
Office: 505 Genetics
Phone: 262-1159
Office Hrs: 1:00-2:00 TW
Email: cdennist@facstaff.wisc.edu
TA: Maureen Flynn
Office: 350 Waisman
Phone: 262-0592
Office Hrs: 11:45-12:35 PM M (in 114 Genetics)
Email: maflynn@students.wisc.edu
- Snustad and Simmons (2000), Principles of Genetics, 2nd Ed. Wiley & Sons (required)
- Price, H.J. (2000), Study Guide and Problems WorkBook. John Wiley & Sons. (recommended but optional)
**The study guide has answers to all problems in text as well as more problems; you may find it helpful.
Course Description:
Genetics is, for many, the most exciting area of biology today. It is certainly one of the fastest moving fields in science and has potentially the most profound impact on society and our species. No field of biology is unaffected by the current exponential growth of knowledge in genetics and molecular biology. What you learn in this introductory course in genetics should serve you well in whatever area you go into.
Genetics 466 is what you might call the introductory "majors" course in genetics. The prerequisites for Genetics 466 are a year of college chemistry, a year of college biology and college algebra. There are two other introductory genetics courses: Genetics 160 and Genetics 133. Genetics 160 is open to Freshmen and has no prerequisites; it is taught at a somewhat lower level than is 466. Genetics 133 is more a social issues course for L&S students not majoring in biology.
The summer version of Genetics 466 is quite a load. Some students complain, even during the regular school year, that too much material is covered in 466 for a three credit course. The problem is unfortunately intensified in the summer. I have reduced the amount of material covered somewhat to accommodate the summer schedule, but the course will still be very intensive. Be prepared to work hard. I say this in all kindness: if you are looking for a fairly easy course so you can relax this summer, you had better look elsewhere—this is not your course!
Genetics tends to be very much a problem-solving course. This is especially true for the classical genetics sections, and only a little less true of the molecular biology parts. Do as many problems as you can; they are the best practice for the exams. I am a theoretical population geneticist and although I will not push my area of research interest, I will try to get you to think quantitatively during the course. Try to learn and think quantitatively. Also, make it a habit to take notes during lecture. My exams assume you have done that. Take notes.
Your TA, Maureen, and I are here to help you learn. Do not be bashful about asking for help. E-mail is a great way to get short questions answered quickly (I check my e-mail many times a day). You can also make appointments to see me by e-mail or come during my office hours. Finally, please don't think of the professor as a last resort for asking questions. I have as much time this summer to spend with you as the TA. ASK QUESTIONS.