Human Genetics (150-0-1)

Instructors

Natalie Gilbert

Meeting Info

Technological Institute L150: Mon, Wed, Fri 3:00PM - 3:50PM

Overview of class

How do you predict what your kids will look like? Or what diseases they may have? This class will provide you with tools to begin understanding these complex questions. We will predict the inheritance of simple traits and model how sources of variation can contribute to disease. An introduction to the science behind popular genetic engineering technologies, such as CRISPR Cas9, will allow us to explore the ethical implications of human sequencing and gene editing for health and research. We will learn how to critique the portrayal of these technologies in the media and communicate their methodology in a conversational style.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this class students will be able to:
● Illustrate the different modes of inheritance
● Analyze a pedigree to track genetic traits through multiple generations
● Identify how sources of genetic variation could contribute to human disease
● Understand the health and research outcomes of sequencing and gene editing
● Articulate how popular genetic engineering technologies work
● Critique depictions of science in the media for accuracy

Teaching Method

Lectures, activities, group discussion

Evaluation Method

Three exams, in class group activities, one final paper

Class Materials (Required)

No required materials

Class Attributes

Natural Sciences Foundational Discipline
Natural Sciences Distro Area