About this course: To acquire an understanding of the fundamental concepts of genomics and biotechnology, and their implications for human biology, evolution, medicine, social policy and individual life path choices in the 21st century.
Created by: University of Maryland, College Park
Taught by: Raymond J. St. Leger, Professor
Department of EntomologyTaught by: Tammatha O'Brien, Lecturer
Department of Entomology
| Commitment | 10-15 hours of videos and assessments |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Introduction to Genetics
Module One provides a foundational overview of genetics tools and principles.
6 videos, 1 reading
- Video: Gene Expression
- Video: Mutations
- Video: Sexual Reproduction
- Video: Neuotransmitters and Hormones
- Video: Comparative and Developmental Genomics
- Reading: Week 1 Supplemental Information
Graded: One
WEEK 2
Know Thy Ancestors
Module Two explores the field of comparative genomics and traces our emergence as a species.
7 videos, 1 reading
- Video: Paedomorphism
- Video: Human Accelerated Regions
- Video: Why We Cook
- Video: The Neanderthal Genome
- Video: Where Have All the Neanderthals Gone?
- Video: Recent Human Evolution
- Reading: Week 2 Supplemental Information
Graded: Two
WEEK 3
My Genes Made Me Do It
Module Three examines the role genes play in our behavior.
6 videos, 1 reading
- Video: Twins In Genetics
- Video: Nature Via Nurture
- Video: Philandering Voles
- Video: Serotonin
- Video: Domestication
- Reading: Week 3 Supplemental Information
Graded: Three
WEEK 4
Midterm Exam
Midterm covering material in Module One through Module Three.
Graded: Midterm
WEEK 5
My Genes Didn't Make Me Do It
Module Four considers our genes, epigenetics and our environment and how they impact our lives.
6 videos, 1 reading
- Video: Cortisol
- Video: Genomic Imprinting
- Video: Methyation Matters
- Video: To Lick or Not to Lick
- Video: Epigenetics and You
- Reading: Week 4 Supplemental Information
Graded: Four
WEEK 6
An Introduction to Genetic Engineering and Learning the Lingo
Module Five introduces the world of genetic engineering concepts and biotechnology.
5 videos, 1 reading
- Video: Pharm Animals
- Video: Law and Genetics
- Video: The Genetics of Cancer
- Video: Treating Cancer
- Reading: Week 5 Supplemental Information
Graded: Five
WEEK 7
The Future is Now
Module Six discusses the history of biotechnology, its role in our lives today, and its prospects for the future.
7 videos, 1 reading
- Video: Spider Goats
- Video: Transgenic Salmon
- Video: Golden Rice
- Video: Synthetic Biology
- Video: Bio-Hacking
- Video: Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis
- Reading: Week 6 Supplemental Information
Graded: Six
WEEK 8
Final Exam
Final Exam covering material in Module Four through Module Six.
Graded: Final Exam
FAQs
How It Works
Trabajo del curso
Cada curso es como un libro de texto interactivo, con videos pregrabados, cuestionarios y proyectos.
Ayuda de tus compañeros
Conéctate con miles de estudiantes y debate ideas y materiales del curso, y obtén ayuda para dominar los conceptos.
Certificados
Obtén reconocimiento oficial por tu trabajo y comparte tu éxito con amigos, compañeros y empleadores.
Creators
University of Maryland, College Park
The University of Maryland is the state's flagship university and one of the nation's preeminent public research universities. A global leader in research, entrepreneurship and innovation, the university is home to more than 37,000 students, 9,000 faculty and staff, and 250 academic programs. Its faculty includes three Nobel laureates, three Pulitzer Prize winners, 47 members of the national academies and scores of Fulbright scholars. The institution has a $1.8 billion operating budget, secures $500 million annually in external research funding and recently completed a $1 billion fundraising campaign.
Pricing
| Purchase Course | |
|---|---|
| Access to course materials | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Available |
Ratings and Reviews
Interesting but should be more informative
This course is a very well versed course. It has helped me to understand from basic to the higher levels of biotechnological sciences. The professors in this course Prof. Leger and Prof. Brien have worked very meticulously each detail of the course material. The mentors like Denise Ma'am has also promptly cleared any difficulty or doubts we had by giving substantial information links. I will highly recommend this course who are willing to go for career in biological or understand biological sciences at genetic level. This course essentially covers behavioral sciences which is linked with many genetic shifts and environmental influences. Having said that Profs explain things pretty easily so that who are from non scientific background they could also enjoy. It is fun , witty and interesting. I enjoyed it :)
Quality of the video is not very good and the course is beginning to feel dated ("by 2016 it is predicted that...). Otherwise, this is a wide-ranging and highly enjoyable course. Thank you!
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its very informative for me.. just amazing