BIOL 3311 – Genetics Laboratory is three-credit hour genetics laboratory course for junior level undergraduates where course participants study experimental aspects of basic Mendelian, molecular, and microbial genetics. Course work includes a semester-long independent research project where the students map a Drosophila melanogaster gene. This research project is designed to not only demonstrate concepts of Mendelian genetics but also for the students to be introduced to concepts of scientific method including hypothesis testing and generation of scientific theory. As part of requirement of the course, students report the findings of their research project in a scientific style manuscript fulfilling the requirement for Writing in the Discipline (WID).