Genetics I

The objectives of the course are:

• an introduction to the basic principles of the science of Genetics through an understanding of the fundamental concepts and topics of basic and modern Genetics and by analyzing:

• the “genotype-phenotype” correlation, the nature of the gene and the genome,

• the importance of the processes of mitosis and meiosis in heredity,

• heredity in Mendelian Genetics and its chromosomal basis,

• heredity and extensions of Mendelian Genetics,

• the effects of sex on heredity,

• the influence of the environment on gene expression. Epigenetic phenomena.

• genetic (gene and chromosomal) changes and their phenotypic consequences.

 

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Understand what genetic material is and interpret the “genotype- phenotype” relationship,

• Evaluate Mendel’s rules and their applications, the principles governing the chromosomal basis of heredity, and non-Mendelian heredity and the principles of the influence of environmental factors on the phenotype,

• Develop knowledge regarding the transmission of genetic information of monogenic and polygenic traits, the behavior of genes under the influence of the environment, epigenetics, the effects of genes on a cell’s life cycle, the effects of genetic (genetic or chromosomal) changes on the entire organism,

• Interpret the processes of mitosis and meiosis by correlating the mechanisms that lead to hereditary abnormalities at the gene and chromosome level and the corresponding effects on the phenotype,

• Acquire knowledge on the most important historical achievements (milestones) of Genetics.

• Acquire knowledge and develop critical thinking in biological phenomena based on Genetics.