Genetics: Principles and Practice (with Lab)

BIO4207.01
Course System Home Terms Fall 2026 Genetics: Principles and Practice (with Lab)

Course Description

Summary

What are genes? How do they work? How are they passed on? This course will provide an introduction to modes of inheritance as well as to genes, their structure, and their regulation. Topics discussed in this class will include, but are not limited to, the molecular structure of DNA and RNA, Mendelian inheritance, molecular properties of genes, and the regulation of gene expression. The laboratory portion of this course will provide hands-on experience with genome-wide genetic screening, highlighting the increasing importance of bioinformatics in the post-genome sequence era.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will firmly understand the relationship between genotype and phenotype

    Students will gain facility with Mendelian and non-Mendelian modes of inheritance

    Students will be comfortable applying basic probability mathematics to predicting outcomes of genetic crosses

    Students will understand the notion of the gene at both the transmission and molecular levels

Prerequisites

Satisfactory work in one or more 2000-level science course. Preferably prior coursework with accompanying laboratories. Comfort with mathematics.

Please contact the faculty member : amcclellan@bennington.edu

Instructor

  • Amie McClellan

Day and Time

Tu/F 10:30AM-12:20PM; W 8:30AM-12:10PM (Lab)

Delivery Method

Fully in-person

Length of Course

Full Term

Academic Term

Fall 2026

Area of Study

Credits

5

Course Level

4000

Maximum Enrollment

18

Course Frequency

Every 2-3 years