Beginning with Gregor Mendel's experiments with inherited traits in peas, the instructor explains what is known about genes chemically and structurally, their molecular function in relation to health and disease, how they replicate, how their expression is regulated, and how they act together to form simple and complex organisms. She will discuss and compare the genetic systems of sexually reproducing eukaryotic organisms and the bacteria and viruses used in biotechnology. The instructor will elucidate the genetics underlying exciting advances in biotechnology, including functional genomics, DNA forensics, transgenic organisms, bioinformatics, human gene therapy, and methodologies in biotechnology. This course prepares students for specialized genetics courses in molecular, developmental, bacterial, or population genetics. Information is presented through instructor lectures, student presentations, class discussions, and written assignments.
Enrollment is limited.
One year of college-level biology. A course in college-level chemistry is also recommended. Currently, she consults in technology assessment and market research for the biopharmaceutical industry and leads biotechnology workshops at the Career Action Center in Cupertino.