Genetics Dave Wolcyzk Class Time: 12:55 - 2:10
STUDENTS: David Darren Stephanie Boris Rushawn Tanisha Ryan		Ivy Charli Dominique Thomas Danisha Luther Rommel Esmeralda
Course Description: This class will introduce classical and modern topics in genetics and provide the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the recombinant DNA methods revolutionizing biology and medicine. We will examine the chemistry of DNA and how the genetic material is organized in the cell, replicated, and expressed. We will investigate Mendelian inheritance and discuss the genetic consequences of mitosis, meiosis, recombination and sexual reproduction. We will examine the genetic basis of human traits and diseases and explore how genes interact with each other and with the environment to produce an organism's characteristics. We will also discuss selected issues in Evolutionary Genetics such as how and why gene frequencies change in populations and why genetic diseases persist. Throughout, we will work to understand the ever-increasing role genetics plays in our everyday lives and discuss some of the ethical issues raised by our increasing power to understand and manipulate our heredity.

1. What were the main objectives/goals for the class?

This class introduced students to classical and modern topics in genetics
and provided the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the
recombinant DNA methods revolutionizing biology and medicine. Throughout
the class, we worked to understand the ever-increasing role genetics
plays in our everyday lives and discuss some of the ethical issues raised
by our increasing power to understand and manipulate our heredity.

2. What are your expectations from the students?

Students in this class need to be curious and open to ideas. They can't
shy from discussing controversial topics and must respect the opinions of
others- even if they disagree with them. They need to be engaged in all
class activities and work together on numerous group projects.

3. Briefly describe the structure of the class? What tactics do
you use to teach the material? Are there any special projects or
activities?

The class is a mixture of lectures, field trips, classroom activities,
and computer and genetics labs. Since I believe people learn best by
doing, there are many opportunities for hands-on experience. We will
investigate the fusion of molecular and classical genetics by examining
the inheritance of sickle-cell anemia and by simulating genetic tests to
solve criminal cases. As participants in the University of Washington
High School Human Genome Project, we will also sequence a portion of the
human genome that contains a gene that may be involved in variation to
susceptibility to nicotine (tobacco) addiction.

4. How does this class help prepare the students for college?

Students will learn the logic of genetic analysis and be exposed to the
process and personalities behind the discoveries in this field. They
will get to try their hands at many of the same techniques used in labs
all over campus. They will also need to think critically about the
challenges and promise that biotechnology presents to future decision
makers like themselves.

5. Describe the overall participation in the classroom?

Students had a lot to say and asked tons of great questions. They kept me
on my toes! We got a little off track sometimes, but it was worth it to
get them interested in the material.