Genetics: The Fundamentals from edX

This is the first genetics course in a multi-part series. Building upon the concepts from biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology from our 7.00x Introductory Biology MOOC, these genetics courses go to a new level of depth. How do we know what we know about heredity and how can we design experiments to test hypotheses in genetics?

How do we study the inheritance of different traits? How does that information help us understand heritable diseases? Professors Michael Hemann and Peter Reddien will challenge you to take your foundational knowledge of genetics to the next level. You will explore the foundations of the field of genetics and how to apply those concepts to understand modern studies of heredity.

We developed the 7.03x Genetics series with an emphasis on:

Developing your scientific thinking skills including articulating hypotheses, designing experiments, performing thought experiments, and interpreting data.
Using data based on real scientific experiments and highlighting the scientific process in assessments.
Asserting that biology is an active field that changes daily through examples of research and relevance to medicine, not static information in a textbook.
Uniting themes and principles that inform how scientists conduct and interpret research.
Implementing the science of learning in the course design.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to appreciate the applications of genetics to everyday life.
How to apply terminology appropriately to concepts in genetics.
How to justify the use of specific techniques and methods for answering different genetic questions.

How to design genetic crosses to make conclusions about genotypes, modes of inheritance, and linkage.
How to use a quantitative approach to determine different genetic probabilities and calculate genetic distances.

How to appreciate the applications of genetics to everyday life.
How to apply terminology appropriately to concepts in genetics.
How to justify the use of specific techniques and methods for answering different genetic questions.
How to design genetic crosses to make conclusions about genotypes, modes of inheritance, and linkage.
How to use a quantitative approach to determine different genetic probabilities and calculate genetic distances.

Syllabus

Introduction to Genetics

Mendelian Genetics

Inheritance Patterns and Pedigrees

Recombination and Linkage

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Offers a strong foundation for beginners interested in genetics

Suitable for learners with a background in biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology

Develops scientific thinking skills such as hypothesis articulation and data interpretation

Emphasizes the relevance of genetics to everyday life and medicine

Covers a wide range of topics in genetics, including Mendelian genetics, inheritance patterns, and linkage

Reviews summary

Rigorous foundation in genetic principles & research

According to learners, this course offers a rigorous and comprehensive foundation in genetics, emphasizing scientific thinking and experimental design. Many found the challenging problem sets invaluable for applying concepts and developing problem-solving skills. While the course provides a deep understanding of genetic principles, some students noted its fast pace and high difficulty, suggesting it's best suited for those with a strong prior background in biology or biochemistry, as it builds directly on earlier material. A few reviews mentioned that the delivery can be dry or that some content felt a bit outdated, but the overall consensus points to a highly valuable and engaging learning experience for those prepared for its demands.

While some past reviews noted outdated elements, recent feedback highlights connection to modern research.

"Decent course but felt a bit outdated in some examples compared to current research. The videos were sometimes low resolution."

"The way they connect complex topics to real-world applications and modern research is brilliant."

"Asserting that biology is an active field that changes daily through examples of research and relevance to medicine..."

Problem sets are demanding but highly effective for applying concepts.

"The problem sets were challenging but crucial for understanding the concepts."

"The problem sets are gold! They force you to apply the knowledge rather than just memorize."

"The problem sets were tough, but fair, and really made me think."

Develops strong scientific thinking, experimental design, and data interpretation skills.

"I appreciate the emphasis on experimental design and data interpretation."

"The thought experiments and data analysis tasks were incredibly engaging and truly honed my scientific thinking."

"This course really taught me how to think like a scientist in genetics."

Provides a deep and challenging dive into fundamental genetic principles.

"Absolutely fantastic! This course deepened my understanding of genetics far beyond what I learned in undergrad."

"The depth and rigor are what you'd expect from MIT. It's demanding, but the reward is a solid understanding of genetic principles."

"A gem for aspiring geneticists! The content is dense but exceptionally well-structured."

Instructor delivery can vary, with some lectures being dry or less clear.

"The content is undoubtedly high quality, but the delivery can be dry at times."

"Good course, though sometimes the lecture quality varied between instructors. Prof. Hemann's parts were particularly clear."

"More visual aids or interactive elements would improve the experience."

Demands significant prior knowledge in biology/biochemistry and maintains a fast pace.

"The material assumes a strong prior knowledge of biochemistry, which wasn't fully clear from the description."

"I found this course incredibly difficult to follow. The explanations from Professor Reddien were often too advanced."

"Completely overwhelmed. This is not for beginners. The course description needs to be clearer about the prerequisite knowledge."

"The pace is quite fast, so be prepared to dedicate significant time."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Genetics: The Fundamentals with these activities:

Review Mendelian Genetics

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Recall the fundamentals of Mendelian genetics to provide a solid foundation for the course.

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Read about Gregor Mendel and his experiments with pea plants.
Summarize the key principles of Mendelian genetics, including dominance, segregation, and independent assortment.

Read 'Introduction to Genetic Analysis' by Griffiths et al.

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Supplement your course material with a comprehensive textbook that provides a broad overview of genetic principles.

View Introduction to Genetic Analysis on Amazon

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Read chapters covering the foundational concepts of genetics.
Review figures and diagrams to enhance your understanding.

Practice Punnett Squares

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Sharpen your skills in predicting inheritance patterns using Punnett squares.

Browse courses on Genetics

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Solve practice problems involving monohybrid and dihybrid crosses.

Five other activities

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Explore Pedigree Analysis

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Develop your ability to interpret and analyze pedigree charts to trace inheritance patterns.

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Review the symbols and conventions used in pedigrees.
Practice tracing inheritance patterns in sample pedigrees.

Join a Study Group

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Enhance your learning by collaborating with peers, discussing concepts, and working on problems together.

Browse courses on Genetics

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Find classmates with similar learning goals and schedules.
Set regular meeting times to discuss course material and assignments.

Design a Genetics Experiment

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Apply your understanding of genetic principles to design an experiment that tests a specific hypothesis.

Browse courses on Experimental Design

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Identify a research question and develop a testable hypothesis.
Choose appropriate experimental organisms and methods.
Predict the expected outcomes of your experiment.

Volunteer at a Genetics Lab

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Gain practical experience in genetic techniques and apply your knowledge in a real-world setting.

Browse courses on Genetics

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Research and identify genetics labs in your area.
Contact the lab and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Assist researchers with genetic experiments and data analysis.

Develop a Genetic Case Study Presentation

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Demonstrate your understanding of genetic principles by analyzing and presenting a real-world case study.

Browse courses on Genetics

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Select a genetic disorder or condition.
Research the genetics, symptoms, and treatment options.
Create a presentation that explains the genetic basis of the disorder.

Career center

Learners who complete Genetics: The Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Computational Geneticist

Computational Geneticists use computer science and genetic information to analyze and solve biological problems. In particular, these professionals evaluate genes and mutations in order to anticipate health risks. The course will help one become a Computational Geneticist by building on previous foundational knowledge in genetics and molecular biology, which is essential to the role. The course will provide opportunities to engage with scientific data from real experiments and to design experiments to test hypotheses, a fundamental part of being a Computational Geneticist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computational Geneticist

Genetic Counselor

Genetic Counselors assist individuals and families in understanding genetic conditions and making informed decisions about health management. The course provides the necessary fundamentals for a Genetic Counselor to understand and explain genetic principles, modes of inheritance, and human Mendelian traits, which form the foundation of the genetic counseling field. Counselors may provide guidance on inheritance patterns, risk assessment, and reproductive options.

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Bioinformatics Scientist

Bioinformatics Scientists use computer science, statistics, and biology to analyze and interpret biological data. The course will teach one who wants to be a Bioinformatics Scientist how to analyze data, interpret results, and develop hypotheses, all key skills in the field. In particular, the course's emphasis on data-based assessments and quantitative approaches aligns with the analysis-heavy nature of Bioinformatics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Bioinformatics Scientist

Medical Geneticist

Medical Geneticists diagnose, manage, and treat genetic disorders. The course provides a solid foundation for someone who desires to become a Medical Geneticist to understand human Mendelian traits, modes of inheritance, and genetic probabilities, which are fundamental to the study of genetic disorders. It also provides opportunities to analyze human genetic data, a vital skill in the diagnosis and management of these disorders.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists research new technologies and products to solve problems in a variety of industries. The course will help one become a Research Scientist by sharpening scientific thinking skills and helping one learn how to design and conduct experiments. Additionally, the course emphasis on real data will help equip a future Research Scientist to work with massive data sets.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians apply statistical principles and methods to the design, analysis, and interpretation of data in biological research. The course's emphasis on performing thought experiments and quantitative approaches to analyze data will provide a strong foundation for someone who wants to become a Biostatistician. This role often assists with the execution of clinical trials, and the course provides a useful introduction to those.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to a non-expert audience. The course will help people who want to become Science Writers learn how to articulate hypotheses and interpret data, which are essential skills for learning and explaining complex scientific information, The course will also introduce opportunities to design experiments, a useful skill for those who wish to deeply understand the scientific discoveries they will be writing about.

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Science Teacher

Science Teachers educate students in science disciplines, including genetics. The course will help Science Teachers develop their knowledge of genetics and stay updated on current research. It will also provide them with teaching strategies and resources to help students understand the fundamentals of genetics.

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Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientists analyze evidence from crime scenes to determine the facts of a case. The course may be useful for those who want to become Forensic Scientists, as it will teach them how to analyze and interpret data and present their findings clearly. Additionally, the emphasis on scientific thinking skills and hypothesis testing is directly applicable to the field of forensics.

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Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers apply engineering principles to solve problems in biology and medicine. The course may be useful for aspiring Biomedical Engineers by teaching them how to design and conduct experiments, perform thought experiments, and analyze data. Additionally, the course will provide a deeper understanding of the biological systems and processes that Biomedical Engineers often work with in practice.

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Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technicians conduct experiments and analyze data in a laboratory setting. The course will teach people who want to become Laboratory Technicians how to perform common laboratory techniques and analyze data. It will also strengthen their understanding of the fundamentals of genetics, which will allow them to contribute more effectively to research projects.

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Quality Control Analyst

Quality Control Analysts ensure that products and services meet quality standards. The course may be useful for people who want to become Quality Control Analysts by providing them with a strong foundation in scientific thinking and data analysis. Additionally, the emphasis on the scientific process will be directly applicable to the work of a Quality Control Analyst.

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Product Manager

Product Managers oversee the development and marketing of products. The course may be useful for those who want to become Product Managers in the biotechnology or healthcare industries by providing them with a deeper understanding of genetics and the scientific process.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze data and solve problems to improve business operations. The course may be useful for people who want to become Business Analysts by providing them with a strong foundation in data analysis and scientific thinking. Additionally, the course will introduce them to the scientific process and its applications in business.

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Sales Representative

Sales Representatives sell products or services to businesses or individuals. The course may be useful for people who want to become Sales Representatives in the biotechnology or healthcare industries by providing them with a deeper understanding of genetics and its applications.

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