Genetic Horizons (Rising 9th-12th)
Investigate how genetic research is changing our lives. Learn how to manipulate DNA, the construct of all living organisms. Students use DNA fingerprinting to explore how it works and how it can be altered to medical and agriculture uses.
Genetics chiefly concerns itself with understanding the interactions between the various systems of a cell, including the interactions between DNA, RNA and protein biosynthesis as well as learning how these interactions are regulated.
In this course scholars will perform laboratory experiments that include: RNA/DNA chemistry, genetic engineering, genetic engineering, manipulations of bacteria, bacterial transformations, restriction analysis of DNA, protein synthesis, the "meaning" of the DNA sequence and use bioinformatics to analyze and compare DNA sequences, gene regulation, DNA and RNA viruses, AIDS, current genetic engineering techniques, cancer, and the genetics of the immune system and use PCR to compare students’ genotypes to their phonotypes.
We will devote a day to forensic science for CSI enthusiasts. Here’s your chance to become an investigator by understanding the genetic aspects of things. Through a series of labs and activities participants will experience forensics in a more realistic fashion than portrayed on TV. Most importantly, they will understand the role of genetics in solving various criminal investigations. To top it all off, the Greenwood Genetic Center Mobile Laboratory will come and visit us and allow you to step in their “Gene Machine” and create magic for a whole morning session!
*Schedule
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Monday |
Mendel’s Principles of Heredity and Extensions to Mendel’s Laws (Problems, Karyotyping), The Chromosome Theory of Inheritance, Linkage, Recombination, and the Mapping of Genes on Chromosomes, DNA Structure, replication and Recombination (Transformation), Dragon Gene Games-how to become a trainer |
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Tuesday |
The case of a dividing cell, Genome: Wide Variation and Trait (Working with Peas) Jury notes, Non-disjunction and karyotyping, DragonGene Games-how to become an apprentice |
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Wednesday |
Anatomy and Function of a Gene: Dissection through Mutation (Working with Drosophila melanogaster), Gene Expression: The Flow of Genetic (Working with Fast Plants)Digital Analysis of DNA (Gel electrophoresis), Genomes and Proteomes (Bioinformatics and Gel Electrophoresis), Karyotyping internet lessonDragon Gene Games-how to become a journeyman |
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Thursday |
The Eukaryotic Chromosome, Chromosomal Rearrangement and Change in Chromosome Number, Prokaryotic and Organismal Genetics, Punnett square and patterns of inheritance, Dragon Gene Games-how to become a genetics master |
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Friday |
Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes, Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes, Somatic Mutation and Genetics of Cancer (working with cancer cells and tumor suppressor factors), Human Syndromes |
*Schedule subject to changes and adjustments
Course Purpose, Goals, and Specific Learning Objectives/Outcomes
This course will introduce the student to the underlying principles of genetics. It is divided into transmission and molecular genetics. On completion of this course students will be expected to
- Demonstrate an understanding of transmission genetics
- Demonstrate an understanding of molecular genetics
- Demonstrate an ability to write and discuss applications of genetic concepts
- Prepare written and oral reports of data
- Solve genetics problems using appropriate mathematical techniques in conjunction with data collected in the genetics laboratory
- Meiosis notes and virtual flip book
- Meiosis video, online activities
- Sex and Syndromes study
- All about the genetics and epidemiology of the corona virus
No course specific needs
Course Leader: Diana Ivankovic, Ph.D.
