Build a foundation in genetics by examining how DNA stores genetic information, how it is transmitted, and how it influences traits.. Drawing on trusted content from genetics experts, including Benjamin A. Pierce, author of Genetics Essentials published by Macmillan Learning, the course explores the role of genetics in biology and society, genetic organization in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and chromosome behavior during mitosis and meiosis.

You will use Mendel’s principles of segregation, dominance, and independent assortment to interpret monohybrid and dihybrid crosses, apply probability and chi-square reasoning to genetic data, and analyze pedigrees. The course also extends beyond basic Mendelian patterns to explore sex determination, sex-linked inheritance, multiple alleles, gene interactions, sex-influenced traits, and environmental effects on phenotype. Through videos, readings, dialogues, concept checks, graded assignments, and flashcards, you will practice explaining inheritance patterns, evaluating genetic hypotheses, and connecting genotype to phenotype. Historical examples and human genetics cases show how scientists use evidence to study heredity. By the end, you will be able to reason across foundational and modified inheritance patterns using core genetics concepts and evidence. This course is part of the Genetics Essentials Specialization, but can also be taken independently.