Prerequisite:   Introductory (undergraduate) Genetics.  We assumue that our students are familiar with basic Mendelian genetics and understand the nature and functions of  DNA, RNA and proteins.

Sitting in:  We do not allow students to sit in on the course. Our philosophy is that the "no pain no gain" axiom is particularly relevant to genetics.

Exams:  The course is divided into five sections with an exam following the completion of each section (see schedule).   Evening exams will be scheduled outside of regular class meeting time after consultation with the class participants. Students may bring two 8.5 x 11 pages of hand-written notes to each exam. If a student has another exam scheduled for the time of a PCB 5065 exam, or a PCB 5065 exam falls on a religious holiday that a student traditionally observes, we will arrange an alternate time for that student to take the exam.  Please notify the instructor of these conflicts in advance of the exam. Students who cannot take a scheduled exam due to illness or last-minute emergencies should contact the instructor prior to the exam if at all possible!

Grades: Final grades will be based upon the sum of exam scores: 450-500 points = A; 400-449 points = B+; 325-399 points = B; <325 points = C+ or lower.  Class attendance and participation will be considered in assigning grades to students with exam averages falling near a cut-off point.

Academic Honesty:  The University of Florida requires all members of its community to be honest in all endeavors. Cheating, plagiarism, and other acts diminish the process of learning. When students enroll at UF they commit themselves to honesty and integrity. Your instructor fully expects you to adhere to the academic honesty guidelines you signed when you were admitted to UF. As a result of completing the registration form at the University of Florida, every student has signed the following statement: “I understand the University of Florida expects it students to be honest in all their academic work. I agree to adhere to this commitment to academic honesty and understand that my failure to comply with this commitment may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the University.” Furthermore, on work submitted for credit by UF students, the following pledge is either required or implied: “On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid in doing this assignment.” It is to be assumed all work will be completed independently unless the assignment is clearly defined as group project, either verbally or in writing by the professor. This policy will be vigorously upheld at all times in this course.

Software Use:  All faculty, staff, and students of the University are required and expected to obey the laws and legal agreements governing software use. Failure to do so can lead to monetary damages and/or criminal penalties for the individual violator. Because such violations are also against University policies and rules, disciplinary action will be taken as appropriate.

UF Counseling Services:  Students experiencing crisis or personal problems that interfere with their general wellbeing are encouraged to utilize the university’s counseling resources. Both the Counseling Center and Student Mental Health provide confidential counseling services at no cost for currently enrolled students. Resources are available on campus for students having personal or lacking clear career and academic goals, which interfere with their academic performance. The Counseling Center is located at 301 Peabody Hall (next to Criser Hall). Student Mental Health is located on the second floor of the Student Health Services in the Infirmary.