BIOL005 - The Genomic Revolution

The goal of this course is to convey a basic understanding of human genome science and in so doing, to learn of its impact on treatment of human disease and discernment of aspects of human identity. Our current understanding of the structure and function of genes will allow a personalized treatment for many diseases, but just how such advances are applied will involve ethical as well as scientific considerations. We will discuss how the field of genetics has been changed dramatically by the ability to clone and sequence genes, and then to be further transformed by massive sequencing of whole genomes. A major part of the course will be devoted to how these advances have led to understanding and treatment of genetic disease and cancer. We will also discuss the tremendous potential (and dangers) of gene editing advances. Finally, we will explore how genomics has allowed an understanding of deep human history, as well as the ability to decipher one's more immediate ancestry. Readings will be from a number of books written for an informed general audience rather than from a textbook. The seminar should be of interest to those who would like to fulfill their Living World General Education requirement, and particularly also to those who eventually might be interested in taking courses in the Life Sciences but initially would like an introductory seminar-type approach within a focused area.