Genetics: Population Genetics and Human Traits from edX

This is the third genetics course in a three-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 determine the content of genomes? What can allele frequencies tell us about the genetics of different populations? And why does this matter to human society?

Professors Mary Gehring and Olivia Corradin will challenge you to expand your understanding of genetics. You will study the content of genomes, quantitative methods for studying traits, and the impact of genetics on population structures.

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.
Demonstrating 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 you'll learn

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 sequencing methods for answering genetic questions.
How to interpret the patterns and driving forces of genetic variation within and between human populations.
How to analyze results from genome-wide association studies.
How to use a quantitative approach to determine genetic features of different populations.
How to explain the impact of genetic tools on human society.

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 sequencing methods for answering genetic questions.
How to interpret the patterns and driving forces of genetic variation within and between human populations.

How to analyze results from genome-wide association studies.
How to use a quantitative approach to determine genetic features of different populations.
How to explain the impact of genetic tools on human society.

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 sequencing methods for answering genetic questions.
How to interpret the patterns and driving forces of genetic variation within and between human populations.
How to analyze results from genome-wide association studies.
How to use a quantitative approach to determine genetic features of different populations.
How to explain the impact of genetic tools on human society.

Syllabus

Genomes and DNA Sequencing

Population Genetics

Genetics of Quantitative Traits

Human Genetics

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches content of genomes, quantitative methods, and genetics impact on population structures

Emphasizes scientific thinking skills development, such as designing experiments and interpreting data

Incorporates real-world examples and research to demonstrate genetics as an active field

Provides a scientific approach to studying genetic variation within and between human populations

Covers a range of topics, including genome sequencing, population genetics, and human genetics

Requires a basic understanding of genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry

Career center

Learners who complete Genetics: Population Genetics and Human Traits will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientists are responsible for using scientific methods to analyze evidence from crime scenes, including DNA analysis. They use their knowledge of DNA sequencing, population genetics, and human genetics to interpret genetic data and provide expert testimony in court. This Genetics course would be very useful for those aspiring to be Forensic Scientists as it explores the content of genomes, quantitative methods for studying traits, and the impact of genetics on population structures, providing a solid foundation for understanding the principles of DNA analysis and forensic genetics.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists in the field of genetics are responsible for conducting research into the genetic basis of human traits and diseases. This Genetics course would be very useful for those aspiring to be Research Scientists as it explores the content of genomes, quantitative methods for studying traits, and the impact of genetics on population structures. The course also introduces students to the latest genetic tools and technologies, providing a solid foundation for conducting genetic research.

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Medical Geneticist

Medical Geneticists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and management of genetic disorders. This Genetics course would be very useful for those aspiring to be Medical Geneticists as it explores the content of genomes, quantitative methods for studying traits, and the impact of genetics on population structures, providing a solid foundation for understanding the principles of medical genetics.

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Bioinformatics Analyst

Bioinformatics Analysts use computational tools to analyze large datasets of genetic information. This Genetics course would be very useful for those aspiring to be Bioinformatics Analysts as it explores the content of genomes, quantitative methods for studying traits, and the impact of genetics on population structures. The course also introduces students to the latest genetic tools and technologies, providing a solid foundation for conducting bioinformatics analysis.

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Genetic Technologist

Genetic Technologists assist with the analysis of genetic material, under the supervision of a geneticist. They also perform laboratory tests to detect mutations that may be responsible for genetic disorders. This Genetics course would be very useful for those aspiring to be Genetic Technologists as it explores the content of genomes, quantitative methods for studying traits, and the impact of genetics on population structures. This course will also assist candidates in understanding the patterns and driving forces of genetic variation within and between human populations.

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Genetic Counselor

Genetic Counselors have a central role in medicine, working with patients with or at risk for genetic disorders to determine whether they wish to undergo genetic testing, interpreting the results of DNA tests, and providing genetic counseling to help them understand the results. They may also order or perform laboratory tests to detect inherited conditions, and counsel for lifestyle changes or medical interventions to reduce genetic risks. This Genetics course explores the content of genomes, quantitative methods for studying traits, and the impact of genetics on population structures. It is particularly helpful for gaining an understanding of population genetics and genetic variation within and between human populations. This would be useful for Genetic Counselors who wish to learn more about applying population genetics to the field of genetic counseling.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians apply statistical methods to biological data to solve research questions in the biomedical sciences. This Genetics course would be helpful for Biostatisticians who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the genetic basis of human traits and diseases, as well as the statistical methods used to analyze genetic data.

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Genetic Counselor Assistant

Genetic Counselor Assistants provide administrative and technical support to Genetic Counselors. This Genetics course would be useful for those aspiring to be Genetic Counselor Assistants who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the genetic basis of human traits and diseases, as well as the role of Genetic Counselors in patient care.

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Science Teacher

Science Teachers are responsible for teaching science to students at various levels of education. This Genetics course would be useful for those aspiring to be Science Teachers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of genetics, particularly in the field of population genetics and human traits. The course also emphasizes the importance of scientific thinking skills, which is essential for Science Teachers.

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Clinical Research Coordinator

Clinical Research Coordinators assist with the design, implementation, and management of clinical trials. This Genetics course would be useful for those aspiring to be Clinical Research Coordinators who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the genetic basis of human traits and diseases, as well as the clinical research process.

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Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technicians perform tests and experiments in laboratories, using specialized equipment and techniques to analyze samples and collect data. This Genetics course would be useful for those aspiring to be Laboratory Technicians who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the genetic basis of human traits and diseases, as well as the laboratory techniques used to analyze genetic data.

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Science Writer

Science Writers are responsible for translating complex scientific information into clear and accessible language for the general public. This Genetics course would be useful for those aspiring to be Science Writers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of genetics, particularly in the field of population genetics and human traits. The course also emphasizes the importance of communicating science effectively, which is essential for Science Writers.

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Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants are responsible for providing medical care to patients, under the supervision of a physician. This Genetics course would be useful for those aspiring to be Physician Assistants who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the genetic basis of human traits and diseases, as well as the impact of genetics on patient care.

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Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers apply engineering principles to solve problems in the medical field. This Genetics course would be useful for those aspiring to be Biomedical Engineers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the genetic basis of human traits and diseases, as well as the engineering tools and technologies used to develop new medical treatments and devices.

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Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts are responsible for analyzing and developing policies that affect the health of individuals and populations. This Genetics course would be useful for those aspiring to be Health Policy Analysts who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the genetic basis of human traits and diseases, as well as the impact of genetics on health policy.

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