Tales from the Genome

Online Course

Udacity

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What is the course about?
Prerequisites & Facts
Cost, Certificate & Degree
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What is the course about?

Tales from the Genome

The course Tales from the Genome is an online class provided by Udacity. The skill level of the course is Beginner. It may be possible to receive a verified certification or use the course to prepare for a degree.

This course is a journey into the biology of the human genome and will highlight the scientific, social, and personal perspectives of people living with a variety of traits.

Course description

Tales from the Genome
3 months

Introduction to Genetics for Beginners

Introduction to traits and heredity
Defining the genome
How a genome works
Gene regulation
Transmission of genes and traits
Origin of mutation/variation
How to obtain and interpret personal genetic information
Simple genetic traits
Multifactorial traits
Pharmacogenetics: genes and drugs

Trait variation and categorization.
Basic models of inheritance.
The connection via DNA.
DNA structure and chromosomes.
The genome organization.
Protein coding genes, transcription, translation.
Discerning the genetic code and alleles.
Non-coding DNA and regulatory regions of genes.
Transcription factors.
Family relationships and pedigrees.
Inheritance patterns, allele dominance.
Chromosome dynamics.
Types of mutations and various causes of mutation.
Allelic frequency, and the spread of alleles in a population.
Personalized genetics: sample acquisition, DNA extraction and processing.
Interpretation of results.
Molecular causes of monogenic traits.
Loss-of-function vs. gain-of-function alleles, and dominance.
Polygenic traits, qualitative and quantitative measures.
Twin studies, relative risk, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS).
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
Alleles affecting drug metabolism.

No previous experience in genetics is necessary. However, familiarity with basic biological concepts, like the cell, is beneficial.
See the Technology Requirements for using Udacity.

You will learn about fundamental principles of inheritance, gene expression, mutation and variation, development of simple and complex biological traits, human ancestry and evolution, and the acquisition of personal genetic information. By the end of this course, you will be able to read and understand genetic information available from personal genetics services such as 23andMe.

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Prerequisites & Facts

Tales from the Genome

Course Topic

Computer Science, Programming

University, College, Institution

Udacity

Course Skill Level

Beginner

see course summary

Course Language

English

Place of class

Online, self-paced (see curriculum for more information)

Degree

Certificate

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Degree & Cost

Tales from the Genome

To obtain a verified certificate from Udacity you have to finish this course or the latest version of it, if there is a new edition. The class may be free of charge, but there could be some cost to receive a verified certificate or to access the learning materials. The specifics of the course may have been changed, please consult the provider to get the latest quotes and news.

Udacity

Tales from the Genome

provided by Udacity

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