| About the Book |
This manual was written with three main objectives in
mind:
- To link important theories and concepts in modern genetics with hands-on
laboratory activities. True learning in the sciences always
involves both thinking about science and doing science. In this
manual, virtually every activity is explicitly linked to one or
more important concepts of genetics. In this way, students have
the opportunity not only to develop the skills necessary to become
good scientists (observing, measuring, recording and analyzing data,
and utilizing many contemporary techniques) but also to reinforce
the concepts they have read about and discussed in class.
- To introduce students to a wide range of model organisms that
are important to the study of genetics. Genetics is, perhaps more
than any other field of biology, a discipline based on the use of
model organisms. Numerous fascinating and wonderful organisms have
been used to great success in genetics. Unfortunately, many
genetics students only encounter one or two of these organisms
during their course of studies. This manual includes
experiments that directly utilize seven different living organisms
that serve as model systems for genetics research. There are also
other experiments that use preserved material, DNA, or DNA
sequences from additional organisms.
- To provide a context for students to learn and use techniques of
contemporary genetics to ask and answer questions of biological
significance. The activities in this manual not only illustrate
major concepts of genetics but also encourage active
investigation. In each activity, background information on the
system and/or the phenomenon being studied is given. Background
information and specific instructions for the use of relevant
techniques are also provided. In addition, a question or a
problem is introduced, and students are instructed to use the
provided information and techniques to generate data and arrive at
conclusions. Furthermore. several activities, are written so that
they may form the basis of new research projects, thereby encouraging
further investigations beyond the scope of the class. In several
cases, significant student/faculty research projects could be
generated from these activities.
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