Course Description

Embark on an advanced journey into the fascinating world of genetics with this comprehensive course from MITx. As the first installment in a multi-part genetics series, this course builds upon foundational concepts from biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology, taking your understanding to new heights. Led by esteemed Professors Michael Hemann and Peter Reddien, you'll delve deep into the intricacies of heredity, experimental design, and the latest advancements in genetic research.

What Students Will Learn

• Appreciate the real-world applications of genetics in everyday life
• Master genetics terminology and apply it accurately to complex concepts
• Justify the use of specific techniques and methods for various genetic inquiries
• Design sophisticated genetic crosses to draw conclusions about genotypes, inheritance modes, and linkage
• Utilize quantitative approaches to determine genetic probabilities and calculate genetic distances

Prerequisites

This advanced-level course requires a solid foundation in undergraduate introductory genetics and molecular biology. Students should have completed a course similar to the 7.00x Introductory Biology MOOC or possess equivalent knowledge.

Course Coverage

• Foundations of genetics and heredity
• Scientific thinking and experimental design in genetics
• Analysis of inheritance patterns and pedigrees
• Recombination and linkage concepts
• Tools for analyzing genetic linkage
• Study of human Mendelian traits
• Application of quantitative methods in genetics
• Interpretation of data from real scientific experiments
• Current trends and advancements in genetic research

Target Audience

This genetics course is ideal for advanced students, researchers, and professionals in biology and related fields who wish to deepen their understanding of genetics. It's perfect for those who want to enhance their scientific thinking skills, learn to design and interpret genetic experiments, and gain insights into cutting-edge genetic research methodologies.

Real-World Applications

The skills acquired in this course have wide-ranging applications in various fields:

• Medical research: Understanding hereditary diseases and developing targeted therapies
• Agricultural science: Improving crop yields and resistance through genetic engineering
• Forensic science: Analyzing DNA evidence in criminal investigations
• Biotechnology: Developing new products and technologies based on genetic manipulation
• Conservation biology: Studying genetic diversity in endangered species populations
• Personalized medicine: Tailoring treatments based on individual genetic profiles
• Genetic counseling: Advising individuals and families about genetic risks and inheritance patterns

Syllabus

1. Introduction to Genetics
2. Mendelian Genetics
3. Inheritance Patterns and Pedigrees
4. Recombination and Linkage
5. Tools for Analyzing Linkage
6. Analyzing Human Mendelian Traits

Course Overview

This genetics course offers a unique opportunity to develop critical research skills, master complex genetics concepts, and gain hands-on experience with genetic analysis techniques. By emphasizing scientific thinking skills and the latest advancements in genetic research, this MITx course prepares students for real-world applications in biology, life sciences, and related fields. Whether you're aiming to contribute to groundbreaking heredity studies, unravel the mysteries of hereditable diseases, or design sophisticated genetic experiments, this course provides the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving field of genetics.