Mathematical Genetics
Fall 2017
Dr. Richard Gomulkiewicz
Dr. Stephen Krone

Instructor:

Prof. Richard Gomulkiewicz (WSU)

Office: 391 Eastlick

Telephone: 509-335-2527

E-mail: gomulki@wsu.edu

Office Hours: by appointment (please email)

Prof. Stephen Krone (UI)

Office: 421 Brink Hall

Telephone: 208-885-6317

E-mail: krone@uidaho.edu

Office Hours: by appointment (please email)

Lectures:

Mondays from 5:10 PM to 6:25 PM in 407 CUE (Center for Undergraduate Education) WSU

Wednesdays from 5:10 PM to 6:25 PM in 223 TLC (Teaching & Learning Center) U Idaho

Learning Outcomes:

(1) Gain exposure to, and experience with, major topics and methods in mathematical genetics;
(2) Survey classical and contemporary literature in mathematical genetics.

Text:

Population Genetics: A Concise Guide, 2nd ed. by John H. Gillespie

Course Format:

We plan to achieve the goals of the course through a series of instructor led “workshops” on topics in mathematical genetics during the first part of the course and student led group discussions during the second part of the course.  One or two readings will usually be assigned per topic: one for background and a second for discussion. 

For workshops, an instructor will briefly motivate the topic, outline the analyses, and summarize the main results.  The class will then work through the reading(s) as a group, stopping to clarify steps, methods, or concepts that are ambiguous.  Ideally, students who understand a step/method/concept will do the clarifying.  Of course, the instructors will help regulate the flow of discussion and contribute lucid explanations as necessary!  The instructors will also suggest homework exercises that all students are expected to attempt.  For this workshop format to succeed, it is critical that every student works to understand the readings prior to class.  If, in the course of reading the material, you don’t understand something (e.g., a term, concept, manipulation, or technique) make a note of it and go through the remaining material as best you can.  Be sure to bring your notes to class.

Student-led group discussions will cover topics chosen by students (topics - which may involve original research - must be pre-approved by the instructors).  Leaders should prepare handouts and readings that their fellow students will read prior to the discussion.

50% of the grade in this course will based on the quality of a student planned and executed group presentation during the second part of the course.  The other 50% of your grade will be based on in-class participation.  Your participation grade will be based on 
(a) attendance [10%],
(b) the contributions you make during discussions (including asking and answering questions, and making thoughtful comments) [10%], and
(c) attempting and solving any assigned homework problems [30%].

Readings will be assigned from the course text and other literature.  You are expected to have read the assigned reading and participate in discussing the material.  You will be assigned four or five questions about the reading and are required to answer each of the questions.

As an institution of higher education, Washington State University is committed to principles of truth and academic honesty. All members of the University community share the responsibility for maintaining and supporting these principles. When a student enrolls in Washington State University, the student assumes an obligation to pursue academic endeavors in a manner consistent with the standards of academic integrity adopted by the University. To maintain the academic integrity of the community, the University cannot tolerate acts of academic dishonesty including any forms of cheating, plagiarism, or fabrication. Washington State University reserves the right and the power to discipline or to exclude students who engage in academic dishonesty.

Students found responsible for academic integrity violations may receive an F on the particular assignment or exam, as well as an F for the course. Repeated and/or serious offenses may result in referral to the conduct board and expulsion from WSU. For graduate students, academic integrity violations may also result in the loss of teaching and/or research assistantships.

Academic Integrity Statement and link to WSU's policy:
http://www.wsulibs.wsu.edu/plagiarism/main.html
http://conduct.wsu.edu/academic-integrity-policies-and-resources/

I am committed to providing assistance to help you be successful in this course. Reasonable accommodations are available for students with documented disabilities or chronic medical conditions. If you have a disability and need accommodations to fully participate in this class, please visit the Access Center website to follow published procedures to request accommodations: http://www.accesscenter.wsu.edu. Students may also either call or visit the Access Center in person to schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor. Location: Washington Building 217; Phone: 509-335-3417. All disability related accommodations MUST be approved through the Access Center. Students with approved accommodations are strongly encouraged to visit with instructors early in the semester during office hours to discuss logistics.

Campus Safety (WSU):

In the interest of campus safety and emergency procedures, please become familiar with the information available on the WSU-provided websites. Also, please register your emergency contact information at myWSU.
Campus Safety Plan
Emergency management web site
WSU Alert site