Life Sciences 1b

Genetics, Genomics & Evolution

Half course (spring term) Tuesday, Thursday 10:00-11:30 AM

SC Hall B
How are observable characteristics of organisms influenced by genetics? How do genomes change
over time to produce the differences we see among species? This course takes an integrated
approach, showing how genetics and evolution are intimately related, together explaining the
patterns of genetic variation we see in nature, and how genomics can be used to analyze variation.
In covering Mendelian genetics, quantitative genetics, and population genetics, this course will
emphasize developments involving our own species.

Course Instructors:
Prof. Kevin Eggan
Prof. Andrew Berry
Prof. Pardis Sabeti

Course Preceptors:
Contact the course preceptors at lsci1b@fas.harvard.edu with any questions concerning course
policies, administrative issues, etc.
Dr. Casey Roehrig
Dr. Amy Hansen

Im portant dates:
• Check-in quizzes (one per unit): Tuesday 2/9, Tuesday 3/8, Tuesday 4/19 at the start of
lecture
• Unit exams: Monday 2/29 and Monday 4/4, 7-9 PM

Things to do this week:

• Visit the course website (https://canvas.harvard.edu/courses/9961) to download the
lecture slides and notes. Lecture resources will be posted in the morning before each
lecture.
• Select a section online for LS1B by Saturday, January 30 at 11:59 PM at
my.harvard.edu
• Pick up a Turning Point PRS clicker from Cabot library. Clickers used for other courses
can also be used for LS1b on channel 41; once you have obtained a clicker, register it on
the course website before class on Tuesday, February 2.
• Pick up a copy of the Student Section Manual at Flash Print (99 Mount Auburn St.,
Harvard Square) before your first section.
• Purchase safety glasses or goggles for lab if you do not already own a pair. See the lab
manual for details.
• There is no required textbook, but we recommend Genetics: A Conceptual Approach by
Ben Pierce if you would like a supplemental resource. Copies are on reserve at Cabot
library, or you can consider purchasing a copy from the COOP. You can also access the
electronic version of the textbook by signing up at
http://www.macmillanhighered.com/launchpad/pierce5e/2936089 You can access the
textbook there on a trial basis, and if you decide that you want to use it throughout the
term you can purchase access when your free trial runs out.
Lectures:
• Tuesday, Thursday 10:00-11:30 AM.
• Science Center Hall B.
• Optional Problem-solving lectures will take place on Fridays from 12:00-1:30 PM in
Science Center Hall A. If you are interested in the sessions and are not able to attend,
they will be recorded and posted online.

Sections:
• Sections begin next week, February 2-5.
• Students must attend their assigned three-hour laboratory and discussion section every
week.
• If you cannot attend your assigned section for a particular week, you must arrange with
your TF to attend an alternate section that same week. Conflicts or emergencies that
cause you to miss section must be confirmed by a note from a coach, advisor, or doctor in
order to receive credit for making up the lab.
• In case of illness or emergency, if you are unable to attend a makeup section, you must
provide your TF with a valid note from a doctor or a university official (i.e. your
residential dean) to be excused from section that week.
• Section times are:
§ Tuesday 1:00-4:00 PM 2:00-5:00 PM 3:00-6:00 PM
7:00-10:00 PM
§ Wednesday 9:00 AM-12:00 PM 1:00-4:00 PM 2:00-5:00 PM
3:00-6:00 PM
§ Thursday 1:00-4:00 PM 2:00-5:00 PM 3:00-6:00 PM
7:00-10:00PM
§ Friday 2:00-5:00 PM
• Sign up online for section by Saturday, January 30, 11:59 PM . You will receive your
section assignment on Sunday, January 31.
• Read the section manual introduction, including the section on lab safety, and the
protocol for the first lab (Personalized Genetics) in preparation for a pre-lab quiz during
the first section. Sample quiz questions are available at the end of the lab write-up in the
section manual; the pre-lab quiz will consist of two questions taken from this list as well
as a question about the safety guidelines for that lab.
• Decide if you would like to analyze your own DNA or that of an anonymous donor during
the semester.
• During the first section, you will be asked to fill out a survey regarding your interest in
working with animals and analyzing your own DNA during the semester. We will have
alternate resources and samples for you to use if you so choose.
• If you need to permanently change your assigned section for a valid academic reason,
contact the course preceptors at lsci1b@fas.harvard.edu by M onday, February 8, 2016
at 9:00 AM . Section changes requests will not be considered after this date.