An introductory course in genetics designed for science majors. Divided
into four major segments: Mendelian genetics, molecular genetics,
genetic testing and social concerns, and population genetics and evolution.
Lectures, slides, overhead transparencies, videos, and discussion emphasize
the transmission of genetic information, the structure and function of
genetic material, population genetics and evolution, immunity and cancer,
and genetic technology.
Zoology 373 (Embryology)
This course emphasizes the morphology of normal vertebrate development
from gametogenesis to organogenesis using a comparative phylogenetic approach.
Developmental processes are emphasized, including tissue interactions,
migrations and substrate relations. Vertebrate development and differentiation
are studied comparatively and phylogenetically in the embryonic frog, chick
and pig. Lectures emphasize the patterns of vertebrate development including
gametogenesis, fertilization, cleavage, blastulation, gastrulation and
neurulation. The development and differentiation of organs and tissues
in the frog, chick and the pig are emphasized.
An introductory course for non-science majors. The study of human genetics
is no longer reserved for those headed to medical school or majoring in
science. It is for and about us all. Human genetics affects our lives,
our health, our procreative choices, and is the subject of many societal
issues. This course strives to bring scientific literacy about human genetics
to the non-science major. Lectures, slides, overheads, videos, and discussion
emphasize the transmission of genetic information, the structure and function
of genetic material, population genetics and evolution, immunity and cancer
and genetic technology.
Biology 492 (Problems in Biology-Molecular
Labs may include: genotypic analysis and mapping of DNA utilizing restriction
enzymes and electrophoresis, transformation of E. coli with plasmid DNA
and recombinant DNA, the purification and identification of plasmid DNA,
plasmid recombination and identification utilizing antibiotic resistant
plasmid DNA genes, purification and identification of recombinant plasmid
DNA, southern hybridization, construction of genomic libraries, and DNA
amplification using the polymerase chain reaction.
Biology 425 (Organic
This course explores the history, the physical and chemical framework,
the organic processes and the mechanisms of evolution. Students are expected
to participate in discussion, to prepare seminar topics for discussion,
and to write research term papers and short reports. Class sessions include
lectures, videos and seminars. Topics of discussion may include: arguments
and evidence for evolution; evolution before Darwin; the impact of Darwinian;
origins of the universe, the earth and life on earth; the origin and sources
of genetic variability, genetic constancy and variability; systematics
and classification; molecular phylogenies; the evolution of plants and
fungi, invertebrates, vertebrates, and primates; cultural evolution. Topics
in population genetics include: genetic equilibrium and gene frequencies,
the structure and interaction of populations, speciation, and the patterns,
mode and tempo of evolution.
Lecture/demonstrations/Field Exercises: This course utilizes the herpetofauna
of northern New York State to study the life history, systematics, ecology,
population dynamics genetics, morphology, behavior, and evolution of reptiles
and amphibians. Lectures and demonstrations will emphasize the identification
of northeastern North American forms of amphibians and reptiles as well
as techniques for quantitative sampling for population attributes, species
diversity, habitat relationships and behavioral field studies of
herpetofauna. Field work: Field identification, collecting, and monitory
techniques will emphasize the status and conservation of native herpetofauna.
Assigned work includes individual or small group field research projects.
Field trips to local habitats will emphasize ecological diversity and contemporary
issues associated with the conservation biology of native herpetofauna.
Independent Research Projects: Students will conduct independent research
on some aspect of field herpetology. They will collect and analyze data,
and write up the results in a standard scientific format.
Last Updated: 5/12/99