The Genetics and Genomics Academy is offering four 1-credit hour courses for undergraduate students. These courses are aimed at non-life science students and students with no prior experience in genetics and genomics. All courses are offered under the BSC 295 (GGA 295) course code.
BSC 295 (GGA 295): BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOENGINEERED FOODS
Wednesdays 10:40 am – 11:30 am
Wednesdays 10:40 am – 11:30 am
Sustainable agriculture. Genetically modified organisms. Social justice. Organic food. Biotechnology. You’ve heard these buzzwords, but what do they mean? Does sustainable mean organic? What does biotechnology have to do with social justice? Should I eat GMOs? Should I avoid them? This course will explore how biotechnology can be used to engineer foods, and how food biotechnology can be used to work toward sustainability and social justice. We will have to not only learn some science, but also grapple with the definitions of terms that are used to mean different things by different people. Together, we will practice dissecting scientific claims, discussing sometimes controversial topics, and thinking about how we approach wicked problems.
BSC 295 (GGA 295): TAMING SELFISH DNA
TUESDAYS 3:00 PM – 3:50 PM
In this course we will discuss what selfish DNA is and how we can take advantage of it to combat world problems. We will visit a lab conducting research in the area and discuss why despite years of promising research, technologies that take advantage of selfish DNA have never been released into the wild. We will discuss the ethical concerns, risks and benefits of using selfish DNA, and develop skills to learn more about the topic. No prior experience in biology or any specific topic is required.
BSC 295 (GGA 295): THE GENETICS AND GENOMICS OF BREWING
Mondays 12:30 pm – 1:40 pm
Mondays 12:30 pm – 1:40 pm
Learn how genetic and genomic tools and methodologies contribute to our understanding of plant and yeast species and varieties/strains that are essential to the beer brewing process.
BSC 295 (GGA 295): MY PET’S DNA
Wednesdays 3:00 pm – 3:50 pm
Have you ever wondered what makes your furry friend so unique, from their distinctive coat color to their quirky behaviors? This course delves into the fascinating world of pet genomics, offering you a chance to unlock the genetic mysteries of your beloved companion.