i. Course title: CS 103- GENETICS
ii. Course aim
To elevate and improve the knowledge, understanding and application of classical genetics to applied sciences.
iii. Course expected learning outcome(s)
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts and principles of genetics
• Explain important principles of genetics
• Explain how genetic principles are applied in living organism population
• Demonstrate the genetic principles with active research in breeding
• Plan and implement the breeding strategies with respect to genotype x environment interaction
iv. Iv Course status: Core
v. Credit rating: 10 Credits
vi. Total hours spent: 100 hours
Lectures 24hrs
Tutorial 10hrs
Assignments 10hrs
Independent Study 08hrs
Practical 48hrs
vii. Course content
Revision of cell structure, Mendelian inheritance, chromosome basis of heredity. The nature of genetic materials (transformation in bacteria), Cell Division; DNA and RNA (chemical nature of poly nucleotides); DNA structure, DNA replication, genetic code, protein synthesis. Sex chromosomes, sex linkage, gene linkage and recombination, chromosome mapping, gene interaction, cytoplasmic inheritance, mutagenesis; Chromosome aberrations (deletion, duplication, inversions, translocation, polyploidy). Principles of population genetics, The Hardy Weinberg Law and its effects on selection, migration, mutation, sex linkage. Biometrical genetics, component of phenotypic and genotypic variation; gene interaction with environment; heredity, estimation of heritability and inbreeding.
Practical skills:
Demonstrate the structure and genetic significance of cell division (mitosis and meiosis); Acquire knowledge on DNA isolation, purification and quantification of plant DNA molecules
viii. Teaching and learning activities
The course will be taught using lectures, visual aids, seminars, group discussions, practical and field work.
ix. Assessment methods
Assessment will comprise of assignments and quizzes, theory tests, practical reports, practical tests and University examination.
x. Reading list
Strickberger, M.W. (1989). Genetics. 3nd edition, Macmillan Publishing Co. NY and Collier Macmillan Publ. London.
William S. Klug and Michael R. Cummings (2000). Concepts of Genetics, 6th Edition. www.prenhall.com/klug.
Sinha, U. (1976). Cytogenetic, Plant breeding and Evolution. New Delhi Vicas Publishing House.
Falconer, DS and Mackay, T.F.C. (1996). Introduction to quantitative genetics 4th Edition.
Stansfield W. (1991). Theory and Problems of Genetics 3rd Edition.
Allard, R.W. (1999). Principles of Plant Breeding (2nd Edition). John Wiley & Sons Inc., New York. 264pp