About this Course

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Genomics for Law provides a unique framework to review the history and basics of genomics research as well as explore how genomics has, and will continue to, interact with the law.
Throughout this course you will explore the implications of genomics research on law, as well as law's influence and implications on genomics research, as it pertains to the following topics:

•	Genomics and Criminal Law
•	Genomics and Criminal Procedure
•	Forensic Genomics
•	Intellectual Property Protection and Biotechnology
•	Genomics and Tort Law
•	Genomics and Privacy Law
•	Legal and Ethical Issues in Genomics

This course can be taken to fulfill continuing legal education (CLE) credits for practicing lawyers. 10.25 hours have been approved in Illinois.

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 12 hours to complete

English

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Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Beginner Level

Approx. 12 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructors

Instructor rating

5/5 (20 Ratings)

Dr. Gene E. Robinson

Director, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology; Swanlund Chair; Center for Advanced Study Professor of Entomology and Neuroscience

43,682 Learners

2 Courses

Dr. Jennifer K. Robbennolt

Associate Dean for Research, Alice Curtis Campbell Professor of Law and Professor of Psychology, Co-Director, Illinois Program on Law, Behavior and Social Science

College of Law

7,017 Learners

1 Course

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Week1

Week 1

2 hours to complete

Introduction to Genomics for Law

2 hours to complete

10 videos (Total 47 min), 5 readings

Week2

Week 2

2 hours to complete

Genomics and Criminal Law

In this module, you will discuss the relationship of genomics to criminal law, how genetic evidence and genomic defenses currently operate in the criminal justice system and explore how fully allowing genetic evidence and genomic defenses might improve or harm criminal law. You will understand how criminal law might or might not recognize genomics as a defense, review types of changes needed in criminal law to accommodate genetic evidence, and examine how changes in the criminal law, to accommodate genetic evidence and defenses, could impact criminal law.

2 hours to complete

16 videos (Total 89 min), 1 reading

16 videos

Introduction to Genomics and Criminal Law5mEssential Elements: The Actus Reus, Part 15mEssential Elements: The Actus Reus, Part 24mEssential Elements: The Actus Reus, Part 34mEssential Elements: Voluntary Acts vs. Reflexive Actions4mEssential Elements: The Mens Rea4mEssential Elements: Genetic Predispositions4mEssential Elements: Summary of Genetic Evidence7mDuress and Heat of Passion Defense, Part 14mDuress and Heat of Passion Defense, Part 25mPersonal vs. Situational Factors and Criminal Defense, Part 110mPersonal vs. Situational Factors and Criminal Defense, Part 22mSpeculation on the Genomics Defense in Criminal Law, Part 16mSpeculation on the Genomics Defense in Criminal Law, Part 27mSpeculation on the Genomics Defense in Criminal Law, Part 36mSpeculation on the Genomics Defense in Criminal Law, Part 44m

1 reading

Genomics and Criminal Law Suggested Readings10m

Week3

Week 3

2 hours to complete

Genomics and Criminal Procedure

In this module, you will explore how private individuals' genomes are in a criminal law context, how DNA is examined and processed in criminal investigations, and examine under what circumstances individuals' genomes are protected from access by the government in a criminal law context. You will also recognize under which circumstances the government has an interest in individuals' genomes in a criminal law context and review the basics of the CODIS STRs (Combined DNA Indexing System).

2 hours to complete

20 videos (Total 89 min), 1 reading

20 videos

Introduction to Genomics and Criminal Procedure2mIntroduction to CODIS STR1mIntroduction to DNA Structure5mIntroduction to Short Tandem Repeats (STR)3mSTRs and Case Reports4mSTR Variation and CODIS Profiles4mExploring Fourth Amendment “Search” and “Seizure”, Part 14mExploring Fourth Amendment “Search” and “Seizure”, Part 23mExploring Fourth Amendment “Search” and “Seizure”, Part 37mExploring Fourth Amendment “Search” and “Seizure”, Part 44mReasonable Expectations of Privacy, Part 16mReasonable Expectations of Privacy, Part 24mReasonable Expectations of Privacy, Part 37mSpeculating on Abandonment and Reasonable Expectations of Privacy1mWhen are DNA Searches Permissible?6mMaryland v. King, Part 14mMaryland v. King, Part 26mMaryland v. King, Part 33mMaryland v. King, Part 44mMaryland v. King, Part 53m

1 reading

Genomics and Criminal Procedure Suggested Readings10m

Week4

Week 4

2 hours to complete

Forensic Genomics

In this module, you will learn about how genomics is used to estimate ancestry and predict physical appearance or traits in criminal investigations, and review the current evidentiary standards for utilizing genetic evidence. You will also examine the scientific viability of using genomics to estimate phenotypic traits, understand the accuracy of genetic estimates for ancestry and phenotypic traits, review the current evidentiary standards under Frye and Daubert, and identify the best methods to utilize genomics evidence under current legal evidentiary standards.

2 hours to complete

19 videos (Total 86 min), 1 reading

19 videos

Introduction to Daubert and Frye3mFrye vs. Daubert, Part 14mFrye vs. Daubert, Part 24mFrye vs. Daubert, Part 38mIntroduction to Forensic Genomics1mDNA in Investigations4mDNA in Investigative Leads6mPredicting Externally Visible Characteristics, Part 14mPredicting Externally Visible Characteristics, Part 25mPredicting Externally Visible Characteristics, Part 32mAncestry Estimations, Part 15mAncestry Estimations, Part 22mAncestry Estimations, Part 33mIntroduction to Race and Ancestry3mAncestry and Physical Appearance5mAncestry and Investigations2mEthical and Legal Considerations5mEthical and Legal Considerations, Part 25mEthical and Legal Considerations, Part 34m

1 reading

Forensic Genomics Suggested Readings10m

Week5

Week 5

2 hours to complete

Intellectual Property

2 hours to complete

16 videos (Total 84 min), 1 reading

16 videos

Origins of Patent Law3mTrade Secret Alternative1mUtility Patents5mIntroduction to CRISPR Technology9mThe Novelty Requirement4mThe Usefulness Requirement6mPlant Patents7mPatenting Practicalities5mThe "Art" of Claims Drafting4mBlocking Patents4mFirst Sales Doctrine3mLiteral Infringement4mDoctrine of Equivalency7mInfringement Defenses3mInfringement Remedies9mConclusion2m

1 reading

CRISPR Technology Suggested Readings10m

Week6

Week 6

1 hour to complete

Genomics and Tort Law

1 hour to complete

7 videos (Total 30 min), 1 reading

Week7

Week 7

1 hour to complete

Genomics and Privacy Law

1 hour to complete

9 videos (Total 35 min)

Week8

Week 8

1 hour to complete

Legal and Ethical Issues in Genomics

In this module, you will consider some of the legal and ethical questions that have arisen in genomics research and the legal requirements of informed consent. You will also review major court decisions involving genomics research, treatment, and informed consent, examine the legal evolution and current requirements of informed consent, and explore the legal and ethical quandaries in genomics and its research.

1 hour to complete

9 videos (Total 74 min)

9 videos

Introduction to the Legal and Ethical Issues in Genomics7mLegal and Ethical Issues in Genomics: Moore v. Regents of the University of California4mLegal and Ethical Issues in Genomics: Informed Consent, Part 17mLegal and Ethical Issues in Genomics: Informed Consent, Part 26mLegal and Ethical Issues in Genomics: Informed Consent and Human Subject Research, Part 38mLegal and Ethical Issues in Genomics: Jesse Gelsinger Case, Part 112mLegal and Ethical Issues in Genomics: Jesse Gelsinger Case, Part 213mLegal and Ethical Issues in Genomics: Privacy Concerns8mLegal and Ethical Issues in Genomics: Emerging Issues5m

1 hour to complete

Final Assessment

1 hour to complete

1 reading

15 minutes to complete

How Was the Course?

15 minutes to complete

Reviews

4.8

29 reviews

5 stars
85.15%
4 stars
13.28%
3 stars
0.78%
2 stars
0.78%

TOP REVIEWS FROM GENOMICS FOR LAW

by UEApr 3, 2020

The course content was richer than my expectation. I am really impressed and grateful.

by NPDec 5, 2021

An excellent course. It will further open the minds of those in the law sector. Would recommend it strongly.

by ACOct 19, 2019

For a field of biotechnology, helpful in many ways.

by CSMar 11, 2020

In depth case discussions made it easy to understand the practical application of the legal principles to real life legal issues experienced by legal practitioners worldwide.

View all reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
Who do I contact for questions about CLE credit for this course?
For questions about CLE credit, please contact Carolyn Turner at carolynt@illinois.edu

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

Genomics for Law

Genomics for Law

About this Course