Genomics for Law from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Genomics for Law

In this module, you will review what genomics is and discuss the relationship of genomics to the law. You will review the basic structure and function of the genome, the vocabulary used to describe its components, and understand how technology has and will continue to influence genomics, as well as how genomics is used in a variety of fields including healthcare, food security, energy, and law.

Genomics and Criminal Law

In this module, you will discuss the relationship of genomics to criminal law, how genetic evidence and genomic defenses currently operate in the criminal justice system and explore how fully allowing genetic evidence and genomic defenses might improve or harm criminal law. You will understand how criminal law might or might not recognize genomics as a defense, review types of changes needed in criminal law to accommodate genetic evidence, and examine how changes in the criminal law, to accommodate genetic evidence and defenses, could impact criminal law.

Genomics and Criminal Procedure

In this module, you will explore how private individuals' genomes are in a criminal law context, how DNA is examined and processed in criminal investigations, and examine under what circumstances individuals' genomes are protected from access by the government in a criminal law context. You will also recognize under which circumstances the government has an interest in individuals' genomes in a criminal law context and review the basics of the CODIS STRs (Combined DNA Indexing System).

Forensic Genomics

In this module, you will learn about how genomics is used to estimate ancestry and predict physical appearance or traits in criminal investigations, and review the current evidentiary standards for utilizing genetic evidence. You will also examine the scientific viability of using genomics to estimate phenotypic traits, understand the accuracy of genetic estimates for ancestry and phenotypic traits, review the current evidentiary standards under Frye and Daubert, and identify the best methods to utilize genomics evidence under current legal evidentiary standards.

Intellectual Property

In this module, you will review the history, economic, and legal reasoning behind intellectual property protection. You will then examine the basic requirements to obtain a patent, and identify which types of biological materials or processes are patent eligible using current case law. Additionally, comparative intellectual property legal regimes will be introduced.

Genomics and Tort Law

In this module, you will explore issues related to genomics that arise in Tort Law. You will examine some of the issues that can arise against medical practitioners as well as explore the implications of genomics in toxic tort cases.

Genomics and Privacy Law

In this module, you will investigate the major issues related to privacy and genomics and how the privacy of genomic information is regulated as well as the interactions between major genomic privacy regulations. You will also examine the penalties for violation of genomic privacy regulations.

Legal and Ethical Issues in Genomics

In this module, you will consider some of the legal and ethical questions that have arisen in genomics research and the legal requirements of informed consent. You will also review major court decisions involving genomics research, treatment, and informed consent, examine the legal evolution and current requirements of informed consent, and explore the legal and ethical quandaries in genomics and its research.

Final Assessment

Complete the final assessment to pass the course and receive a Course Certificate. Anyone who is taking this course as a general Coursera learner (not for CLE credit) should complete the Course Content Quiz. Lawyers taking this course for continued legal education (CLE) credit MUST complete the Course Evaluation Form.

How Was the Course?

Optionally, please complete the end of course survey.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Useful for legal professionals who want to understand the intersection of law and genomics, especially in criminal law

Provides a comprehensive overview of the legal and ethical implications of genomics research and its applications in various legal fields

Taught by experienced legal professionals who actively engage in genomics-related legal practice and research

Covers a wide range of topics, including criminal law, forensic genomics, intellectual property, tort law, privacy law, and ethical issues in genomics

Can help learners stay up-to-date with the rapidly evolving field of genomics and its legal implications

May require some prior knowledge of legal concepts and principles

Reviews summary

Genomics and the law

According to students, Genomics for Law is a well-received course with engaging assignments led by excellent professors. The course offers difficult exams and focuses primarily on law and genomics in the United States. Students express high satisfaction with the content and depth of the material covered. While some students find the course to be too broad, most agree that it is an informative and useful learning experience.

Excellent professors and in-depth lectures.

"Excellent ptrefessorrs and lecturers!!"

"Professors are very well prepared and involve students to learn and search answers for lots of opened questions."

"His communication and explaination was exceptional."

Some students find it to be too broad.

"I could not relate it with genomics that much .so it would be better if it was a 5 or 6 week course."

Focuses primarily on US law.

"It´s more apliable for them who live in the USA, but, because the law sistem, but i´m from Brazil and could learn a lot of interesting information"

Difficult exams.

"difficult exams"

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 Genomics for Law with these activities:

Review 'Concepts of Genetics' by Klug, Cummings, Spencer, Palladino

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Review the foundational concepts and principles of genetics to strengthen your understanding.

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Read the book or specific chapters assigned for review.
Take notes on key concepts, definitions, and examples.
Summarize the main arguments and theories presented in each chapter.

Review the basics of Criminal Law and Procedure

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Review prior knowledge of criminal law and procedure to prepare for the course material and to facilitate better understanding

Browse courses on Criminal Law

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Review course syllabus and materials to identify key concepts
Read textbooks and articles summarizing the basic principles of criminal law and procedure
Complete practice questions or exercises to test understanding

Review fundamental principles of biology

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Review the basics of biology to strengthen your foundation for understanding genomics.

Browse courses on Biology

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Read textbooks or online resources on biology
Attend a refresher course or workshop on biology
Take practice quizzes or mock exams on biology topics

Nine other activities

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Show all 12 activities

Organize Course Resources and Notes

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Enhance your ability to access and review course materials efficiently, promoting better retention and understanding.

Browse courses on Organization

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Review all lecture notes, readings, and assignments.
Create a system for organizing materials (e.g., folders, digital storage, etc.).
Regularly review and update your organized materials.

Solve Codis STRs Practice Problems

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Sharpen your understanding of CODIS STRs and refine your ability to interpret genetic data.

Browse courses on DNA Analysis

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Find practice problems or online resources that focus on CODIS STRs.
Solve the practice problems, paying attention to the underlying principles.
Review your answers and identify areas where you need improvement.

Follow tutorials on using DNA in criminal investigations

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Deepen understanding of how DNA is used in criminal investigations, including extraction, analysis, and interpretation

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Identify reputable sources for tutorials on forensic genomics
Follow tutorials and practice exercises to gain hands-on experience
Review case studies to understand real-world applications

Explore Online Tutorials on Intellectual Property Law

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Expand your knowledge of intellectual property law, particularly in the context of biotechnology, to enhance your understanding.

Browse courses on Intellectual Property Law

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Identify online platforms or resources that offer tutorials on intellectual property law.
Select tutorials that are relevant to the topics covered in this course.
Follow the tutorials, taking notes and actively engaging with the material.

Create a Genetic Case Study

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Apply your understanding of genomics to a real-world scenario, developing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Browse courses on Genetics

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Select a legal case that involves genetic evidence or issues.
Research the scientific and legal aspects of the case.
Analyze the genetic evidence and its implications for the case.
Write a report summarizing your findings and offering your expert opinion.

Create a presentation on the ethical implications of using genomic information in law enforcement

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Develop a comprehensive understanding of the ethical considerations surrounding the use of genomic information in criminal justice

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Research the ethical, legal, and social implications of using genomic information in law enforcement
Identify and analyze key ethical issues
Develop a presentation outline and gather supporting evidence
Create the presentation using visuals and clear language

Develop a Presentation on Forensic Genomics

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Enhance your understanding of forensic genomics by researching and presenting on its applications in legal settings.

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Research the use of genomics in criminal investigations and trials.
Identify specific case studies where genomics played a significant role.
Develop a presentation outline covering the scientific principles, legal implications, and ethical considerations of forensic genomics.
Create visual aids and supporting materials to enhance your presentation.
Deliver your presentation to an audience, such as classmates or a community group.

Attend a Genomics Conference or Symposium

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Expand your professional network, connect with experts in the field, and gain insights into the latest advancements in genomics.

Browse courses on Networking

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Research upcoming genomics conferences or symposiums.
Attend the conference or symposium and actively participate in discussions.
Connect with other attendees, exchange ideas, and gather insights.

Write a Legal Memorandum on Ethical Considerations in Genomics Research

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Develop your legal writing skills and critical thinking abilities by exploring the ethical dimensions of genomics research.

Browse courses on Ethical Considerations

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Research ethical issues and relevant laws surrounding genomics research.
Outline the legal and ethical considerations that should be addressed.
Draft the legal memorandum, clearly presenting your analysis and recommendations.

Career center

Learners who complete Genomics for Law will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Bioethicist

Bioethicists analyze the ethical implications of biological research and its applications. This course considers some of the legal and ethical questions that have arisen in genomics research, as well as the legal requirements of informed consent, which would be helpful for Bioethicists who need to understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding genomics research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Bioethicist

Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientists analyze and interpret physical evidence to help solve crimes. This course covers the use of genomics in forensic investigations, including how to estimate ancestry and predict physical appearance or traits, which may be helpful for Forensic Scientists who need to understand the scientific viability and evidentiary standards for utilizing genomics evidence.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Scientist

Genetic Counselor

Genetic Counselors help individuals and families understand and manage the risks and benefits of genetic testing. This course reviews the legal and ethical issues in genomics, as well as the legal requirements of informed consent, which would be helpful for Genetic Counselors who need to understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding genomics research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Genetic Counselor

Privacy Attorney

Privacy Attorneys help clients protect their personal information and privacy rights. This course explores the major issues related to privacy and genomics, as well as how the privacy of genomic information is regulated, which would be helpful for Privacy Attorneys who need to understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding genomics research.

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Healthcare Policy Analyst

Healthcare Policy Analysts develop and analyze healthcare policies to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services. This course provides a framework to review the history and basics of genomics research, as well as explore how genomics has, and will continue to, interact with the law, which may be useful for Healthcare Policy Analysts who need to understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding genomics research and its applications in healthcare.

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Legal Researcher

Legal Researchers help lawyers and other legal professionals with research and analysis of legal issues. This course provides a framework to review the history and basics of genomics research, as well as explore how genomics has, and will continue to, interact with the law, which may be useful for Legal Researchers who need to understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding genomics research.

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Patent Attorney

Patent Attorneys help clients obtain and protect intellectual property rights for their inventions. This course reviews the history, economic, and legal reasoning behind intellectual property protection, as well as the basic requirements to obtain a patent, which may be helpful for Patent Attorneys who need to understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding genomics research and its applications in the legal field.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific information to the public. This course provides a framework to review the history and basics of genomics research, as well as explore how genomics has, and will continue to, interact with the law, which may be useful for Science Writers who need to understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding genomics research.

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Paralegal

Paralegals assist lawyers with a variety of legal tasks, including research, drafting legal documents, and managing case files. This course provides a framework to review the history and basics of genomics research, as well as explore how genomics has, and will continue to, interact with the law, which may be useful for Paralegals who need to understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding genomics research.

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Risk Manager

Risk Managers help organizations identify, assess, and mitigate risks. This course provides a framework to review the history and basics of genomics research, as well as explore how genomics has, and will continue to, interact with the law, which may be useful for Risk Managers who need to understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding genomics research.

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Law Clerk

Law Clerks help judges and attorneys by performing various legal tasks, including research, drafting legal documents, and managing case files. This course provides a framework to review the history, basics, and implications of genomics research, which may be useful for Law Clerks who need to understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding genomics research and its applications in the legal field.

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Biostatistician

Biostatisticians use statistical methods to analyze biological data. This course may provide a useful foundation for Biostatisticians who need to understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding genomics research and its applications in the field of biostatistics.

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Bioinformatician

Bioinformaticians use computer science and mathematics to analyze biological data. This course may provide a useful foundation for Bioinformaticians who need to understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding genomics research and its applications in the field of bioinformatics.

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Toxicologist

Toxicologists study the effects of harmful substances on humans and the environment. This course may provide a useful foundation for toxicologists who need to understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding genomics research and its applications in the field of toxicology.

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Medical Ethicist

Medical Ethicists analyze the ethical implications of medical research and practices. This course may provide a useful foundation for Medical Ethicists who need to understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding genomics research and its applications in the field of medicine.

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