SOLUS is Queen’s Student On-Line University System. You’ll have access to a SOLUS account once you become a Queen’s student. You’ll use SOLUS to register for courses, add and drop courses, update your contact information, view financial and academic information, and pay your tuition.
Human Genetics & Evolution
BIOL 110/3.0
Introductory genetics and evolutionary processes as they relate to the human condition - genetic diseases, medical techniques, inheritance and ethical issues such as cloning and genetically modified foods.
Please note: This course is typically offered in the fall term
Learning Outcomes
Students completing BIOL 110 will have the ability to:
- identify and define basic concepts in genetics such as inheritance, gene, and chromosome
- apply genetic concepts in the understanding of human evolution
- appreciate the relevance of genetics to important societal issues such as stem cell research, longevity research, genetic testing, cancer, and other genetic diseases
- distinguish between “older-school” research approaches and cutting edge approaches
- evaluate how life might be affected by new technologies in the Genomics Age.
Topics:
- The Human Genome
- Cell Biology/Chromosomes
- Meiosis and Development
- Mutation/Single-Gene Inheritance
- Beyond Mendel's Laws
- Sex and Genetics
- Multifactorial (Complex) Traits
- Genetics of Behavioural Traits
- Human Evolution
- Cancer
- Genetic Technology/Genetic Testing
- Genomics
Description
Biology 110, Human Genetics, is intended as an elective course for students from all academic disciplines with the exception of biology majors. No scientific backroad is required for enrollment. The course will provide an overview of the most basic concepts in genetics and how they apply to humans. The goal is to provide non-biologists with sufficient understanding of the field of genetics to support a basic understanding of many topical issues in modern society.
The course combines directed readings, independent investigation of topics of interest, and interaction with peers and instructors. Participants will be expected to learn basic concepts through the readings and to engage at a deeper level with a topic of choice and produce an essay. In a series of roundtables involving small groups, students will interact with peers by contributing actively to online discussions of assigned topics.
Terms
Fall 2021
Course Dates:
Sept. 7 - Dec. 3, 2021
Exam Dates:
Dec. 8 - Dec. 22, 2021
Evaluation
15% - Quizzes (x3)
20% - Discussion Forums (x2)
5% - Paper Proposal
25% - Final Essay
35% - Proctored Final Exam
**Evaluation Subject to Change**
Proctored Exams
- Students who have on-campus courses (or course sections) will write their final exams in-person and on-campus. These final exams will be administered through the central Exams Office.
- Students who have courses (or course sections) that are remote or online, but who have other on-campus courses (or course sections) in their timetable, will write all of their final exams in-person and on-campus. These final exams will be administered through the central Exams Office.
- Students who have only remote or online courses (or course sections) in their timetable, and who require remote proctoring, will have their exams proctored using Examity.
Location and Timing of Final Examinations
Once the exam schedule has been finalized the exam date will be posted on your SOLUS account. The exam dates for each Term are listed on the Faculty of Arts and Science webpage under "Important Dates." Student exam schedules for the Fall Term are posted via SOLUS immediately prior to the Thanksgiving holiday; for the Winter Term they are posted on the Friday before Reading Week, and for the Summer Term they are individually noted on the Arts and Science Online syllabi. Students should delay finalizing any travel plans until after the examination schedule has been posted. Exams will not be moved or deferred to accommodate employment, travel/holiday plans or flight reservations.
Instructor
Professor Tim P. Birt (birtt@queensu.ca)
Textbooks and Materials
ASO reserves the right to make changes to the required material list as received by the instructor before the course starts. Please refer to the Campus Bookstore website at http://www.campusbookstore.com/Textbooks/Search-Engine to obtain the most up-to-date list of required materials for this course before purchasing them.
- Human Genetics, Concepts and Applications (Ricki Lewis, 12th edition, McGraw-Hill)
Time Commitment
Students can expect to spend approximately 10-11 hours a week (118 hours term total) in study/practice and online activity for BIOL 110.
Course Resources
About SOLUS
About OnQ
onQ is Queen's online learning platform. You'll log into onQ to access your course. All materials related to your course—notes, readings, videos, recordings, discussion forums, assignments, quizzes, groupwork, tutorials, and help—will be on the onQ site.
About Credit Units
Queen’s courses are weighted in credit units. A typical one-term course is worth 3.0 units, and a typical two-term course is worth 6.0 units. You combine these units to create your degree. A general (three-year) BA or BSc requires a total of 90 credit units.
Computer Requirements
To take an online course, you’ll need a high speed internet connection as well as a microphone and speakers to be able to watch videos, hear sounds, and participate in interactive online activities. A webcam is recommended but not necessary.
System Requirements:
Computer Specifications
- Windows 8.1 or newer
- OSX 10.13 (High Sierra) or newer
- Dual Core 2 GHz processor
- 4 GB RAM
- Soundcard
- USB Headset
- Webcam
Supported Browsers
- Chrome (preferred - latest version)
- Firefox (latest version)
- Safari is not recommended as it causes several known issues in onQ
- Edge is not recommended as it causes several known issues in onQ
Internet Connection
- Wired high speed access: Cable or better
- Wifi is not recommended
Java
- Latest version
Media Player
- Flash (latest version)
Adobe Reader
- Latest Version
Dates/Deadlines
The deadlines for new applications to Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are in our Upcoming Application Dates section.
Grading Scheme
The information below is intended for undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts and Science. Academic Regulations in other Faculties may differ.
| Letter Grade | Grade Point |
| A+ | 4.30 |
| A | 4.00 |
| A- | 3.70 |
| B+ | 3.30 |
| B | 3.00 |
| B- | 2.70 |
| C+ | 2.30 |
| C | 2.00 |
| C- | 1.70 |
| D+ | 1.30 |
| D | 1.00 |
| D- | 0.70 |
| F | 0.00 |
GPA Calculators
Have your SOLUS grade report handy and then follow the link to the Arts and Science GPA calculators.
How does this affect my academics?
See the GPA and Academic Standing page.
Follow the link above for an explanation of how the GPA system affects such things as the Dean’s Honour List, requirements to graduate, and academic progression.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Grading Scheme
Please follow this link to the FAQ's
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees vary depending when you start, your year, faculty, and program. Fees for Summer Term 2018 first-year Distance Career Arts & Science Domestic students are as follows: for a 3.0-unit course, $685.90; for a 6.0-unit course, $1371.80 See also Tuition and Fees.
Campus Bookstore
All textbooks can be purchased at Queen’s Campus Bookstore.
Non-Queen’s Students
All Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are open to students at other universities. Before applying as a visiting student, request a Letter of Permission from your home university that states that you have permission to take the course and apply it to your degree. See also Apply.
Academic Integrity
Please see Queen’s policy statement on academic integrity for information on how to complete an online course honestly.
