498/498 H - Biotechnology and Personal Genetics ACP/H

 Gr 12 | 6 Class Credits | 1 Lab Credit | Year-Long | 6x per Cycle

PREREQUISITE: Students must have completed one year of biology.  This course is offered at ACP or Honors level.  Students will solidify their level at the beginning of the course.  This course is limited to seniors.

This course requires solid reasoning skills used to problem solve and critically analyze problems and data. It encompasses a detailed examination of biotechnology topics including microbiology, recombinant DNA technology, immunology, and synthetic biology. Laboratory work includes microscopy, microbiological plating and sterile techniques, transformation, DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and studies in synthetic biology. Students will be introduced to the recent advances in genetics, genetic testing and personal genome sequencing, and will be presented with some of the decisions and ethical challenges an individual may face regarding the use of this technology. We will also learn about some of the likely benefits of personal genetics, such as gaining the ability to act on one’s genetic risks, tailoring medicines and interventions, and becoming more active and engaged healthcare consumers. A sampling of topics to be covered: genes and athleticism, personalized medicine, eugenics and history, DNA and crime/law enforcement.

 This course is offered at the combined ACP/Honors level. Students will be placed in the Honors section for scheduling purposes only. Students will be able to designate which level they would like to be assessed at in the fall once they learn about course expectations. 

Essential Skills in the Biology and Personal Genetics ACP/H Classroom

SKILL 1: Modeling and Visual Representation 

Students will be able to interpret or construct an effective model in familiar and/or unfamiliar contexts using relevant content.  

SKILL 2: Concept Description and Explanation

Students will be able to construct an explanation for a scientific phenomenon using relevant content in familiar and/or unfamiliar contexts.  

SKILL 3: Scientific Methods and Argumentation 

Students will be able to successfully follow all steps of the scientific method and communicate arguments that establish claims and use sufficient evidence and reasoning to support those claims.  

SKILL 4: Data Gathering, Interpretation and Analysis

Students will be able to gather, graphically illustrate, analyze, and interpret data using relevant content in familiar and/or unfamiliar contexts.