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McMaster University

DNA Decoded

Are you a living creature? Then, congratulations! You’ve got DNA. But how much do you really know about the microscopic molecules that make you unique? Why is DNA called the “blueprint of life”? What is a “DNA fingerprint”? How do scientists clone DNA? What can DNA teach you about your family history? Are Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) safe? Is it possible to revive dinosaurs by cloning their DNA? DNA Decoded answers these questions and more. If you’re curious about DNA, join Felicia Vulcu and Caitlin Mullarkey, two biochemists from McMaster University, as they explore the structure of DNA, how scientists cracked the genetic code, and what our DNA can tell us about ourselves. Along the way, you’ll learn about the practical techniques that scientists use to analyze our genetic risks, to manipulate DNA, and to develop new treatments for a range of different diseases. Then, step into our virtual lab to perform your own forensic DNA analysis of samples from a crime scene and solve a murder.

Status: Laboratory Techniques
Status: Molecular Biology
IntermediateCourse23 hours

Featured reviews

SZ

5.0Reviewed Jan 25, 2023

Dr. Felicia and Dr. Caitlin are really amazing scientists! Their efforts for this course were truly appreciated. I love their energy, and the knowledge they tried to put up was wonderful.

EP

5.0Reviewed May 29, 2019

I have taken several courses on coursera but I never forget this one. This is the only course my six years old boy enjoy the videos more than me. Thanks for a very educative and interactive videos.

AW

5.0Reviewed Aug 3, 2020

Best course ever! The hosts are so supportive and can really encourage participants to learn more about DNA. This course shows that genetics isn't really that hard when you have great teachers!

BJ

5.0Reviewed Feb 9, 2021

Great course! Instructors are very knowledgeable and entertaining! Clips are short enough to maintain interest. I would definitely take another course from these instructors!

SA

5.0Reviewed Dec 19, 2022

I have gained lot of information form this course. And the instructors and the method of their teaching is really awesome. I would like to say thank you to the instructors and thank you to coursera.

SS

4.0Reviewed Oct 28, 2020

I very much enjoyed this course, it has reinstated in me a love for science that I thought was gone. I feel like I have learned a lot from this and want to continue to learn more in the future.

NJ

5.0Reviewed Dec 14, 2020

Great course for an insight into DNA and various research associated with it. Amazing course Instructors who do not fail to keep you excited and energetic till the end of the course.

ZG

5.0Reviewed May 25, 2021

I have learnt a lot from this amiable course. The educators were so jolly and amusing. They smoothly gave the ride of the course that one almost will forget the track of time. Thanks teachers ❤️

NM

5.0Reviewed Dec 20, 2023

It's an amazing course, easy, fun and I learned a lot from it all thanks to the Best instructors ever! Thank you Felecia and Caitlin, I wish to see you in more courses.

GT

5.0Reviewed Sep 14, 2020

STUDY BUT FUN!! Make me now more curious about DNA and the amazing information that i can get about my ancestors by testing and analyzing my DNA. I never get bored since the week 1 till the end week!

SV

5.0Reviewed Nov 5, 2021

I am glad that I took up this course. It sure does give me insights on genetics and more importantly it has influenced me so much to take up a career in the field of genetics.

RS

5.0Reviewed May 17, 2024

Exceptionally taught! no-skip learning right here. From the beginning to the end, the walk through from the fundamentals to the complex principles was smooth. Highly Recommended!

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 376

Ellis Kobina Paintsil
5.0
Reviewed May 29, 2019
Abhishek Nath Jha
5.0
Reviewed Jan 17, 2020
Damon Todd Roman
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5.0
Reviewed May 15, 2020
Dhriti Seth
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Reviewed Jul 9, 2019
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Reviewed Sep 15, 2020
Swapna Aedhu
5.0
Reviewed Dec 20, 2022
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5.0
Reviewed Dec 26, 2023
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5.0
Reviewed Jan 25, 2021
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5.0
Reviewed Jan 24, 2021
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Reviewed Jan 30, 2021
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5.0
Reviewed Aug 5, 2020
Farbod -
5.0
Reviewed Jun 8, 2018
Anurup Mohanty (RA1811009010061)
5.0
Reviewed Jan 15, 2019
Mariano Sáez Félix
4.0
Reviewed May 2, 2020
Maripaz Calderon
4.0
Reviewed Feb 10, 2018
Anam Javaid
4.0
Reviewed Sep 6, 2018
Steve Potlock
5.0
Reviewed Feb 17, 2021
Peter Galante
5.0
Reviewed Jan 21, 2025