Genetics
Alan M. Myers, Chair, Genetics Major Committee
Genetics is the scientific study of heredity. Understanding the basis of heredity is fundamental to all aspects of the life sciences, from the most basic molecular study to applied studies of agricultural species. At Iowa State University the study of the life sciences is interdepartmental, involving faculty in the basic, agricultural, and veterinary sciences. Faculty in 20 different departments are involved in genetics research. This large group of faculty presents a broad range of possibilities for students to learn from faculty who are at the forefront of research in many areas of genetics.
Undergraduate Study
Undergraduate study in genetics is jointly administered by three departments: the Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology; the Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology; and the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology. Undergraduate degrees are offered through both the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Liberal Arts and Science. Programs of study for genetics majors leading to a B.S. degree are available.
Training in genetics may lead to employment in teaching, research, or a variety of health-related professions. Although some students find employment directly after their baccalaureate training, many students continue their education in graduate or professional programs. Students with the B.S. degree may find employment in the biotechnology, health, or food industries. Recent graduates have also developed careers in conservation biology, technical writing, science journalism, technical sales, and business.
The required course work and associated electives provide students with the foundation in basic life sciences, mathematics, chemistry, and physics that is essential for professions involving modern biological/biomedical sciences. As part of these courses students develop skills in problem solving, critical thinking, writing, and research-related activities in the biological sciences.
Specific entrance requirements for medical and health-related professions are established by the professional schools. Students interested in fulfilling pre-professional requirements for such professions as dentistry, human medicine, genetic counseling, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physicians assistant, and veterinary medicine can major in genetics while fulfilling the pre-professional requirements. (See Preprofessional Study .)
Curriculum in Genetics - Requirements
Total Degree Requirement: 120 cr.
A maximum of 65 cr. from a two-year institution can be applied that may include up to 16 technical cr.; up to 9 Pass-Not Pass cr. of free electives can be applied; a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 is required for graduation.
1. Genetics and Life Sciences
A grade of C– or better is required in all Genetics and Life Science courses.
A. Courses required of all Genetics majors
| GEN 110 | Genetics Orientation | 1 |
| BIOL 211 | Principles of Biology I | 3 |
| BIOL 211L | Principles of Biology Laboratory I | 1 |
| BIOL 212 | Principles of Biology II | 3 |
| BIOL 212L | Principles of Biology Laboratory II | 1 |
| GEN 313 | Principles of Genetics | 3 |
| GEN 313L | Genetics Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL 314 | Principles of Molecular Cell Biology | 3 |
| BIOL 315 | Biological Evolution | 3 |
| GEN 409 | Molecular Genetics | 3 |
| GEN 410 | Analytical Genetics | 3 |
| GEN 462 | Evolutionary Genetics | 3 |
| or EEOB 563 | Molecular Phylogenetics | |
| GEN 491 | Undergraduate Seminar | 1 |
| MICRO 302 | Biology of Microorganisms | 3 |
| Total Credits | 32 | |
B. Course required of majors in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences only
| BIOL 312 | Ecology | 4 |
| Total Credits | 4 | |
2. Advanced Sciences Electives: 6 cr. from department approved list
A grade of C- or better is required in each course.
3. Mathematical Sciences
| Complete at least one calculus course from MATH, minimum of 4 credits. | 4 | |
| Survey of Calculus | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Calculus and Mathematical Modeling for the Life Sciences I | ||
| Complete at least one course from STAT, minimum of 3 credits. | 3-4 | |
| Principles of Statistics | ||
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
| Complete at least one additional course from MATH or STAT, minimum of 4 credits. | 4 | |
| Calculus II | ||
| Calculus and Mathematical Modeling for the Life Sciences II | ||
| Intermediate Statistical Concepts and Methods | ||
| Statistical Methods for Research Workers | ||
| Total Credits | 11-12 | |
4. Supporting Sciences
| CHEM 177 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 177L | Laboratory in General Chemistry I | 1 |
| CHEM 178 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 178L | Laboratory in College Chemistry II | 1 |
| CHEM 331 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
| CHEM 331L | Laboratory in Organic Chemistry I | 1 |
| CHEM 332 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
| CHEM 332L | Laboratory in Organic Chemistry II | 1 |
| PHYS 111 | General Physics | 5 |
| or PHYS 221 | Introduction to Classical Physics I | |
| PHYS 112 | General Physics | 5 |
| or PHYS 222 | Introduction to Classical Physics II | |
| Choose one of the following options | 6-7 | |
| Option 1 | ||
| Biochemistry I | ||
And one of the following: | ||
| Biochemistry II | ||
| Techniques in Biochemical Research | ||
| Quantitative and Environmental Analysis and Quantitative and Environmental Analysis Laboratory | ||
| Chemical Thermodynamics | ||
| Option 2 | ||
| Physiological Chemistry | ||
And one of the following: | ||
| Techniques in Biochemical Research | ||
| Quantitative and Environmental Analysis and Quantitative and Environmental Analysis Laboratory | ||
| Chemical Thermodynamics | ||
| Total Credits | 33-34 | |
5. International Perspectives: 3 cr. from university approved list
This course can satisfy both the university requirement for International Perspectives and the college requirement for a General Education elective (item 8) if the selection appears on both lists of approved courses.
6. U.S. Diversity: 3 cr. from university approved list
This course can satisfy both the university requirement for U.S. Diversity and the college requirement for a General Education elective (item 8) if the selection appears on both lists of approved courses.
7. Communications/Library
A. Courses required of all Genetics majors
Grades of C or better are required in ENGL 150 and ENGL 250 and advanced writing.
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition | 3 |
| or ENGL 250H | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition: Honors | |
| LIB 160 | Information Literacy | 1 |
| One advanced English writing course from department approved list | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 10 | |
B. Course required of majors in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences only.
A grade of C or better is required by the college.
| SP CM 212 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| or AGEDS 311 | Presentation and Sales Strategies for Agricultural Audiences | |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
8. General Education electives
Courses from college approved lists that also appear on university approved lists of U.S. Diversity or International Perspectives courses can be used to satisfy both requirements.
A. College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
| Humanities course from college approved list | 3 | |
| Social Science course from college approved list | 3 | |
| Ethics course from college approved list | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
B. College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
| Humanities courses from college approved list; one of these should be a Science/Humanities bridge course from department approved list | 12 | |
| Social Science courses from college approved list | 9 | |
| Students must have completed 3 years of a single world language in high school or take 4-8 credits of World Languages at the university level. | ||
| Total Credits | 21 | |
Undergraduate Minor
The minor in Genetics may be earned by completing the following courses. At least 9 cr. must be used only to fulfill the requirements of the minor and not be applied to any other major, college, or university requirement.
| GEN 313 | Principles of Genetics | 3 |
| GEN 313L | Genetics Laboratory | 1 |
| BIOL 314 | Principles of Molecular Cell Biology | 3 |
| GEN 410 | Analytical Genetics | 3 |
| GEN 409 | Molecular Genetics | 3 |
| Two or more additional credits in Genetics at the 300 level or above. | 2 | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Graduate Study
Graduate study in genetics leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees is offered at ISU. Graduate study is organized as a separate interdepartmental graduate major from the undergraduate program. For more information on graduate study in genetics see: Genetics - Interdisciplinary.
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
GEN 110. Genetics Orientation.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
F.
This course is intended for first year students and others new to the genetics major. Discussion of university policies and resources, requirements of the major, career opportunities, and other topics related to the first year experience.
GEN 298. Cooperative Education.
Cr. R.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of department cooperative education coordinator; sophomore classification
Required of all cooperative education students. Students must register for this course prior to commencing each work period.
GEN 313. Principles of Genetics.
(Cross-listed with BIOL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: BIOL 211, BIOL 211L, BIOL 212, and BIOL 212L
Introduction to the principles of transmission and molecular genetics of plants, animals, and bacteria. Recombination, structure and replication of DNA, gene expression, cloning, quantitative and population genetics.
Students may receive graduation credit for no more than one of the following: Gen 260, Gen 313 and 313L, Gen 320, Biol 313 and 313L, and Agron 320.
GEN 313L. Genetics Laboratory.
(Cross-listed with BIOL). (0-3) Cr. 1.
F.S.
Prereq: Credit or enrollment in BIOL 313
Laboratory to accompany 313.
Students may receive graduation credit for no more than one of the following: Biol 313 and 313L, Gen 260, Gen 313, Gen 320, and Agron 320.
GEN 320. Genetics, Agriculture and Biotechnology.
(Cross-listed with AGRON). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.
Prereq: BIOL 212
Transmission genetics with an emphasis on applications in agriculture, the structure and expression of the gene, how genes behave in populations and how recombinant DNA technology can be used to improve agriculture.
Credit for graduation will not be allowed for more than one of the following: Gen 260, 313, 320 and Biol 313 and 313L.
GEN 340. Human Genetics.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: BIOL 313 or GEN 313
Fundamental concepts and current issues of human genetics. Human chromosome analysis, pedigree analysis, gene mapping, the human genome project, sex determination, genetics of the immune system, genetics of cancer, gene therapy, the genetic basis of human diversity, eugenics.
GEN 349. The Genome Perspective in Biology.
(Cross-listed with BIOL, MICRO, V PTH). (2-0) Cr. 2.
S.
Prereq: GEN 313 or GEN 320
Analysis of genome, RNA, and protein data using computer technology to answer biological questions on topics ranging from microbial diversity to human health. An introduction for students in the life sciences to the fields of genomics, bioinformatics and systems.
GEN 398. Cooperative Education.
Cr. R.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of department cooperative education coordinator; junior classification
Required of all cooperative education students. Students must register for this course prior to commencing each work period.
GEN 409. Molecular Genetics.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: BIOL 313
The principles of molecular genetics: gene structure and function at the molecular level, including regulation of gene expression, genetic rearrangement, and the organization of genetic information in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
GEN 410. Analytical Genetics.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
S.
Prereq: GEN 409
The principles and practice of genetic analysis. Mendelian genetic analysis, mutational, transgenic, and genomic analysis of gene function, linkage and gene mapping, chromosomal aberrations, aneuploidy and polyploidy, extrachromosomal inheritance, analysis of genetic pathways.
GEN 444. Introduction to Bioinformatics.
(Cross-listed with BCB, BCBIO, BIOL, COM S, CPR E). (4-0) Cr. 4.
F.
Prereq: MATH 165 or STAT 401 or equivalent
Broad overview of bioinformatics with a significant problem-solving component, including hands-on practice using computational tools to solve a variety of biological problems. Topics include: database searching, sequence alignment, gene prediction, RNA and protein structure prediction, construction of phylogenetic trees, comparative and functional genomics, systems biology.
GEN 462. Evolutionary Genetics.
(Cross-listed with BIOL). (3-0) Cr. 3.
F.
Prereq: BIOL 315
The genetic basis of evolutionary processes in higher organisms. The role of genetic variation in adaptation, natural selection, adaptive processes, and the influence of random processes on evolutionary change.
GEN 490. Independent Study.
Cr. 1-5.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: GEN 313, junior or senior classification, permission of instructor
Independent study in any area of genetics.
Students may use no more than 9 credits of university-wide 490 or 499 credits (including Gen 490) toward the total of 120 credits required for graduation.
GEN 491. Undergraduate Seminar.
(1-0) Cr. 1.
F.S.
Prereq: GEN 409
Communication within the discipline based on comprehension, discussion, presentation, and critical evaluation of original research literature; survey of career paths within the genetics disciplines and approaches to obtaining positions; exposure to research publication and grantsmanship processes; ethical issues in genetics research; outcomes assessment activities.
GEN 492. Laboratory Teaching Experience.
Cr. 1-2.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: GEN 313, junior or senior classification, permission of instructor
For students registering to be undergraduate laboratory assistants.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. No more than 2 credits of GEN 490U or GEN 492 may be applied toward the Genetics advanced course requirement.
GEN 495. Special Topics in Genetics.
(1-0) Cr. 1-3.
Repeatable, maximum of 3 credits. F.S.
Prereq: GEN 313; permission of instructor
Content varies from year to year.
Students may use no more than 9 credits of university-wide 490-499 credits toward the total of 120 credits required for graduation.
GEN 496. Attendance and Critique of Genetics Seminars.
Cr. 1.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: GEN 313, junior or senior classification, permission of instructor
Attendance and critique of departmental seminars in BBMB, GDCB, or EEOB.
Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only. Students may use no more than 9 credits of university-wide 490 - 499 credits toward the total of 120 credits required for graduation.
GEN 498. Cooperative Education.
Cr. R.
F.S.SS.
Prereq: Permission of department cooperative education coordinator; senior classification
Required of all cooperative education students. Students must register for this course prior to commencing each work period.
GEN 499. Genetics research.
Cr. 1-5.
Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits.
Prereq: GEN 313, junior or senior classification, permission of instructor
Independent research in any area of genetics.
Students may use no more than 9 credits of university-wide 490 or 499 credits (including Gen 490R) toward the total of 120 credits required for graduation.
GEN 499H. Genetics research for Honors.
Cr. 1-5.
Repeatable. F.S.SS.
Prereq: GEN 313, junior or senior classification, permission of instructor
Independent research in any area of genetics; for Honors students only.
Students may use no more than 9 credits of university-wide 490 or 499 credits (including Gen 490H) toward the total of 120 credits required for graduation.
