BIO 1953 - GENETICS AND SOCIETY

credits: 6.0
Genetic fingerprinting in the courtroom, GMO foods on our tables, cancer genes, genetic testing and the spread of antibiotic resistance in medicine: what are these and how do they affect us as a society? Through a combination of lecture, reading, discussion and lab, the student will learn the fundamentals of the history of genetics as a science, how our genes make us who we are, how traits are inherited and spread through a population, how biotechnology really works, and how this all impacts our society. Current events will serve as a starting point for many of the lectures and discussions, where emphasis will be placed on ethics as well as science. Objectives: A) Describe the structure of DNA; B) Explain how DNA is copied in cells; C) Explain to a non-scientist how DNA becomes a protein; D) Demonstrate an understanding of how traits are inherited; E) Demonstrate how populations change over time; F) Design and conduct a laboratory experiment. Method of Instruction: Lecture, observations, written assignments, group discussions, and videos. Method of Evaluation: Exams, labs, discussions, and class participation. Course Fee: $60.00.