BIO 199H - Biology, Genes & Behavior: Living with Our Genes - Honors

Credits: 4
Instructional Contact Hours: 4

1. Communicate in the language of the discipline.
   1. Read critically.
   2. Write effectively.
   3. Construct explanations based on empirical evidence and current research in biology and neuroscience to explain the role of nature and nurture in human inheritance.
   4. Evaluate explanations offered by peers for their reliance on observation, empirical evidence and logical reasoning grounded in scientific theories, principles and concepts.
2. Engage in the critical thinking of the discipline.
   1. Integrate and make connections between concepts.
   2. Draw logical conclusions based on evidence.
   3. Make predictions based on empirical evidence.
   4. Identify trends and patterns.
   5. Identify pros and cons in the analysis of bioethical issues.
   6. Differentiate between scientific and nonscientific ways of knowing.
   7. Discuss some of the limitations of science.
3. Collaborate with peers to share ideas or perspectives.
   1. Use weekly online discussion forums to summarize readings, evaluate findings, and share current research.
   2. Exchange information, resources, insights and connections to class concepts.
   3. Search for additional resources and dig deeper into topics of interest to provide documentation, evidence and examples to share with your peers.
   4. Compose arguments based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support and explore human behavior and the rapid advances in genetic research.
   5. Demonstrate respect for diverse values and viewpoints that are supported by evidence and logical reasoning.
4. Demonstrate skills required to access quality information in biology, genetics or neuroscience.
   1. Develop search skills to access scientific and educational information.
   2. Use the Internet to access search engines, databases, educational resources, tutorials and online simulations.
   3. Use reference manuals specific to the discipline.
5. Evaluate the quality of online information.
   1. Differentiate between digital media sources including government databases, educational websites, social networking and scientific journals.
   2. Distinguish between pseudoscience, “fake news” and peer-reviewed sources.
6. Recognize the interdependence and connectivity of science and technology.
   1. Compare and contrast basic and applied research.
   2.  Provide examples of the interdependence of science and technology and how the ongoing development of technology deepens understanding.
   3. Discuss the interplay of science, technology and society in terms of the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
   4. Understand how science and technology can be used to benefit society but that some technological capabilities create ethical and economic dilemmas for society.
7. Discuss evolution as a unifying theory in biology.
   1. Discuss how the theory of evolution explains the relationship between heredity, development, anatomy, behavior and other fields of biology.
   2. Describe the difference between evolution as a theory and intelligent design as a belief.
   3. Describe the relationship between medical science and evolution providing at least one specific example.
8. Discuss how neurons transmit messages in the brain.
   1. Define and properly use the following terms:axon, dendrite, neurotransmitter, receptor and transport protein.
   2. Name and describe the general function of three neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, GABA).
   3. Discuss how memory and attention are influenced by stress and sleep.
   4. Discuss thrill-seeking and harm avoidance genes and associated D4DR protein variants.
9. Discuss the basic concepts of heredity.
   1. Define and properly use the language of genetics including: gene, allele, chromosome, dominant, recessive, genotype, phenotype, autosomal and sex-linked.
   2. Describe how genetic information (DNA) is transmitted between parent and offspring.
   3. Diagram and describe the central dogma of molecular genetics.
   4. Describe how inborn errors of metabolism can disrupt specific metabolic pathways.
10. Discuss the inheritance of complex genetic traits.
    1. Define and properly use the following terms:polygenic, nature via nurture, twin studies, multifactorial, heritability.
    2. Cite examples of several human traits that are controlled by polygenes.
    3. Explain how polygenic traits are typically multifactorial.
    4. Describe how twin studies can shed light on the hereditary component of complex traits.
    5. List and describe five behavioral traits that are influenced by genes. Name the protein and genetic variants of those that have been widely studied.
11. Discuss the role of genes in mental health.
    1. Describe the role of genes in depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
    2. Discuss the nature via nurture aspect of multifactorial conditions characterized as a behavior disorders.
    3. Identify the biological molecules associated with Alzheimer disease and use this information to predict a possible treatment.
    4. Discuss the DSM and the medical model of diagnosis and known limitations.
12. Discuss the role of genes in addiction 
    1. Explore evidence and interpret data from a wide variety of online interactives.
    2. Ask questions and make inferences related to genes and addiction.
    3. Discuss the role of nature via nurture in addiction.
13. Discuss the role of epigenetics in development.
    1. Define epigenetics and provide an example.
    2. Define developmental critical periods and provide an example.
    3. Describe several epigenetic modifications of DNA.
    4. Discuss the role of epigenetics in understanding nature via nurture.
14. Discuss fundamental techniques used in biotechnology or genome research.
    1. Define and properly use the following terms:DNA microarray, CRISPR, gel electrophoresis, PCR and SNPs.
    2. Define biotechnology and describe examples of how biotechnology can be used to improve human health.
    3. Discuss the use of DNA fingerprinting in paternity and forensics.
    4. Discuss the process of genome sequencing.
    5. Describe the importance of stem cells and the potential of stem cell therapy.
    6. Discuss the implications of genomic medicine and gene therapy from a practical and ethical standpoint.
15. Discuss the biological dimensions of gender and sexuality.
    1. Provide a general overview of the four stages of sex differentiation in mammals.
    2. Differentiate between biological sex, gender, gender expression and sexuality.
    3. Name the hormones involved in sex differentiation and the role they play in development.
    4. Discuss the influence of hormones and neurotransmitters on physical attraction and pair bonding.
16. Discuss the significance of somatic cell division (mitosis) as it relates to aging.
    1. Describe the cell cycle and the significance of mitosis.
    2. Discuss the Hayflick limit and the effect of telomere shortening on aging.
17. Discuss the significance of the cell cycle as it relates to cancer.
    1. Explain the consequences of the loss of control of the cell cycle.
    2. Discuss cancer on the cellular and molecular level.
    3. Differentiate between oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.
    4. Discuss the pros and cons of different treatment options.
18. Discuss the role of HIV in the development of AIDS.
    1. List three modes of HIV transmission.
    2. Distinguish between HIV and AIDS.
    3. List several signs and symptoms associated with HIV/AIDS.Provide an overview of the basic life cycle of a retrovirus and discuss the challenge involved with vaccine development.
    4. Name the target cells and discuss the effect of HIV on the immune system.
    5. Discuss some of the social impact of the AIDS pandemic.
19. Demonstrate intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and deeper learning while exploring heredity and sexuality.
20.  Practice independent, intellectual curiosity.
    1. Complete at least one significant project which demonstrates higher level, academic rigor. 
21. Apply higher level, critical thinking skills to deepen understanding of course material. 
    1. Actively engage with peers in discussions, seminars, or other formats to enhance the depth of knowledge of the relevant material.