Key Information
About the content
Genetics permeates every aspect of the 21st century, from our doctors' offices to our judicial systems. By the end of this course, you’ll be well prepared to deal with both today’s genetic issues and new questions that are sure to arise in the future.
This challenging but very rewarding course focuses on the genetics issues that impact our health and well-being, while providing the same rigorous examination of genetics principles as a college genetics course.
The course is taught in two parts. Part 2 consists of 5 modules followed by a final exam. You’ll learn how genes are passed from parents to child, and what you do and don’t inherit from your ancestors. You’ll be able to analyze family relationships and to evaluate and explain to others claims about GMOs, epigenetics and other controversial issues.
Syllabus
- How our genes form new combinations as they pass from parent to child
- How to predict some genetic outcomes
- Why other genetic outcomes can’t be predicted
- How our chromosomes change, and why this matters
- How to compare GMOs with conventionally-bred plants
- How to communicate what you’ve learned to your family and community
Instructors
- Rosemary Redfield
Content Designer

Platform

Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of California, Berkeley, are just some of the schools that you have at your fingertips with EdX. Through massive open online courses (MOOCs) from the world's best universities, you can develop your knowledge in literature, math, history, food and nutrition, and more. These online classes are taught by highly-regarded experts in the field. If you take a class on computer science through Harvard, you may be taught by David J. Malan, a senior lecturer on computer science at Harvard University for the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. But there's not just one professor - you have access to the entire teaching staff, allowing you to receive feedback on assignments straight from the experts. Pursue a Verified Certificate to document your achievements and use your coursework for job and school applications, promotions, and more. EdX also works with top universities to conduct research, allowing them to learn more about learning. Using their findings, edX is able to provide students with the best and most effective courses, constantly enhancing the student experience.