BIOL 304: Human Genetics (Fall 2021: Asynchronous Class)

Instructor name: Roxann Schroeder, PhD

Email: rjs30@humboldt.edu

Always include your full first and last name in your email, and include course name (BIOL 304 or Human Genetics) in your subject line to ensure that your emails do not get lost in my (very full!) inbox.

Class Time: Asynchronous, with weekly activities due on Fridays and Sundays. New modules will open on Saturdays.

Office Hours: All sessions will be held via Zoom: Time Tuesday and Thursday from 3-4 pm or by appointment - I hope to see everyone at least once during the semester!

Course Description

BIOL 304, Human Genetics (3 units), is a non-science major’s course that satisfies both the upper division GE requirement in Area B and the Diversity and Common Ground (DCG) requirement.

A bit about this course from your instructor:

Studying human genetics is the ultimate way to learn more about yourself! While almost everyone has heard about DNA and genes, the way these structures work together to create a living organism is an amazing story. Today humans live longer than ever before, and as scientists learn more about genetics (and faster than they can analyze all the information!), chances are that you or a family member will someday be diagnosed with a genetic disease or condition. My goal for you is to leave this class understanding basic genetic information and with the skills to research a gene or genetic disease so that you can make informed decisions about your health, whether it be deciding to take a particular drug or eat a particular type of food.

To give you this ability, we will explore a bit of the history and language of genetics, as well as new techniques that allow scientists to manipulate the genes of organisms, and hopefully one day change defective genes in humans in a safe and ethical manner. You will have assignments in this class that will help you master important concepts (and prepare for exam questions!). You will also do research on a human genetic disorder of your choice and present a project by the end of the semester. I aim to create a class community where we can discuss these fascinating, and at times controversial, topics in a fun, safe, respectful and engaging manner.

Required Textbook/Course Materials

Please read the Technical Skills and Requirements to understand the Minimum Hardware and Software needed for this course.

Required Textbooks:

There are two required textbooks for the class this semester.

1. Schroeder. 2020. Human Genetics (ISBN: 9781644962343 )

This is a book that I have been writing (slowly, thanks to the pandemic) for this class. The book is available online, and you will need the book because the end of chapter quizzes will be required assignments for this class. Access cards can be purchased at the bookstore or online, and more details will be posted on Canvas in the Course Resources section. This file from the publisher has information about how to purchase and access your textbook: newregistration_purchase_GRLcontent_ADA.pdf

2. Burnham and Phelan. 2000. Mean Genes: From sex to money to food, taming our primal instincts. Penguin Books, New York, NY. (ISBN13: 9780142000076)

We will discuss the Mean Genes book at the end of the semester - it will bring the topics discussed during the semester together in a fun and engaging manner. Feel free to start reading the book earlier in the semester - you will enjoy it! The book is available at the HSU bookstore or online.

Other Required Materials: Materials posted on Canvas

Other readings and resources that are helpful for your learning will be posted on the course Canvas site and in the Canvas Announcements. These readings will be from a variety of sources, including Internet sites. These readings will provide you with additional information and points of view that will help you learn about human genetics. Because this semester will be online, there may be additional new readings that I find during the semester, so it is important to check Canvas frequently.

Recommended Materials (optional):

The free online Biology text from OpenStax (or any other introductory biology book that you might have access to) can be useful if you want to refresh your memory about basic biology topics.

If you have access to any other introductory level biology books (high school AP level or college level) - that could also be helpful, but not required.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

General Education Learner Outcomes—UD GE Area B

Upon completing this course students will be able to:

• apply scientific concepts and theories to develop scientific explanations of natural phenomena.
• critically evaluate conclusions drawn from a particular set of observations or experiments.
• discuss value systems and ethics associated with scientific endeavors.

Diversity and Common Ground Learner Outcomes

Humboldt State University is committed to prepare students to participate and work in a culturally diverse society. Consequently, HSU undergraduates are required to complete two courses that have met “Diversity and Common Ground” (DCG) criteria. There is, perhaps, no better place to discuss the diversity and the common ground of humans than in a human genetics course. Our genes provide an important physical basis of both our differences and our similarities. From the accepted models of a DCG course, Human Genetics uses an Integrative Approach.

 Upon completing this requirement, students will be able to:

• explain how the diversity of cultures creates a diversity of knowledge, experiences, values, world views, traditions and achievements.
• explain how cultural differences and identities are produced and perpetuated through a variety of social, cultural, and disciplinary discourses (e.g. literature, popular culture, science, law, etc.).
• explain and critically analyze how differential privilege and power occurs and how it creates problems such as inequalities, prejudicial exclusion, injustices, etc.

 

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students should:

• understand the role of DNA in the cell, patterns of inheritance, applications of genetic technology, and ethical issues arising from genetic technology,
• understand the interplay between genes and the environment,
• think critically about how genetic technology is affecting society and how society impacts the field of human genetics,
• be able to articulate alternative positions on the ethical implications of genetic research and technologies, and
• be able to communicate what you have learned. 

 

Course Schedule

Check the Course Schedule for more detail on the topics for this semester. Topics are subject to change with fair notice, so it is important to check Canvas regularly.  Messages from your instructor will be sent to you at the email address used in your Humboldt State profile.

 

Course Overview

This class is being taught fully online in an asynchronous fashion. This is not a self-paced class. Timely submission of class assignments is important to your success in this course. If you ever find yourself in the position where you think you will miss a deadline for this class, you should contact me ASAP. Assignment due dates will not be extended without advance notice except under extremely unusual circumstances.

Although this will be an online class this semester, it is still important that you interact with your classmates, since you will learn a lot from how other people think about the complex scientific and ethical topics we will be discussing. In addition to synchronous classes on Mondays, there will be some threaded discussions during the semester where we can exchange ideas (in a respectful and helpful manner!). These discussions and other assignments are all designed to help you think about genetics and how this field interacts with our lives. Everyone has important ideas to share and I look forward to learning from all of you.

During the Summer of 2021 I participated in a "Humanizing STEM Academy" - basically a chance to learn about ways to make online classes more accessible to students, so there will be several new activities during the Fall 2021 semester that I have never used before. Although I feel pretty confident after learning about these tools as the student, I ask for your patience if I have any difficulties applying them to this class -- and please, if you notice anything that is not working, let me know right away!

 Course Requirements

• Each student will research a human genetic topic and create a product (your choice, as long as it can be shared with your instructor and peers via Canvas) describing the topic.
• There will be two mid term exams and a final exam. Exams are cumulative in the sense that you need to use material from earlier in the semester to understand material later in the semester.
• Students should expect to spend at least 6 hours per week on work outside of watching the recorded lectures.
  

Regular class activities and assignments:

• You are expected to watch the video lectures (asynchronous) for each week, and to contact me (email, office hours, Ask Questions Here forum) if you need more help understanding the material.
• You are expected to take a weekly quiz from the assigned chapter of the Human Genetics textbook.
• All students are expected to read the assigned chapters each week. Please review each week’s objectives before you read the assignments.
• The number of activities will vary but you can expect about 4-5 each week.
• There will be discussions at least every 2-3 weeks, and you will be required to post comments and reply to comments by at least 2 peers for each discussion.
• Additional participation is encouraged and will enhance your understanding of the material. You should expect to contribute substantive and relevant posts frequently to the discussion area for each topic for the best learning experience. Postings must demonstrate your comprehension of the week’s concepts.

Course Communication

Good communication is the key to any successful relationship. This means respectful communications from you to me, and from me to you, and between you and other students in the class. Although discourse in our country has been less than respectful lately (!), such behavior will not be tolerated in this class. 

When there is an announcement for the entire class, I will post it on Canvas. Please be sure to check your HSU email and Canvas accounts regularly.

When you need to contact me, whether you send an email via Canvas, HSU email, or your personal email, please ALWAYS include your preferred first and last name (and preferred pronoun) as well as the class ("Human Genetics" or "BIOL 304") as well as a complete question or statement. I teach three different courses this semester, with over 100 students, so I might or might not remember which class you are in. Moreover, one semester, in a class of 18 students, I had three named Brian, so you can imagine how confusing that could be if the last name was not included! 

Please read this article about How to Email Your Professor. It is good for any email you send in a professional setting.

You can also ask (and answer!) questions in the Ask a Question Here forum on Canvas. This forum should be used for questions that other students might also want to know the answers to.

Please read this article about why it is important to attend office hours. Not to mention that you coming to my office hours is the only way I can meet you this semester!

Course Success

For many people, science classes are "scary" and "too hard" - but I know that you can learn about human genetics and be very successful in this class! There are some tips and tricks to studying and being successful that I will post on Canvas in the Course Resources module, including Success in the Sciences and a list of strategies that have helped my students in the past. Be sure to check out these strategies early in the semester so you never feel like you are unable to succeed in this class. Please attend the Zoom office hours (or make an appointment at a different time) before you feel too far behind. I also created a microlecture about success in this class - check it out (it is only 2:30 minutes long!).

Course Modality

This course is offered online, over the Internet using Canvas, HSU’s learning management system. This allows you to access the course materials from a computer with any standard web browser already installed. One of the exciting advantages of online learning is that you can plan your class time to fit your schedule. However, it is important to balance this flexibility with your new responsibility of scheduling your own learning.

Need Help?

If you have questions about the course, such as concepts covered in the course, your assignments, or scores post your question in the Ask Questions Here forum in the Discussion link on the left navigation menu. (Be sure to offer your assistance there, too, when you can!) You may also contact me during office hours, or by appointment.

For technical questions, such as the suitability of your home computer for the course, installing plug-ins, problems with your password, etc., contact the HSU Help Desk (help@humboldt.edu or 707-826-4357).

Inclusivity

Students in this class are encouraged to speak up and participate in-class and online. Each of us must show respect for each other because our class represents a diversity of beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences. I believe that this is what will enrich all of our experiences together. I recognize that our individual differences can deepen our understanding of one another and the world around us, rather than divide us. In this class, people of all ethnicities, genders and gender identities, religions, ages, sexual orientations, disabilities, socioeconomic backgrounds, regions, and nationalities are strongly encouraged to share their rich array of perspectives and experiences.  If you feel your differences may in some way isolate you from our classroom community or if you have a specific need, please speak with me early in the semester so that we can work together to help you become an active and engaged member of our class and community.  (Adapted from CSU Chico and Winona State University).

This course was built with accessibility in mind. However, if you discover something in the course that is not as accessible as it could be, please alert me as soon as possible so I can fix the problem.

 

Expectations of the Student

1. Log into the course at least three times a week. Turn in all assignments by the due date. Provide feedback to peers as assigned. Work on your human genetics project over the course of the semester so you do not end up in a bind at the end of the semester.
   
2. Expect to spend about 6 hours per week working on this course.
3. Prepare to the best of your ability for every aspect of this course.
4. Take the opportunity to learn how to write your own thoughts; don't plagiarize. Be sure to give credit where credit is due and cite your sources or use footnotes or endnotes.
5. Learning through collaboration (defined as working with or learning from another) is an effective tool used in this class and in your future employment. When I expect you to collaborate, I'll make it very clear in the assignment instructions. All other work in this class is to be done independently.
6. If you haven't already, read the Humboldt State University Academic Honesty Policy to make sure you understand the importance of your academic integrity.
7. External tools we will be using in this class: FlipGrid, Adobe Spark, and other free programs TBD, but could include programs you use to make your final project (in a format of your choosing, restricted only to tools that can be uploaded onto Canvas and downloaded by anyone in the class).
   
8. Who will have access to student content: Your classmates will have access to your discussion posts and responses, as well as your genetics project assignments (for peer review).

Expectations of the Instructor

If we all live up to our academic responsibilities, this course will be meaningful for all who participate. Please feel free to discuss these points with me at any time during the course this semester.

1. I will prepare and review course materials to be as current and accurate as possible.
2. I will be available to answer questions or issues that may arise for you during this course. Expect a 24-hour turnaround time for response to emails Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm. I will also be available during Zoom office hours, either scheduled or by appointment.
3. I will try to the best of my ability to prepare you for the exams and other assessments in this course.
4. I will utilize fair and honest evaluation techniques for each assignment required for this course.
5. To the best of my ability, I will make this a valid and worthwhile learning experience.
6. I will do my best to address the needs of a diverse range of learning styles in this course.
7. I will make every effort to follow QLT (Quality Learning and Teaching) best practices.
8. I will only share your student information per FERPA guidelines.

Technical Assistance

It is crucial to seek help when you can’t access Canvas or you have difficulty with your computer settings or browser:

• For technical assistance contact HSU’s Help Desk at 707.826.HELP (4357) or send an email to help@humboldt.edu
• For Canvas support, please use the Help button located on the bottom left of your course.
• Please see the Canvas Student Guides to learn more about specific Canvas functions.

Special notes: Browsers and Mobile Devices

1. The Canvas app: Available for iOS or Android: Canvas Mobile Guides
2. Firefox or Chrome are recommended browsers for accessing Canvas. If you have problems opening some content, first try another browser. If you are using a mobile device, try accessing the content on a computer.
3. If Flash-based content is used in this course, it won't display on Mobile devices, especially iOS devices.
4. External URLs: To open certain URLs (http vs. https) you may be prompted to click on the shield icon in your browser to “allow” access to the unsecure content. Simply click on the shield and click the “allow” button when asked.
5. Please note that some content may be blocked if you are using a campus computer, as HSU computer labs do not allow opening certain types of unsecure content.

Evaluation and Grades

Grading information

Your grade this semester will be determined by weighted points, and the weights of points for each type of activity is given in the table below.  You will be able to track your grade throughout the course using the "Grades" link in the left side navigation menu on each course page. If you have any questions about your grade, contact the instructor promptly.

A letter grade will be determined by weighted points as follows:

• A = (94-100%); A- = (90-93%)
• B+ = (87-89%); B = (83-86%); B- = (80-82%)
• C+ = (77-79%); C = (73-76%); C- = (70-72%)
• D+ = (67-69%); D = (60-66%)
• F= (≤ 59%)

Refer to the Course Schedule for due dates for each assignment, as well as the Assignment Details for more information on these assignments. Each student is responsible for completing all assignments and activities as specified by the instructor. See the Assignment Details for specific information about each assignment, including how it will be evaluated. All assignments should be completed to pass the course. Assignments will be submitted online. If you have problems submitting your assignments, contact Canvas 24/7 Support (help button in Canvas) or the Humboldt State Help Desk (help@humboldt.edu or 707-826-4357) immediately by phone or email to resolve the problem.

 

Course Requirements	Percent of Total Grade
Midterm exams (2)	15%
Quizzes	15%
Assignments	15%
Discussions	20%
Genetics Project	20%
Final Exam	15%

 

Exams and Quizzes

I plan to have two midterm exams this semester. I recognize that exams in a field outside your area of study can be very challenging, so the first midterm exam will be worth 40 points, and the second will be worth 60 points. In addition, there will be a Final Exam worth 100 points. By having the first exam worth fewer points, you should be able to get an understanding of how exams in this class will be structured in a lower stakes situation.

Exams, including the final exam,  are not cumulative except in the sense that you cannot forget the earlier material or you will not understand the later material.

Online exams are not the ideal situation, hence the frequent quizzes (taken from your book chapters or via the Canvas quiz function) will be an important component of your grade this semester. Again, frequent, low stakes assessments (quizzes) should be less stressful and allow you to keep up with the material during the course of the semester, thereby making exams that much less stressful!

Assignments

Each week there will be activities or assignments, in addition to the quizzes, that are designed to help you master the material presented. I do not believe that "busy work" is useful, so the number of assignments may vary significantly from week to week, depending on the nature of the material presented. If a topic seems to be causing confusion, I may add a new assignment during the semester. Therefore, although I do not know how many assignments/points will be presented to you this semester, all the assignments together (excluding the Genetics Project, discussed below) will equal 15% of your total grade.

Assignments will have rubrics attached to them - the level of detail will depend on the complexity of the assignment. The rubric tells you exactly what I will be looking for when I grade your assignment. It is always a good idea to look at the rubric before you start the assignment to make sure you understand how it will be graded. I suggest that you also use the rubric as a "checklist" before submitting assignments to make sure that you included everything required for the assignment.

Discussions (Class Participation)

Interactions during class time are an important part of this class, and the part that I will miss this semester. We will have threaded discussions on Canvas every 2 to 3 weeks with a prompt based on the material in class, and the discussions will be worth 20% of your final grade. For each discussion you will need to read or watch some material, think about what it means to you and/or society, and write a short post for the discussion. You will also need to reply to at least two of your peers' posts for each discussion.  Going back to answer questions that your peers ask you when they reply to your post is encouraged.

Your Genetics Project!

For your genetics project, you will research a human genetics disease and create a product to inform your peers about what you learned. Briefly, you will be able to choose a topic that you want to learn more about - maybe you know someone with the condition, or you read about it in the press and thought it was fascinating.  The aim of your project (brochure, website, PowerPoint, booklet, video, cartoon, or whatever format works for you and can be shared via Canvas) is to inform a newly diagnosed patient about the disease. 

Over the course of the semester, there will be several smaller assignments that will keep you thinking about and making progress on your project. Near the end of the semester you will upload your project to Canvas and give and get feedback from your peers. This peer review process allows you to revise your project before I grade it at the end of the semester, and has been very effective and popular in previous semesters.

More detailed information will, of course, be provided during the semester, but this is always a very popular project, and I love learning about new topics from my students!

Incomplete Grades

Incomplete grades will not be allowed for this class except under extraordinary circumstances. In my experience, very few students finish incomplete courses. If you have extenuating circumstances, please contact me as soon as you can to see how/if accommodations can be made. If you think you may not be able to finish the work in the course, it would be best if you dropped the course before the final withdrawal date.

Late Work

It is important to budget your time in all your classes so you do not end up turning in class work late. In this class, late assignments will be docked 10% per day, and will not be accepted for full credit without prior permission and only due to extreme circumstances. To make it easier for you to turn in all assignments on time, I will have regular due days/times for recurring assignments, and will list all materials due for a week on the "Overview" section of each weekly module.

If you have an emergency, please notify me immediately if this affects your coursework or attendance. If you anticipate problems with turning in assignments for any reason (illness, a field trip for another class, health issues for yourself or a family member, etc.) please communicate with me as soon as possible. I understand that life happens, and that you have many different obligations, but without prior notification, I cannot excuse late assignments. All of your instructors understand that this semester may be exceptionally challenging - from health issues to power issues to access issues. The most important thing that you can do is communicate with us. If you give up and disappear from the class, we can not help you succeed in your classes. Your instructors and the university all want you to succeed. Don't forget to check out the Keep Learning website on the HSU homepage for ways the university can support you. Please contact me for issues specific to this class.

Assignments will be uploaded via Canvas (the time it is uploaded will constitute the time of submission). You should ALWAYS keep a hard copy for your own files. You should also keep a backup electronic version somewhere besides your computer (emailing a copy to yourself is a good idea). Lost or corrupted data is NOT a valid excuse for not turning in a readable file on time.

University Policies

Emergency Procedures

• Review the evacuation plan and emergency procedures for the classroom
• During an emergency, information can be found on campus conditions at 707-826-INFO or the HSU Emergency website.

Academic Honesty

Students are responsible for knowing policy regarding academic honesty. For more information, visit: Academic Honesty Policy or HSU Catalog

Students with Disabilities

Persons who wish to request disability-related accommodations should contact me immediately so I can assist you in a timely manner.  If you have not yet done so, please request services with the Student Disability Resource Center in the Learning Commons, Lower Library, 826-4678 (voice) or 826-5392 (TDD). Some accommodations may take up to several weeks to arrange. Student Disability Resource Center.

Add/Drop Policy

Students are responsible for knowing the University policy, procedures, and schedule for dropping or adding classes. The deadline for students to change their course schedule without penalty, known as the Add/Drop date is 11:59 p.m. on the Monday after the second week of classes of the regular semester term. After the deadline, approval to add or drop a class requires approval of a documented serious and compelling reason. See the Resolution on Decoupling Drop/Add Dates from Census (22-14/15-APC), registration help and withdrawal process for additional information.

Attendance and Disruptive Behavior

Students are responsible for knowing policy regarding attendance and disruptive behavior: Class Attendance and Disruptive Behavior.

Email Policy

All HSU students are responsible for checking their HSU email account for official communications. While students may elect to redirect messages sent to their official HSU email address to another address, those who redirect their email to another address do so at their own risk. See the HSU email policy for additional information.

Student Support Services:

Learning Center

The HSU Learning Center has a wide range of academic support services, such as tutoring, supplemental instruction, study skills, and more. HSU Learning Center

Writing Studio

The Writing Center offers free peer assistance with writing assignments and standardized writing examination preparation. The Writing Studio's web site can be accessed at  HSU Writing Studio

Tutoring Services

The Learning Center provides tutorial assistance to students having difficulties in specific

Courses. The Tutoring Services web site can be accessed at HSU Tutorial Services

Advising

The Academic and Career Advising Center supports students' pursuit of educational goals. HSU Academic & Career Advising Center

Mentoring

Peer academic support through Retention Through Academic Mentoring Program (RAMP)

HSU RAMP Program

Registration

The Office of the Registrar can guide you through all your registration information.

HSU Office of the Registrar

Counseling

The Counseling & Psychological Services Center supports the wellbeing of HSU students.

HSU Counseling & Psychological Services

Course Summary:

Please note: As of 8/17/2021 not all of the dates listed below are correct since these dates were automatically created by Canvas and transferred from the Spring Semester. I will make adjustments to the dates during the first week of classes - if not sooner - and let you know when the dates are accurate. I did, however, want to get the full syllabus published for you to see the information above.

Please do not make any irrevocable plans based on these dates until you have confirmation that this information has been updated (and remember that the schedule is tentative and subject to change with fair notice).