Course Description

Dive deep into the fascinating world of genetics with this advanced-level course, the third installment in a comprehensive three-part series offered by MITx. Building upon the foundational concepts of biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology introduced in the 7.00x Introductory Biology MOOC, this course takes your understanding of genetics to new heights. Led by esteemed Professors Mary Gehring and Olivia Corradin, you'll explore the intricate details of genome content, employ quantitative methods for studying traits, and investigate the profound impact of genetics on population structures.

What Students Will Learn

• Apply genetics terminology accurately and appropriately
• Justify the use of specific sequencing methods for various genetic questions
• Interpret patterns and driving forces of genetic variation within and between human populations
• Analyze results from genome-wide association studies
• Use quantitative approaches to determine genetic features of different populations
• Explain the impact of genetic tools on human society
• Appreciate the applications of genetics in everyday life
• Develop scientific thinking skills, including hypothesis formulation, experimental design, and data interpretation

Prerequisites

Students should have a solid foundation in undergraduate-level introductory genetics and molecular biology. Completion of the 7.00x Introductory Biology course, as well as 7.03.1x Genetics and 7.03.2x Genetics (the first two parts of this series), is highly recommended.

Course Coverage

• Genomes and DNA Sequencing
• Population Genetics
• Genetics of Quantitative Traits
• Human Genetics
• Scientific thinking and experimental design
• Data interpretation based on real scientific experiments
• Current research and its relevance to medicine
• Unifying themes and principles in genetic research

Who This Course Is For

• Biology and life sciences students seeking to deepen their understanding of genetics
• Aspiring geneticists and molecular biologists
• Medical students interested in the genetic basis of diseases
• Researchers looking to enhance their knowledge of population genetics and human genetics
• Professionals in related fields seeking to update their genetics knowledge
• Anyone with a strong interest in genetics and its applications in modern science and medicine

Real-World Applications

• Conducting genetic research in academic or industrial settings
• Analyzing genetic data for medical diagnostics and personalized medicine
• Developing new genetic tools and technologies
• Contributing to conservation efforts through population genetics studies
• Assessing genetic risks in healthcare and genetic counseling
• Applying genetic principles in agriculture and animal breeding
• Participating in bioethical discussions surrounding genetic technologies
• Interpreting genetic studies for public health initiatives
• Developing genetic-based solutions for environmental challenges
• Advancing forensic science through DNA analysis techniques

Syllabus

1. Genomes and DNA Sequencing
   • Introduction to genome structure and organization
   • Modern DNA sequencing technologies
   • Genome assembly and annotation
2. Population Genetics
   • Genetic variation within and between populations
   • Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium
   • Factors affecting allele frequencies
3. Genetics of Quantitative Traits
   • Complex trait analysis
   • Heritability and genetic architecture
   • Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping
4. Human Genetics
   • Genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
   • Genetic basis of human diseases
   • Ethical considerations in human genetics research

Throughout the course, students will engage in scientific thinking exercises, data interpretation, and discussions on the latest research in genetics, ensuring a comprehensive and up-to-date learning experience.