Genetics: Analysis and Applications from edX

This is the second 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. What are different types of genetic changes? How do nature and scientists create these genetic variations? How do we design and perform analyses to identify the genetic basis of a trait or disease?

Professors Peter Reddien and Mary Gehring will challenge you to expand your understanding of genetics. You will study the variety of genetic changes, different approaches to genetic analyses, and the impact of genetics on development and behavior.

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 analyze the location and type of mutation or chromosomal change.
How to find or create mutants of interest.
How to explain the impact of genetics on development and behavior.

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 analyze the location and type of mutation or chromosomal change.
How to find or create mutants of interest.
How to explain the impact of genetics on development and behavior.

Syllabus

Studying the Genome

Understanding Genetic Variation

Editing the Genome

Applications of Edited Genomes

Regulatory Pathways

Insights Using Genetic Tools

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores topics that medical researchers, geneticists, and healthcare workers might utilize in their work

Explores applications of edited genomes, regulatory pathways, and genetic tools, which are core to medical research

Builds on knowledge from previous genetics courses

Instructors are professors recognized for their work in genetics

Includes real scientific experiments and highlights the scientific process

Teaches fundamentals of genetics, such as terminology, mutations, and genetic variation

Reviews summary

Highly praised genetic studies

According to students who reviewed the course, learners say this highly praised course in genetic studies provides an in-depth overview of genetic analysis and tool applications. Additionally, students found the quality of the materials, well-structured lectures, and knowledgeable instructors make the complex concepts easy to understand.

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: Analysis and Applications with these activities:

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

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of genetic principles and their applications by reading this foundational genetics textbook.

View Introduction to Genetic Analysis on Amazon

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Read the assigned chapters and take notes
Complete the end-of-chapter questions to test your understanding

Solve practice problems on genetic inheritance

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Sharpen your problem-solving skills by practicing genetic inheritance problems.

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks
Solve the problems independently
Check your answers and identify areas where you need improvement

Develop a concept map of genetic concepts

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Create a visual representation of the relationships between key concepts in genetics to enhance your understanding and retention.

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Identify the main concepts covered in the course
Draw a diagram that connects these concepts
Use arrows and labels to indicate the relationships between concepts

One other activity

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all four activities

Attend a workshop on genetic counseling

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Learn about the role of genetic counselors and gain insights into real-world applications of genetics.

Browse courses on Genetic Counseling

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Find a workshop or seminar on genetic counseling
Attend the event and actively participate in discussions

Career center

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

Genome Scientist

A Genome Scientist studies the structure and function of genomes. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it covers topics such as regulatory pathways and insights using genetic tools.

See salaries and explore the career path for Genome Scientist

Genetic Counselor

A Genetic Counselor provides information and support to individuals and families affected by genetic disorders. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it covers topics such as studying the genome and understanding genetic variation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Genetic Counselor

Biostatistician

A Biostatistician uses statistical methods to analyze biological data. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it covers topics such as analyzing genetic data and understanding genetic variation.

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Molecular Biologist

A Molecular Biologist studies the structure and function of molecules, particularly those involved in biological processes. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it covers topics such as editing the genome and applications of edited genomes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Molecular Biologist

Bioinformatics Scientist

A Bioinformatics Scientist studies biological data using tools from computer science, mathematics, and statistics. This course may be particularly useful for someone in this role because it covers topics such as analyzing genetic data and understanding genetic variation.

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Microbiologist

A Microbiologist studies microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it covers topics such as studying the genome and understanding genetic variation.

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Computational Biologist

A Computational Biologist designs, implements, and tests computational tools and approaches for analyzing and interpreting biological data. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it covers topics such as editing the genome and applications of edited genomes.

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Research Scientist

A Research Scientist conducts scientific research in a variety of fields, including biology, chemistry, and physics. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it covers topics such as studying the genome and understanding genetic variation.

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Forensic Scientist

A Forensic Scientist analyzes evidence in criminal cases using scientific methods. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it covers topics such as analyzing genetic variation and understanding the impact of genetics on development and behavior.

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Epidemiologist

An Epidemiologist studies the distribution and patterns of health and disease in populations. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it covers topics such as understanding genetic variation and analyzing the location and type of mutation or chromosomal change.

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Veterinarian

A Veterinarian treats and prevents diseases and injuries in animals. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it covers topics such as understanding genetic variation and analyzing the location and type of mutation or chromosomal change.

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Pharmaceutical Scientist

A Pharmaceutical Scientist develops and tests drugs and other medical products. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it covers topics such as understanding genetic variation and analyzing the location and type of mutation or chromosomal change.

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Science Writer

A Science Writer communicates scientific information to the public. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it provides an overview of genetics and its applications to everyday life.

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Science Policy Analyst

A Science Policy Analyst advises policymakers on the implications of scientific research. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it provides an overview of genetics and its applications to everyday life.

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Teacher

A Teacher teaches students in a variety of subjects, including science, math, and English. This course may be useful for someone in this role because it provides an overview of genetics and its applications to everyday life.

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