Human genetics, the formal study of hereditary human diseases, has been an area of interest to scientists for approximately 300 years. By applying Mendel's laws of inheritance to human disorders, human geneticists were able to record the existence of approximately 1,500 individual genes associated with distinct Mendelian traits by the 1960s. In this course we will examine how classical genetics and molecular biology have been applied to understanding inherited human disorders. The course is centered on consideration and interpretation of observations and experiments. Critical to this is the ability to formulate ideas and express these ideas clearly and succinctly.
Scientific discourse requires both written and oral expression.
This class will help develop both abilities. Every class meeting will have discussion. You are expected to participate in all discussions. The foundation material for the course will be established in the first eight meetings during which approximately two-thirds of the time will be lecture, the balance, discussion of the lecture material. There will be an exam covering the material presented during the first eight meetings.