Genetics, Genomics, Genethics

How will our growing knowledge of the genome affect our health, our societies, and the natural world? How do heredity and environment interact? This course explores a scientific frontier: how scientists are investigating and applying the information contained in genetic codes. It covers the science, technology and ethics of molecular biology, including a review of how genes are transmitted and expressed. Students are introduced to a structure for thinking ethically that will frame their exploration of the issues that arise as our knowledge of our genome increases. Specific topics studied include: the "nature and nurture" debate regarding the influence of genes and environment on human development; genetically modified food; the Human Genome Project; and cloning. The course utilizes a diverse array of Museum instructional resources in a structured distance-learning environment. This course is offered in partnership with the American Museum of Natural History.