UExcel Basic Genetics: Study Guide & Test Prep

About This Course

Earning three college credits is as simple as taking just a few weeks to study with our UExcel Basic Genetics prep course before taking the UExcel exam. The credit you earn from passing the exam can be applied to more than 2,900 colleges and universities.

This course features short and engaging video lessons that offer a fun and fast approach to learning all the concepts found in a semester-long genetics course, such as the molecular and chromosomal basis of inheritance, Mendelian genetics, model organisms, comparative genomics and transgenic organisms.

Syllabus & Course Information

You'll have mastery of the objectives below when you've finished the lessons in this course. These objectives align with the concepts tested on the UExcel Basic Genetics exam. A final exam is included in our course - offering you an additional preparation method.

• Study DNA and RNA, including replication, types and structure.
• Learn about prokaryotic transcription, eukaryotic transcription, the genetic code and protein synthesis.
• Examine an overview of genetics, properties of alleles, and Mendel's laws.
• Discover complementation tests, exceptions to simple dominance, polygenic traits, epistasis and heredity.
• Analyze the theory of evolution, the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium and natural selection.
• Investigate the ideas of inbreeding, genetic fitness and speciation.
• Learn about invertebrate and vertebrate model organisms and the pattern formation in the basic body plan.
• Study different types of genes, such as maternal-effect, gap, pair rule, segment polarity and homeotic.
• Examine what causes mutations, including mutagens and irradiation.
• Look at DNA base excision repair.
• Explore human genetics research that touches on topics, including pedigrees, population genetics and genetic disorders.
• Study topics related to sex chromosomes and genetic testing.
• Review topics related to comparative genomics, such as homology, prokaryotes, eukaryotes and chromosomes.
• Explore the polymerase chain reaction, cloning, genetic modification and the Human Genome Project.

Prerequisites

Prerequisites aren't needed for this introductory course, but knowledge of basic chemistry, algebra and biology principles will be helpful.

Course Format

This course has eight chapters with a total of 113 video lessons, which can be viewed in about five to ten minutes. Lessons also come with a short quiz and a transcript in case you want to follow along or review a missed concept. If you like keeping track of the lessons you've watched and quizzes you've taken, use the progress tracking tool that comes with the course. The course experts who lead these lessons are available to answer questions. You'll also want to take the chapter exams and final exam to make sure you're prepared for the exam.

UExcel Basic Genetics Exam Information

The questions that you'll see on the UExcel Basic Genetics exam cover the same concepts you would find in a traditional college course on basic genetics. This semester-long course is designed for non-biology majors and can be used to fulfill general education requirements.

• Number of Questions: Approximately 100
• Question Type: Multiple choice
• Time Limit: 2 hours
• Number of Credits: 3
• Exam Cost: $95

Earn UExcel Credit

The UExcel Basic Genetics Exam leads to three lower-level college credits that you can use to graduate more quickly and cut the cost of your degree in half. This prep course is the most effective way to prepare for this exam and earn credits quickly.

Study Schedule for the UExcel Basic Genetics Exam

This course has around 11 hours of instruction. Use the timetable below to help you determine how much time you'll need to spend studying. After you've determined your study time, call and make an appointment for your exam, to be sure you'll get a time slot that fits your schedule.

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