Societal and Medical Issues in Human Genetics

Lecture, three hours; discussion, two hours. Sequence of entire human genome is now known. Consideration of how this knowledge impacts concepts of ourselves as individuals and of our place in biological universe, concepts of race/ethnicity and gender, ability of DNA-based forensics to identify specific individuals, ownership and commodification of genes, issues of privacy and confidentiality, issues of genetic discrimination, issues of predictive genetic testing. Discussion of human cloning for reproductive and therapeutic purposes. Exposure to medical genetics cases. Discussion of role of whole genome sequencing in clinical setting. Human Genome Project influence on medicine and on our concepts of self and identity. Letter grading.

Review Summary

Clarity
8.3 / 10
Organization
3.3 / 10
Time
5-10 hrs/week
Overall
8.3 / 10

Reviews

    Quarter Taken: Spring 2020 In-Person
    Grade: A

    Overall Rensel was a great teacher who have a great lecture.

    Quarter Taken: Spring 2023 In-Person
    Grade: A

    Dr. Rensel is really kind and approachable!

    Quarter Taken: Spring 2023 In-Person
    Grade: A

    Guest lecturers were okay but Dr Rensel was great

    Quarter Taken: Spring 2023 In-Person
    Grade: A

    Really good class! I feel like the homework and midterms were fair. Professor Rensel is also an amazing teacher!

    Quarter Taken: Spring 2023 In-Person
    Grade: A+

    This class was super interesting and not much work beyond some fairly longer readings.

Course

Instructor
Michelle A. Rensel
Previously taught
24S 23S 22S 21S 20S 19S 18S

Grading Information

  • No group projects

  • Attendance required

  • 1 midterm

  • Finals week final

  • 40% recommend the textbook

Previous Grades

Grade distributions not available.