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Genes and the Human Condition (From Behavior to Biotechnology)

Raymond J. St. Leger and Tammatha O'Brien

To acquire an understanding of the fundamental concepts of genomics and biotechnology, and their implications for human biology, evolution, medicine, social policy and individual life path choices in the 21st century.

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Suitable for acquiring foundational knowledge in genomics and biotechnology and their practical implications

Instructors have expertise in the field and contribute to the credibility of the course

Exploration of ethical, social, and personal implications widens the scope of learning beyond technical aspects

Presents insights into the impact of genomics and biotechnology on human biology and medicine

Examination of the role of genomics and biotechnology in shaping evolutionary understanding

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Reviews summary

Genetics for beginners

This introductory course is a great place to start for anyone interested in genetics and biotechnology, with easy-to-understand lectures that provide a comprehensive overview of the subject matter. While not highly rigorous, this course will pique your interest and provide ample opportunities for further exploration of topics that pique your interest. It is particularly suitable for people with little to no background in genetics.

Covers a wide range of topics, from behavior to biotechnology

"There's quite a bit of breadth in the topics covered..."

Perfect for those new to genetics

"It was perfect for people without much knowledge about genetics..."

Easy-to-understand and engaging instructors

"The instructors are great & engaging..."

Assessments focus on recall rather than critical thinking

"The quizzes are all recall based, so the course is not very rigorous..."

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 Genes and the Human Condition (From Behavior to Biotechnology) with these activities:

Create a tool collection for navigating databases

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Simplify and enhance the database navigation process.

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Identify the most commonly used tools for database navigation.
Gather resources and information about each tool.
Organize and categorize the tools.
Curate a list of tips and tricks for using the tools.
Share the collection with others.
Request feedback on the usefulness and comprehensiveness of the collection.

Solve practice problems on population genetics

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Strengthens problem-solving skills and deepens understanding of population genetics concepts through repetitive practice.

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Identify the relevant concepts and formulas.
Set up the problem and solve it step-by-step.
Check the answer and identify any errors.

Practice SQL queries with coding exercises

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Sharpen SQL query writing skills and improve coding proficiency.

Browse courses on SQL

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Find a platform or resource that provides SQL coding exercises.
Choose a set of exercises that align with your learning objectives.
Work through the exercises, focusing on understanding the syntax and logic.
Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement.

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Join a study group for database design

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Collaborate with peers to enhance database design skills.

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Find or create a study group with individuals interested in database design.
Set regular meeting times and establish a communication channel.
Discuss and work on database design projects together.
Provide feedback and support to group members.

Review "A Primer on Population Genetics"

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Provides a strong foundation in the principles of population genetics, which is essential for understanding the genetic basis of evolution and the role of genetic variation in human health and disease.

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Read the textbook chapters assigned for each lecture.
Take notes and highlight important concepts.
Complete the end-of-chapter questions.

Write a blog post summarizing the key concepts of a lecture

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Reinforces understanding of the material by actively recalling and explaining the key concepts in a different format.

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Identify the main points of the lecture.
Organize the points into a logical structure.
Write a clear and concise summary.
Proofread and edit the blog post.

Attend a workshop on advanced database troubleshooting

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Gain hands-on experience and insights into resolving complex database issues.

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Research and find a workshop on advanced database troubleshooting.
Register for the workshop and make necessary arrangements.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the sessions.
Take notes and ask questions to enhance understanding.

Create a presentation on the ethical implications of genetic testing

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Develops critical thinking skills and an understanding of the ethical considerations associated with genetic testing.

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Research the ethical implications of genetic testing.
Develop a clear and engaging presentation.
Practice delivering the presentation.
Present to the class or a small group.

Design and implement a simple genetic algorithm

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Develops practical skills in designing and implementing genetic algorithms, which are widely used in various fields, including optimization, machine learning, and bioinformatics.

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Choose a problem to solve using a genetic algorithm.
Design the representation of the solution and the fitness function.
Implement the selection, crossover, and mutation operators.
Run the genetic algorithm and analyze the results.

Contribute to an open-source project related to genomics

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Provides hands-on experience with real-world genomics data and contributes to the scientific community.

Browse courses on Genomics

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Identify an open-source project related to genomics.
Find a task or issue to work on.
Submit a pull request with your contribution.

Career center

Learners who complete Genes and the Human Condition (From Behavior to Biotechnology) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Genetic Counselor

A Genetic Counselor provides information and support to individuals and families affected by genetic conditions. They help people understand their genetic risks, make informed decisions about their health care, and cope with the emotional challenges of genetic conditions. This course would be very useful for a Genetic Counselor because it provides a comprehensive overview of genomics and biotechnology, which are essential for understanding genetic conditions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Genetic Counselor

Biostatistician

A Biostatistician applies statistical methods to answer questions in biology and medicine. They design studies, collect and analyze data, and interpret results. This course would be helpful for a Biostatistician because it provides a foundation in genomics and biotechnology, which are important areas of research in biology and medicine.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician

Medical Scientist

A Medical Scientist conducts research to improve human health. They work in a variety of settings, including academia, industry, and government. This course would be helpful for a Medical Scientist because it provides a foundation in genomics and biotechnology, which are important areas of research in medicine.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Scientist

Biomedical Engineer

A Biomedical Engineer designs and develops medical devices and technologies. They work in a variety of settings, including academia, industry, and government. This course would be helpful for a Biomedical Engineer because it provides a foundation in genomics and biotechnology, which are important areas of research and development in biomedical engineering.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

Physician

A Physician provides medical care to patients. They diagnose and treat diseases and injuries, and they prescribe medications and therapies. This course would be helpful for a Physician because it provides a foundation in genomics and biotechnology, which are increasingly being used to diagnose and treat diseases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician

Research Scientist

A Research Scientist conducts research to advance scientific knowledge. They work in a variety of fields, including biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. This course would be helpful for a Research Scientist because it provides a foundation in genomics and biotechnology, which are important areas of scientific research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Pharmacist

A Pharmacist dispenses medications and provides information about their use. They also work with physicians to develop and manage medication regimens. This course would be helpful for a Pharmacist because it provides a foundation in genomics and biotechnology, which are important for understanding the development and use of medications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacist

Healthcare Consultant

A Healthcare Consultant provides advice to healthcare organizations on how to improve their operations and achieve their goals. They work with hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers to develop and implement strategies for improving patient care, reducing costs, and increasing efficiency. This course would be helpful for a Healthcare Consultant because it provides a foundation in genomics and biotechnology, which are important areas of healthcare innovation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Consultant

Venture Capitalist

A Venture Capitalist invests in early-stage companies with high growth potential. They provide funding and guidance to help these companies succeed. This course would be helpful for a Venture Capitalist because it provides a foundation in genomics and biotechnology, which are important areas of investment in the venture capital industry.

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Science Policy Analyst

A Science Policy Analyst provides advice to policymakers on scientific and technical issues. They help policymakers understand the implications of scientific research and develop policies that promote scientific progress and protect public health and safety. This course would be helpful for a Science Policy Analyst because it provides a foundation in genomics and biotechnology, which are important areas of science policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Policy Analyst

Teacher

A Teacher teaches students at all levels, from elementary school to college. They develop lesson plans, teach classes, and assess student learning. This course would be helpful for a Teacher because it provides a foundation in genomics and biotechnology, which are important areas of science education.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Environmental Scientist

An Environmental Scientist studies the environment and its interactions with humans. They develop and implement strategies for protecting the environment and human health. This course would be helpful for an Environmental Scientist because it provides a foundation in genomics and biotechnology, which are important areas of environmental science research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Science Writer

A Science Writer communicates scientific information to the public. They write articles, books, and other materials that explain complex scientific concepts in a clear and engaging way. This course would be helpful for a Science Writer because it provides a foundation in genomics and biotechnology, which are important areas of scientific research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Patent Attorney

A Patent Attorney helps inventors obtain patents for their inventions. They draft patent applications, prosecute them before the Patent Office, and litigate patent disputes. This course would be helpful for a Patent Attorney because it provides a foundation in genomics and biotechnology, which are important areas of patent law.

See salaries and explore the career path for Patent Attorney

Forensic Scientist

A Forensic Scientist applies scientific methods to investigate crimes. They collect and analyze evidence, and they provide expert testimony in court. This course would be helpful for a Forensic Scientist because it provides a foundation in genomics and biotechnology, which are important areas of forensic science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Scientist

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Genes and the Human Condition (From Behavior to Biotechnology).

Introduction to Bioinformatics

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Introductory text that covers both the basic tools of the genomics field and the actual applications of genomics. Suitable as either a textbook or a reference.

Genes and the Human Condition (From Behavior to Biotechnology)

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Reviews summary

Genetics for beginners

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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