Genetics, Biotechnology, & Bioethics

The study of heredity and genes is one of the most rapidly developing fields of biology. Genetics is essential to understanding all aspects of biology, and this field has driven many of the modern advances in medicine, agriculture, and the pharmaceutical industry. This course is designed to learn about the changing field of Genetics and Biotechnology.

Students perform labs such as extracting DNA, manipulating genes in an organism to produce a result such as bacteria that glows, and determining the cause of various genetic diseases. Students are often asked to use the practices and skills of a scientist/geneticist by analyzing data and constructing explanations based on scientific evidence.

This course also explores bioethical issues such as cloning, stem cell research, DNA Profiling, genetically modified crops, genetics of behavior, and patenting genes. This challenging and rigorous course provides an additional life sciences course with a specific emphasis on the study of genetics.

This course also offers Blended Learning sections. Blended learning is an approach to learning that combines face-to-face and online learning experiences. There is a combination of student days in class and out of class. This flexible use of time allows the teacher to bring in small groups of students for targeted support and/or enrichment and it allows students to have more ownership over how, when, and where they learn. To learn more about the Blended Learning Experience from current students, click here.