To fully grasp and appreciate modern genetics, I believe it’s essential to understand the molecular biology behind genetics and inheritance.  Therefore, I try to teach this course using a “Molecular-first” approach.  In the first eight weeks of the course, we will discuss the “Central Dogma of Molecular biology” - The synthesis of DNA from a DNA template, the synthesis of RNA from a DNA template, and the synthesis of proteins from an RNA template.  We will then discuss the concept of the “Gene” and how it relates to the Central Dogma.  We will also learn about genomics and all the cool things we’re learning from the “Post-genomic” era.   Finally, armed with these molecular tools, you’ll be able to acquire a more mature understanding of Mendelian and post-Mendelian genetics and truly grasp the basis of various inheritance patterns (i.e. complete dominance, incomplete dominance, etc.).

 

Do not pass up a chance to take this class!  It’ll take some work, but you’ll learn some really cool stuff.