Mastering The Basics

In this section of the course we will focus on some real biological basics, necessary as you go on in your biology major and important as we think about how we connect genes to traits. Chapter 5 focuses on questions like, What is DNA? How does it “make” or encode proteins to build and make bodies work? How is this hereditary material passed down from generation to generation? We also dive into some materials from beyond the text including the Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance, some readings on Twins and Epigenetics as well as the Evolution of Sex. You will notice we will spend more than two weeks on this chapter to make sure everyone has a good handle on this material!

Week of March 2nd (Bacteria Transfer 3, Plant Phylogenies – Data collection and Phylogeny, First Lab Report-Bring First Draft to Lab)

  • MON- I may introduce CH 5  Raw Material, but no need to read before class. Instead watch and take notes on this! Nova/Frontline Nightmare Bacteria (Actually please make sure to watch this BEFORE CLASS ON WED!) and peek at these two at some point. They are good review! RapidBacterialEvol +Great MRSA basics+HGT.  
  • WED- CH 5  Raw Material-Part I,  (Reading Guide Due for first part of CH 5-In Google Classroom) and read this short article Evol Vaccine Resistance Viruses 
  • FRI-CH 5  Raw Material-Part II, (Reading Guide Due for second part of CH 5-In Google Classroom)

Week of March 9th (Bacteria Transfer 4, Water Samples – Study Design, Heredity- Project Design, Bird Banding – Correlations and Data Analysis)

  • MON- CH 5  Raw Material, Read A Thing or Two About Twins …but I am betting it will make you pay so here is a pdf A Thing or Two About Twins !  Watch Nova Epigenetics (you could also search Nova Epigenetics and it will come up in several places).  
  • WED-  CH 5  Raw Material-Part III, (Reading Guide Due for third part of CH 5-In Google Classroom). 
  • FRI- CH 5  Raw Material- Part IV  (Reading Guide Due for fourth part of CH 5-In Google Classroom)

Week of March 16th (Bacteria- Final Transfer, Population Genetics – Simulations, Water Samples – Plate and Collect Covariates, C. elegans – Hox Gene Safari)

  • MON – Start Punnet Squares and more complex examples of the real ways genes interact. Please read Evolution of Sex and Google “Penis Fencing in Flatworms” to watch the videos…there are a couple of them but they are mostly the same. (don’t let your parents see). I also like but am NOT requiring you to read this article (Why Sex? ) It shows cool protists..but it is longer and wanders at the end so not required.
  • WED – Wrap up!
  • FRI – Wrap up and maybe some practice handouts. Watch this for review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG7uCskUOrA and this..a fabulous early ’70s UC Berkeley Transcription Translation video  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9dhO0iCLww

Week of March 23rd (Bacteria Measure Final, Water Samples Measure, Dandelions -Measure Plants, Microscopy- Gram Staining, Population Genetics – Simulations-moved from last week)

  • MON – EXAM
  •  Ask your questions about the exam HERE!
  • Complete the exam preparation assignment due before Fri pm (in Google Classroom)
  • Don’t forget we also talked about (1) the evolution of antibiotic resistance-you watched a video and responded to questions and (2) Twins and epigenetics-you had a handout that you completed in class and (3) the evolution of sex-you read a short paper and answered questions in class.

Ppts from class will go here …

Practice Handouts and Keys will go here..

Additional resources to check out…

And this is kind of cute 🙂