BIO2133 Syllabus 2022v1 PDF

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BIO2133 Syllabus with Prof. Montpetit...

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Course Syllabus - 2022 Professor Colin Montpetit Contact information and office hours : Email – [email protected] Office hours : You will be able to reserve time blocs to meet with me outside of class time (online face to face sessions). To reserve a time, please click on the hyperlink “reserve a meeting time with the prof” on the course Brightspace page and chose a block of time that is available.

Table of contents Course description ........................................................................................................................................ 3 Teaching and Learning Objectives ................................................................................................................ 4 Course delivery ............................................................................................................................................. 5 The learning Zones ................................................................................................................................... 6 Course Foundations ...................................................................................................................................... 7 Session plan .................................................................................................................................................. 9 Elements of your final grade ....................................................................................................................... 11 Block 1 : Basic course expectations (55 points)..................................................................................... 11 Block 2 : Module readings and activities (20 points) ............................................................................ 12 Block 3 – Online laboratory sessions (25 points) .................................................................................. 12 Block 4 - Community Service Learning .................................................................................................. 13 Course policies ............................................................................................................................................ 14 1 – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion ........................................................................................................ 14 2 – Land Acknowledgement ................................................................................................................... 14 3 – Attendance to synchronous sessions ............................................................................................... 15 4 –Asynchronous activities and time commitment ..............................................................................15 5 –Regulation on Bilingualism at the University of Ottawa ................................................................. 16 6 – Office hours ...................................................................................................................................... 16 7 – Midterm exams, the final exam, and absences & rounding and final grade ................................. 16 8 - Technical issues and submitting homework and exams .................................................................. 17 9 – Proctoring software.......................................................................................................................... 18 10 – Remarking requests........................................................................................................................ 18 11 – Academic integrity.......................................................................................................................... 19 12 – Intellectual property ...................................................................................................................... 20 13 - Student Access Services Statement ................................................................................................ 20 14 – Sexual violence – Support and Prevention .................................................................................... 20 15 – Academic GPS ................................................................................................................................. 21 16 – Health and Wellness ....................................................................................................................... 21

Course description BIO2133

Genetics

(3,0,0b) 3 cr. Online

Introduction to Mendel’s laws of inheritance; application of Mendelian analysis to problems in genetics including: gene mapping and linkage, molecular genetics, bioinformatics and population genetics. Laboratory sessions includes experiments to illustrate genetic principles, tutorial, and problem sessions.

Prerequisite: BIO1140 or 1540 BIO2133 is a Blended Learning course offered by the Department of Biology. In this course, we will discuss, study, and apply the conceptual frameworks that provide the foundation of genetics as a method for discovery-based research and clinical investigations. This course is an active learning zone that combines online self-directed studies (Birghtspace modules), online case studies, consultation sessions (via Zoom), and experiential learning (online laboratory sessions or Community service learning). As a student in this course, you can expect to increase your disciplinary knowledge of biology and more specifically genetics and think analytically and critically about issue relating to genetic testing in the research and clinical settings. Required materials – Information is communicated on the course site in Brightspace

Course Instructor I obtained my doctoral degree in comparative physiology and endocrinology (evolution of the stress response) at the University of Ottawa and conducted postdoctoral studies of the molecular endocrinology of obesity factors involved in developmental biology at the University of Toronto. I previously held a position at St.Norbert College (Green Bray, Wisconsin) as an Assistant Professor. I have been a professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Ottawa since 2007. My research is primarily focused on the integration of research education and pedagogies in undergraduate studies, case-based teaching and learning approaches, and the role of communities of practice in professional development. Office hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am to 12pm (noon). Click on the dedicated link on the homepage of the course site in Brightspace to reserve a time block if you wish to chat with me. Email: [email protected]

Teaching and Learning Objectives The course learning objectives are inspired by the "Core Concepts and Competencies in Genetics" prepared by the “Genetics Society of America" (https://genetics-gsa.org/) and the undergraduate degree learning expectations set by the Department of Biology (https://science.uottawa.ca/biology/biology-program-learning-outcomes opens in new window). Teaching and Learning Objectives – Core Concepts At the end of this course, you should be able to do the following: • • • • • • • •

Analyze phenotypic data and deduce patterns of inheritance from genetic crosses and family histories. Describe the molecular anatomy of genes and genomes. Describe the mechanisms by which an organism's genome is passed on to the next generation. Describe the phenomenon of linkage and how it affects assortment of alleles during meiosis. Extract information about genes, alleles, and gene functions of alleles during meiosis. Compare different types of mutations and describe how each can affect genes and the corresponding mRNAs and proteins. Apply the results of molecular genetic studies in model organisms to understanding aspects of human genetics and genetic diseases. Interpret results from molecular analysis to determine the inheritance patterns and identities of human genes that can mutate to cause disease.

Teaching Learning Objectives – Core Competencies At the end of this course, you should be able to demonstrate the following core competencies: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Generate testable hypotheses and evaluate experimental evidence. Apply statistical methods when analyzing data and use patterns to construct a model. Generate and interpret graphs displaying experimental results. Read and comprehend papers on genetic topics. Situate theories discussed in class in relevant, “real-world” practical situations. Demonstrate professional work habits and ethical conduct. To fully engage in all the learning opportunities offered in this course AND honestly complete work by scheduled due dates. 8. Evaluate one’s own performance in the course and to identify strengths and address personal limitations in conceptual knowledge of genetics and personal study methods.

Course delivery This course will be given entirely online using Blended Learning approaches combining selfdirected studies (Brightspace, asynchronous activities) and online case studies, problem solving, and consultation sessions via Zoom to provide many different learning opportunities. This means that you will be completing learning tasks and activities, in part, on your own. While all synchronous sessions will be recorded, I highly recommend attending sessions and actively engaging in the synchronous activities. This course WILL NOT make use of Respondus or any software for proctoring exams. This course will run from Monday January 10th to April 9th for a total of 12 weeks. Estimate a workload of 6 to 9 hours of course work on a weekly basis dedicated to readings and videos, quizzes and midterms, Zoom sessions with the professor, and online lab sessions.

Delivery mode

Dates

Times

Frequency**

Attendance

Virtual, synchronous* Section A

Monday Wednesday

1pm – 230pm 1130am-1pm

Every week

Highly recommended

Virtual, synchronous* Section B

Monday Wednesday

4pm – 530pm 230pm-4pm

Every week

Highly recommended

Virtual, asynchronous

N/A

At your own rhythm and based on your schedule

At your own rhythm and based on your schedule

Very highly recommended

Online labs

All information for online laboratory sessions is available in the lab web site on Brightspace. Please contact the lab coordinator, Gabriel Guillet ([email protected]), for any lab related questions.

What you will need: Stable internet connection

Desktop or lap top computer

Functional microphone

Functional webcam (turning on your camera during sessions is optional)

The learning Zones This course uses a variety of pedagogical approaches and consists of theoretical and laboratory components laid out into 4 active learning zones.

Zone 1 - Brightspace : Online activities will consist of readings, videos, end of module quizzes organized into modules to be completed by posted due dates. Quiz scores will not be considered as part of your mark, however completion of the quizzes will be part of a participation mark. Module activities will have flexible due dates and to be completed on your own pace and time by posted due dates.

Zone 2 - Zoom : Synchronous sessions will be used to discuss fundamental concepts, case study analyses, and problem solving activities aimed at preparing you for midterms and the final exam. Be prepared to work during these sessions. I will be using the polling feature in ZOOM to poll students, the whiteboard to illustrate and solve problems, and breakout rooms to hold discussions.

Zone 3 - Exams: There will be 3 midterms and a final exam to demonstrate the outcomes of your learning. Each will be a take home open book exam consisting of problem-solving questions, case study analyses, multiple true/false statements. I will not use MCQs. I will NOT use RESPONDUS or any proctoring software. Exams will be designed for a period of 1h30min but you will have a period of 12hours to submit your answers from the time I make the exam available in Brightspace.

Zone 4 - Online labs: Labs will provide opportunities for experiential learning. Labs will be held bi-weekly based on your course section and lab group. Please consult the lab web site in Brightspace for the lab details. Dr. Gabriel Guillet will be leading the labs.

What to expect in this course and evaluation of learning outcomes? Synchronous sessions, asynchronous activities, and evaluations (end of module quizzes, midterm exams, and other activities) are designed to evaluate the outcomes of your learning. The complete list of learning objectives of the course is available at the end of the syllabus.

Course Foundations The design and learning objectives of this course were inspired by the "Core Concepts and Competencies in Genetics" prepared by the “Genetics Society of America" (https://geneticsgsa.org/ opens in new window) and the undergraduate degree learning expectations set by the Department of Biology (https://science.uottawa.ca/biology/biology-program-learning-outcomes opens in new window). As a student in this course, you can expect to increase your disciplinary knowledge of biology and more specifically genetics and think analytically and critically about issues relating to genetic research and of the clinical setting. The learning objectives will define how this course will assist you in increasing your knowledge base, your conceptual understanding of genetics, and the application of your knowledge. Finally, this course aims to provide opportunities to learn and hone your skills by interweaving your knowledge with your developing scientific competencies.

Teaching Philosophy This course is couched in adult-based learning theory or “andragogy” and active learning approaches guided by the 7 Principles for Good Teaching (Chickering and Gamson, 1987). Andragogy maintains that adults learn best when they have a flexible, low-threat, interesting and challenging, and positive learning environment with high expectations and a need of rigour for achieving them in preparation for your future careers (e.g., careers in the biological sciences, health sciences, law, education, etc..). You will find examples of this philosophy throughout the course design, as it forms the basis for the asynchronous and synchronous activities, the grading scheme, and the choices you will be given and take to engage in your learning. The activities in this course aim to provide opportunities to study, reflect and practice and guide you towards achieving course and program learning objectives (stated in the syllabus). Overall, the course structure is meant to encourage contact between students and faculty, encourage active learning, give prompt feedback, emphasize time on task, to communicates high expectations, and respects diverse talents and ways of learning (e.g., the 7 principles for good teaching).

BIO2133 in the era of COVID19 Transitioning a face-to-face course to an online course requires much effort and work from both the students and the professor. Though I have much experience teaching my courses via Blended Learning approaches, there are many unknowns about how to best accomplish it. As in sciences, initial experiments do not always work, and course corrections are made to improve things. As is the case when I conduct lab experiments, I continuously reflect on how best to support teaching and learning in my courses. I will most probably make mistakes or make decisions that don’t

necessarily turn out as well as expected. But I will strive to do my best at all times, make decisions that I believe will steer the ship in the right direction, and I can guarantee that I will work tirelessly to provide meaningful learning and educational experiences. I consider this endeavour a collaboration between each other where we can help and support one another. Please know that I am dedicated to supporting you in your studies in this course and through these difficult times.

Session plan First half – January 10th to February 23rd

Second half – February 28th to April 6th

Elements of your final grade Your final grade in this course will consist of grades from 3 different blocks of activities. To earn a passing grade, you will need a cumulative grade of 50 points among the available points from these blocks. Also, completing and earning the minimum requirements in each block of activities, respectively, is a necessary to obtain a passing grade in the course. We will use the uOttawa final grade notation table to assign your final letter grade in this course: A+ (90+pts); A (85-89pts); A- (80-854pts); B+ (75-79 pts); B (70-74pts); C+ (65-69pts); C (60-64pts); D+ (55-59pts); D (50-54 pts); E (40-49 pts); F (0-39 pts)

Block 1 : Basic course expectations (55 points) There will be 3 (take home) non-cumulative midterms and a final (take-home) cumulative exam. Each will have 5-6 questions consisting of analysis of case scenarios, questions to assess conceptual knowledge, questions that will require you to interpret results and solve problems, and questions to test your abilities to formulate hypotheses, predictions and experimental approaches to test them. There will be no MCQs. Exam #1: Wednesday February 2nd, 8h30 to midnight. (5 points) Exam #2: Wednesday March 2nd, 8h30 to midnight. (10 points) Exam #3: Wednesday March 30th, 8h30 to midnight. (10 points) Final exam: TBD, April exam period (30 points) I will NOT make use of Respondus or any proctoring software. Exams are to be done individually. Professional and ethical behaviour are expected at all times. Exams will be designed for a 90min (midterms) and 180 min (final exam) period but you will have a period of 12hours from the time the exams are made available. This means that if you start at hour 11, you will only have 1 hour to submit your answers. A grace period of 15minutes will be provided after which submissions will no longer be accepted. Midterm absences or no submission: The weight of exams will be transferred to that of the final in all cases of absences or late submissions. No medical notes or justifications are needed for late submissions or absences to midterm exams. Absence to final exam: If you are absent to the final exam, you will need to justify your absence as per the Faculty of Science regulations AND write a deferred final exam if permitted. Without a valid justification, a grade of EIN (incomplete, equivalent to E/F) will be assigned.

Minimal requirements: A minimum cumulative grade of 27.5 points. A final grade of E or F will be assigned if the grade is below 27.5 points regardless of your grades in the other blocks of grades of the course. Be aware, this grade will not be rounded. Only the final course grade will be rounded to determine the final letter grade. Block 2 : Module readings and activities (20 points) Assigned readings, metacognition prompts, and homework and quizzes via Mastering Genetics will be assigned in each learning module. These are to provide opportunities to learn and practice your problem solving skills, analysis of case scenarios. Your engagement in these activities will play a significant role in your learning and success. For these reasons, I have placed a large value towards this engagement. Making mistakes here is OK! Scores earned on the homework and quizzes WILL NOT COUNT towards your final grade. I will grade only for COMPLETION. How will I do this?: Each time you complete an ITEM in Mastering, and each question you complete in posted Metacognition prompts or other activities (if posted), you will receive 1 bin point. Collecting 80% of the total "bin" points will earn you 15/15 for this block of grade. If you collect less than 80% of the points, your grade will be prorated on a mark out of 80. Grades WILL NOT be based on correctness of answers. Minimal requirements: A minimum of 10 points (50% completion rate). A final grade of E or F will be assigne...