In this course, you will examine how genetic information is studied across genomes, cancer, quantitative traits, populations, and evolutionary lineages.

Drawing on trusted content from genetics experts, including Benjamin A. Pierce, author of Genetics Essentials, published by Macmillan Learning, you will compare structural, functional, and comparative genomics and explore how proteomics extends analysis from genes to the proteins produced in cells. You will then study cancer as a genetic disease, focusing on altered cell proliferation, mutations in cancer-related genes, chromosomal changes, and the role of viruses in some cancers. You will also use quantitative-genetic concepts to interpret polygenic traits, statistical variation, heritability, and response to selection. The final part of the course explores population and evolutionary genetics through genotypic and allelic frequencies, Hardy-Weinberg reasoning, evolutionary forces, reproductive isolation, phylogenetic evidence, and molecular change. Through readings, dialogues, concept checks, and graded assignments, you will apply genetic reasoning across these topics and connect core concepts with the evidence scientists use to understand biological variation. This course is part of the Genetics Essentials Specialization but can also be taken independently.