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 Entomology
Taught 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: The Central Dogma
- 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: The Human Genome
- 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: Genome-Wide Association Studies
- 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: Epidemiology
- 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: Transgenic Bacteria and Plants
- 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: Early Transgenic Technologies
- 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
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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
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| Access to course materials | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Available |
Ratings and Reviews
Thank you so much, it was very helpful course
It is a really amazing course, got updated with a lot of new things and happenings around the world. Had a glance of how future is going to be with improvements in biotech. Biotech has a very good scope in the new world for which creative thinking in all angles is needed.
I enjoyed taking this course it's simple, informative and I've learn a lot about genetics, evolution and even synthetic biology. I really liked all the lectures and all the readings and videos they recommended, they are very informative and useful so you can really have a good insight in the subjects in discussion. Really enjoyed it! Thanks you!
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The course has been very helpful in opening up "possibilities".