Human Genetics (150-0-1)
Instructors
Brett Jeffrey Palmero
Meeting Info
Technological Institute L221: Mon, Wed, Fri 3:00PM - 3:50PM
Overview of class
The field of human genetics is a dynamic and innovative field that has been leveraged to develop amazing technologies and therapeutics. To better grasp the potential of genetics applications, we will cover the fundamental principles of human genetics, including but not limited to Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, the chromosomal basis of inheritance, and genetic variation in human populations. We will use these topics to better understand how the genetic code influences our lives and the world around us, such as the innovations following the human genome project. We will also explore what happens when our DNA is altered leading to diseases, variation, and even therapeutics when DNA is altered intentionally. To cap the course, we will discuss how these innovations both benefit society and their possible ethical implications.
This course is intended to provide fundamental genetics knowledge for future courses and to inform our interpretations of genetics in our everyday lives. Students will be expected to attend lectures and participate in in-class discussions, activities, and canvas discussion boards. There will be three exams and a final paper. No pre-requisite knowledge is required to take this course.
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to:
1. Critically examine the field of human genetics and how applications of genetics can influence our everyday lives 
2. Assess how the current understanding of human genetics is being applied to new technologies.
3. Determine the impact of the advancement/innovation being written about in scientific news articles.
4. Describe how DNA encodes information and how this information is organized and passed on.
5. Predict the inheritance of traits using a pedigree.
6. Interpret alterations to DNA and how these alterations can result in variation and disease.
7. Discuss how DNA sequencing has changed society and determine the ethics of its use.
8. Develop scientific questions about the field of genetics that can address current gaps in knowledge.
Teaching Method
In-class lectures, in-class activities, and discussions
Evaluation Method
3 exams (lowest can be dropped) and a final essay
Class Materials (Required)
No required materials
Class Attributes
Natural Sciences Foundational Discipline
Natural Sciences Distro Area