BIOL 462

Genetics in Contemporary Human Society

This course introduces students to the principles of modern genetics, especially as they apply to human health and society. Rapid advances in scientists' knowledge of what genes are and how they work impact the daily life of people through genetically modified foods, DNA fingerprinting, therapies for human disease and a variety of reproductive technologies. This course includes the study of Mendelian inheritance, the roles of chromosomes and genes in human disease, how genes direct development, the relationship between genes, environment and behavior, and the contribution of genes to human diversity. Ethical, legal and social issues will be explored through class discussions and written reports. This course is primarily intended for non-biology majors; however, biology majors may enjoy the opportunity to explore human genetics in greater depth than is possible in BIOL 400.

Units: 3.0

Hours: 54 hours LEC