GCD4143

Human Genetics – the science of how our genomes function, vary, and shape our unique, individual characteristics – is a rapidly expanding field with major implications for medical and fundamental research, clinical practice, and many other areas. In this course, students will learn about the principles of human genetics & genomics at the levels of molecules, cells, individuals, and populations. Topics include patterns of inheritance; the molecular causes and biochemical basis of genetic disorders; disease gene identification; the origin and distribution of human genetic variation; genetic influences on common, complex diseases; epigenetics and regulation of gene expression; genomic technologies for understanding human genomes; cancer genetics; behavioral genetics; human ancestry and evolution; applications such as genetic screening, genetic counseling, and gene therapy; and ethical questions raised by emerging abilities to edit the human genome, modify the human germline, and many more.

prereq: Biol 4003 or instructor consent

001874